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16 different types of bangs you're gonna see everywhere in 2025

And exactly what to ask your stylist for if you want to copy the look

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bangs
@peterluxhair | @jennifer_yepez

I don't know about you, but I can’t make it through my IG feed these days without convincing myself I need to get bangs (also known as a fringe). Whether it's curtain bangs, straight-across fringe, or *gasp* a side bang, there are so many types of bangs on the come-up right now that it's kinda hard to decide which ones are actually worth trying.

Since there's definitely no one-size-fits-all when it comes to bangs, I went ahead and put together the ultimate guide to the best bangs styles and bangs haircuts to watch in 2025. Plus, you know, a few crucial tips and tricks for styling your new bangs – 'cause, spoiler alert, it's not always as easy as it looks.

Hacked fringe

rihanna hacked fringe
Cindy Ord//Getty Images

Our bad gal, Rihanna, recently stepped out with a fringe reminiscent of our childhood... aka, a hacked, DIY-looking bang.

But she isn't the only celebrity to have rocked such a look in 2024. Simone Ashley debuted a similar hairstyle at the Fashion Awards in December, as did Katy Perry on Instagram in the same month. So, as the old adage saying goes: Three is not a crowd, but a trend!

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!

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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 bang 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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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 a crunchy mega-hold.

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.

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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.

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.

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Eye-skimming bangs

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 (texturising spray is your best friend here).

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).

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Blunt bangs

Unlike the blunt bangs from your primary school days, this brow-grazing type is edgy and sleek –perfect for anyone with stick-straight hair or an affinity for straighteners.

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.

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Baby bangs

No bang look is as classic and classy as these short, choppy ones, which were a favourite of Audrey Hepburn (and Laura Harrier, pictured here). FYI: They might require frequent trims, so have your hairstylist on speed dial.

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.

Headshot of Beth Gillette

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. 

Headshot of Ruby Buddemeyer

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

Headshot of Lia Mappoura
Lia Mappoura
Beauty Writer

Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).

In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn

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