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Should I Get Bangs? Take the 1-Minute Quiz
Whether bangs work for you depends more on your hairline, your hair and how much upkeep you want than on your face shape. Take this quick bangs test: answer six questions to find out, and see what type of bangs to try first.
Reviewed by Hair Fairy Editorial · Updated
0 of 6 answered. Your result appears here when you finish.
What type of bangs should I get?
| Bangs | Work well when | Trims |
|---|---|---|
| Curtain bangs | You have a cowlick, want little styling or want an easy grow-out | Every 6 to 8 weeks |
| Wispy bangs | Your hair is fine to medium and you want a soft, light look | Every 4 to 6 weeks |
| Blunt bangs | Your hair is straight with no cowlick and you don’t mind styling them daily | Every 3 to 4 weeks |
| Side-swept bangs | You want bangs you can pin back or grow into layers | Every 6 to 8 weeks |
| Curly bangs | Your hair is curly or coily and you wear it natural | Every 6 to 8 weeks, cut dry |
Before you cut
- Check for a cowlick. Comb wet hair straight forward and let it dry. If a section lifts or splits, tell your stylist before they cut.
- Go easy on heat. Bangs get styled every day, so blow-dry them on low or medium heat, as dermatologists advise for limiting heat damage.
- Ask for them longer than you think. Bangs spring up as they dry, especially wavy and curly ones. You can always take more off at a second trim.
- Plan the grow-out. Know how you'd wear them in two or three months if you change your mind. The hair growth calculator shows how long it takes.
For the full decision, read how to choose bangs for your haircut or browse bangs and face-framing styles.
Common questions
How do I know if bangs will suit me?
Look at your hairline, your hair texture and how much upkeep you want. A strong cowlick, a no-styling routine or rare trims make some bangs harder to live with. Face shape changes how long and wide your stylist cuts them more than whether you can have them at all. Seeing them on a photo of yourself is the quickest check.
Do bangs suit a round face?
They can. Longer curtain bangs or wispy bangs that open in the middle are the easiest place to start, and your stylist can adjust the width and length to your features. Face shape is one input, not a rule.
Should I get curtain bangs?
For most people, curtain bangs are the easiest first fringe. They part in the middle and sweep to the sides, work with many cowlicks, need little styling and grow out into face-framing layers. If you want a bolder look and can get a trim every few weeks, wispy or blunt bangs are the next step.
Can I get bangs if I have a cowlick?
Often, yes. Curtain or side-swept bangs that follow the direction your hair already grows work best. Ask for them a little longer than you think, so the extra weight helps them lie flat, and expect to blow-dry them in the morning.
How often do bangs need trimming?
Blunt bangs usually need a trim every three to four weeks to stay out of your eyes. Softer styles like curtain or side-swept bangs can go six to eight weeks. Many salons offer free or cheap bang trims between haircuts.
How long does it take to grow out bangs?
Hair grows about half an inch a month, so bangs that sit at your eyebrows usually take around three to six months to reach your cheekbones and blend into face-framing layers. Sweeping them to the side or pinning them back helps in between.