Going for the chop can be cathartic – even more so when you try something entirely new. Below, we’ve tapped three trusted hair professionals on the ultimate bangs to cut in 2024 – with some slightly surprising outcomes
When considering a new haircut, salon-goers often forget to consider the importance of considered face framing layers. After all, the perfect set of bangs can transform your face entirely. “Cutting bangs is the perfect way to feel refreshed for the season as it changes the whole focus and focal point of your haircut,” says Jack Lawrence, the artistic director at Björn Axén. “It will open up your facial features such as your eye and cheek lines and means you can have a big change without losing your length.”
It is a sentiment shared with top Scandinavian hair stylists Cim Mahony and Robert Preston as well. Cutting a fringe is a great way to change features quickly and can often provide a huge change in a look, while still maintaining a longer style overall,” adds Mahony. “Sometimes it can also work as a great test for someone who is considering a pixie or shorter style as it will be an indicator of how it will frame the face.”
For Preston, bangs are the best way to get the most bang out of your buck (pun intended). From long heavy bangs that obscure the eyes and give a mysterious glow to the person wearing them, to short micro bangs that exude strength and confidence, he believes bangs are a fantastic way to elevate any hairstyle. “The wonderful thing about bangs is that they are separate from the rest of the hair and can be varied to frame or enhance your facial features in many different ways, without necessarily having to do much with the rest of your hair.”
A mid-forehead blunt cut from Bottega Veneta's spring/summer '24 runway.
At Chanel spring/summer '24, the bangs were playful and curly.
Dolce & Gabbana embraced to micro fringe for spring/summer '24.
That said, cutting bangs can feel like a dramatic step. So how do you know which style of fringe was made for your face? “First and foremost, it's important to know that there are many different types of bangs that work for different face shapes,” says Preston. “It's important to research what you like, perhaps put together a mood board or just save a few pictures on your phone that you feel symbolise you, your style, and your personality.”
Your relationship with your hairdresser also becomes crucial here to figure out what kind of bangs will suit you and your style best. “Often, it's good to start with choosing bangs that are more framing and soft but also give you an opportunity to experiment with longer ones like curtain bangs and face-framing wispy bangs,” says Preston. “Personally, I think there is too much focus on talking about face shapes when we should be looking at personal style first and foremost.”
Below, discover the five styles of bangs these celebrity hair stylists want to see more people try this spring:
Baum Und Pferdgarten spring/summer '24.
The curved 'Bardot' bangs
“One of my favourite bangs for the upcoming season are your classic Bridget Bardot curtain bangs,” says Lawrence. The trick is to always give the fringe a slight bend to add some movement to the ends. “You don't want it to sit too straight as it will feel too heavy,” says Lawrence, adding that the desired effect can be achieved with “your brush and a dryer or your curling or straightening iron.”
Mahony is also a fan of this curved cut. “A long, very curved fringe, sitting shortest at the middle, cut just above eyes and gradually getting longer, is great for versatility as it can be worn down and heavy or blow dried back in a flick or side swept for volume,” he says.
Schiaparelli spring/summer '24.
The straight 'Cher' bangs
Lawrence is a fan of the classic cut of a solid and straight fringe. These bangs, synonymous with Cher, are perfect for oblong face shape as they visually shorten the size of the forehead according to Lawrence.
As for styling straight bangs, it is important to reduce volume and movement so it sits sharply and tightly on your forehead. “This will make it more dynamic,” says Lawrence, who advises us to work with our hair dryers from directly above, aiming the airflow down to reduce unnecessary volume.
Alexander McQueen spring/summer '24.
The short 'Pixie' bangs
“I hope more people dare to face spring with shorter, more daring styles,” says Preston, urging people not to think about the “haters” when considering the ultra-short crop. “If you take the step to a baby or micro bang, blunt or choppy, undercut or layered, you will discover loads of fans.” “I am definitely seeing more requests for shorter styles,” adds Mahony. “They’re for the more adventurous and perfect for summer,” says Lawrence.
Both Mahony and Lawrence urge those interested to try a choppier “Pixie'' version of the bangs for a more modern look. “They’re perfect for square or heart shaped faces as they soften the shape with some texture,” says Lawrence.