Full bangs
Regardless of your hair texture, you can't go wrong with a classic, straight-across bangs look. I'm really obsessed with Nina Dobrev's ultra-thick bangs above, but I have pulled off a full bang with my fine hair many times, and all it takes is some thickening mousse and a good round brush to help add some volume. If you decide to try full bangs, have your stylist trim your bangs just above your eyebrows and be prepared to go back for a quick trim every few weeks.
Repeat after me, though: DIY bangs are never worth it—no matter how bored you are. Learn from my mistakes, ppl!
Blunt, parted bangs
These thick bangs look especially chic when slightly parted in the middle, as seen above on Anok Yai. Just like its name implies, this type of bangs is cut in the shape of an arch, with the shortest lengths skimming your eyebrows, and the longest layers curving around the edges of your jaw. The result? A beautifully flattering frame of your face that pairs especially well with a bob haircut too (simply the biggest fall 2024 haircut trend, FYI).
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Curtain bangs
Hairstylists have told me that everyone has been asking for curtain bangs lately—and I'm calling it the Sabrina Carpenter effect. It makes sense, though (beyond how fab her hair looks above), that the curtain bangs trend is so popular right now—the style is fairly low maintenance, easy to grow out, and requires v minimal upkeep (aka there's no need to hit up your hairstylist for frequent trims). Go for longer layers and part 'em right down the middle to recreate this look.
Wispy bangs
If you have fine hair and want some extra oomph, try getting very light, wispy bangs to give the illusion of height and volume in the rest of your hair. Take note from Reneé Rapp, above, who is constantly changing up how she wears her bangs (full and frontal, parted down the middle, curtain-like and fluffy)—and it's all thanks to this haircut.
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Shaggy bangs
If you've got a shag haircut, you may as well add some shaggy bangs to match, á la Jenna Ortega. Adding lots of layers to both your bangs and the rest of your hair allows you to get in on the choppy trend. Plus, because these bangs are already a little long, they're less committal—feel free to pull 'em back, move 'em to the side, do what ya gotta do.
Bottleneck bangs
If you're really leaning into '70s-inspired retro hair trends, this voluminous, blown-out type of bangs is for you (dare I say, Suki Waterhouse is basically the 2024 blueprint). To keep it elevated and modern, choose a light-hold hairspray to give your hair a little more movement versus crunchy mega-hold.
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Micro bangs
This tiny-bangs type stops an inch short of your eyebrows, giving you a look that's both retro and modern, all at the same time. Make yours look grunge, though, like Jodie Smith's above, with a dollop of hair gel to slick it down and add a wet look.
Subtle bangs
Looking for something a bit more subtle? Go for soft, blended curtain bangs with more volume on the sides than in the middle—that way you can easily push them away when you aren't feeling the super-feathered vibe.
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Layered bangs
If getting blunt, straight-across bangs feels a liiiiittle intimidating, opt for something thick and layered like Camila Cabello's. Part your bangs in the middle to channel the singer, or brush 'em to the side—the longer your layers are, the more styling options you'll have.
Eye-skimming bangs
Like, fine, eye-skimming bangs aren't the most practical of styles, but there's just something so effing pretty about long, fringey pieces. Prepare to play up your texture and volume with this look (texturizing spray is your best friend here).
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Braided bangs
Leave it to Yara Shahidi to make braided bangs look so damn cool. Have your stylist cut a few long, face-framing pieces on either side of your bangs for a little dimension (and a few chunky beads won't hurt, either).
Blunt bangs
Unlike the blunt bangs from your elementary school days, this brow-grazing type is edgy and sleek—perfect for anyone with stick-straight hair or an affinity for flat irons.
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Curly bangs
No matter your curl pattern, even a few shorter curls that hit below your brows can make a noticeable difference in your overall hairstyle. Natasha Lyonne's bangs are a good reference, since they have so much volume and curl definition to seriously frame her face.
Baby bangs
No bang look is as classic and classy as these short, choppy ones, which were a favorite of Audrey Hepburn (and Laura Harrier, pictured here). FYI: They might require frequent trims, so have your hairstylist on speed dial.
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Side-swept bangs
Side-swept bangs are basically gateway bangs. Before going all out with a bold, blunt-cut bang (especially if it's your first time), first test the type with this long, layered version that's super easy to grow out if you hate it.
Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with six years of experience researching, writing, and editing hair stories that range from fall hair colors to reviewing Olaplex dupes. She's an authority in all hair categories, but is an expert when it comes to bangs... considering she legit chopped her own hair during the pandemic the second she saw Matilda Djerf's curtain bangs on her feed. Since then, she's been an advocate for bangs of all shapes and sizes.
Ruby Buddemeyer was the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan for nearly three years, and has five years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and celebrity news across print and digital, including hair growth oils and hair toners.

Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.

Ruby was the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covered beauty across print and digital. Her work has appeared on The Zoe Report, Fashionista, and StyleCaster. Follow her on Instagram.
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