Getting a major haircut always feels like a risk. For many, even cutting off a few inches is an enormous feat. But to go the extra mile and add bangs, well, that's a serious, commendable change. Only the truly stylish make the leap to rock forehead fringe—and that could be you.
If you're afraid to make the cut—or you're worried bangs are not for your face shape—we've got you covered. Read on for all the reasons why you (or a licensed cosmetologist, really) should pick up the scissors and just do it. Because guess what? Having bangs is the best thing ever. And if you need more hair inspiration, check out these 40 Shocking Celeb Hair Transformations.
1 | Bangs will transform your face.
ShutterstockYour face will look totally different once you get bangs. And, as Nicole Catanese of Harper's Bazaar points out, that's something to look forward to—as long as you choose a style that suits your face shape.
If you have a longer face, choose a soft style or a long side-swept bang, Catanese suggests. And if you have a rounder face, opt for a straight-edged bang or a heavy fringe with longer side pieces that graze your cheekbones. That can create the illusion of contour, without having to apply any makeup. Sounds like a win!
2 | Bangs add volume.
ShutterstockIf you struggle with flat and lifeless hair, bangs will add volume and movement to your hairstyle. Just a few snips of the scissors will turn your dull 'do into one that you adore. Seriously, they'll make you want to perfect your signature hair flip.
3 | Bangs change your overall look.
ShutterstockWant a new haircut to usher in a new phase of your life? Bangs will do the trick. As Catanese points out, bangs dramatically change your appearance without breaking the bank or forcing you to change anything else about your daily life.
4 | Bangs make you look younger.
ShutterstockThat's right—bangs can actually take years off your appearance, according to Shannon Farrell of StyleCaster. As long as your bangs don't venture too far into Punky Brewster territory, they can minimize the appearance of wrinkles and soften your look.
5 | Bangs can hide your problem skin.
ShutterstockSome people might complain that their bangs are the cause of their skin problems. But on the flip side, bangs can also disguise them. Got a pimple on your forehead? Bangs will cover it. Over-pluck your eyebrows? Bangs will hide that, too.
Just make sure you take care of the skin on your forehead as you normally would. That means semi-regular exfoliation and a salicylic acid treatment if you've got acne-prone skin.
6 | Bangs make you appear more polished.
ShutterstockEven if you wouldn't describe yourself as a polished professional, your bangs can make you seem like one. "The outward assumption about fringe owners is that they're as tidy, organized, and serious as their styled and shiny bangs," writes Melissa Kenny of Elle Australia. Just make sure you actually keep up with them. Poorly styled bangs are the opposite of polished.
7 | Bangs give your hair more versatility.
ShutterstockAt the end of the day, whether you go with a blunt, fringe, or side-swept bang, your hair will never be boring again. You can make your bangs look piece-y and effortlessly chic, give them a bohemian braided look, or style them sleekly for a polished aesthetic. And if you're not feeling them at all one day, just pin them back. The choices are endless.
Even if you're not in the mood to style your hair, just play around with your bangs and leave the rest untouched. Your bangs will do the heavy lifting, giving you a signature look without all the work. And for more hair-raising history, check out The Most Popular Hairstyle the Year You Were Born.
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