Some styling decisions tend to be thoughtfully planned and researched, like deciding to get a keratin treatment or choosing the best way to conceal grays. Others are more commonly spur-of-the-moment decisions, like getting bangs. Many of us have been there, feeling a sudden calling toward fringe and not taking the time to actually question, “Should I get bangs?” (Breakup bangs are a thing, after all.)
Spontaneous style changes can undoubtedly feel cathartic and rewarding, but sometimes, it pays off to plan. Taking the time to consider your options and decide whether you really want to commit to bangs can help you avoid haircut regret. You might realize bangs aren’t actually for you (or maybe discover that you were meant to rock fringe all along). Either way, you can feel more confident in your decision and aware of what you’re committing to.
If you’re currently thinking about bangs, we can help with that decision process. Ahead, we’ve put together a guide to determining whether bangs are for you. Keep reading for everything to consider before transforming your look.
What Should You Consider Before Getting Bangs?
There are a number of factors to consider that can help you answer “Should I get bangs?”—and it isn’t solely about how they’ll look on you. You should also think about your hair type, texture, current haircut, lifestyle, and how much upkeep you’re willing to commit to.
Good hair day by @petermazilu
Hair type
Your hair type is one of the most significant factors when deciding on bangs. If you have straight hair, bangs will likely fall neatly and require less effort to style. However, if you have wavy or curly hair, you’ll need to consider how much maintenance you’re willing to commit to. Curly bangs, for instance, can look stunning, but they often need specialized styling techniques to keep them looking intentional rather than messy.
Hair texture
Hair texture plays a crucial role in how bangs look and behave. The thickness of each individual hair strand—whether fine, medium, or thick—can influence how bangs fall and the effort required to maintain them. For example, with thicker hair, your bangs may feel heavier and require thinning. Fine hair bangs, on the other hand, tend to fall naturally and help create the illusion of volume.
Natural frizz and cowlicks can also impact styling. Frizzy hair may require extra effort to smooth and tame, and cowlicks can make certain bang styles more challenging to manage.
Haircut
The type of haircut you have (or plan to have soon) should complement your bangs. Blunt bangs pair beautifully with sleek bobs or long, straight hair, while curtain bangs often work well with layered or shaggy cuts. Ask your stylist about other cuts and which types of bangs they do or don’t suit.
Lifestyle
Think about how much time you can realistically devote to styling your bangs each day. If your mornings are a blur, high-maintenance bangs might not be your best bet. On the other hand, if you enjoy experimenting with hairstyles and have a flexible routine, bangs could be a fun way to refresh your look. Active lifestyles can also complicate bang upkeep since sweat often leads to oily or unruly bangs.
Upkeep
We’ve touched on maintenance already, but upkeep is an important consideration, deserving of its own moment.
Bangs require regular trims to keep them looking fresh, typically once every three to four weeks. They also need daily styling to maintain their shape and prevent them from looking limp or uneven. Additionally, bangs tend to get oily faster than the rest of your hair, so you might find yourself washing or dry-shampooing them more often. If you’re not ready for this level of commitment, you might want to explore lower-maintenance hairstyles instead.
Editor’s tip: If you do decide bangs are for you, there’s another step before you hit the salon: picking the right style of bang. When that time comes, these same considerations can help you determine the best type of bangs for you.
Good hair day by @nehajiandani
Do Bangs Make You Look Older or Younger?
Whether bangs will make you look more youthful or mature is a common question when considering a fringe. The truth is that bangs can make you look both older and younger, depending on the style you choose. Wispy or curtain bangs tend to soften features and create a youthful-looking, playful vibe. In contrast, blunt bangs can have a sophisticated, dramatic effect that might feel more mature. Bangs in general can also be great for concealing forehead wrinkles, which may give you a younger look. Ultimately, the impact of bangs on your perceived age comes down to how they’re styled and how well they complement your overall appearance.
Good hair day by @thatgirljacqq
Are Bangs in Style for 2025?
There’s one more thing to keep in mind about bangs: their trendiness. If you like to switch up your hairstyle based on what’s in vogue, we’re here to tell you that bangs are definitely in style for 2025—in a big way. Curtain bangs continue to be one of the biggest hair trends, and it’s easy to see why. They frame the face beautifully and blend seamlessly with layered haircuts. Blunt bangs, meanwhile, are making a bold comeback, particularly when paired with sleek, straight styles. Korean air bangs, which are known for their light and wispy appearance, are also gaining popularity. Whatever your preference, there’s no shortage of trendy bang inspiration.
Good hair day by @geoffreyhairr
How Can You Test if Bangs Suit You?
You can do tons of research about getting bangs and consider all the factors, but the most convincing thing is to actually get visual confirmation that you can pull them off. If you find yourself questioning, “How would I look with bangs?”, the good news is you don’t actually have to break out the scissors to get your answer. There are two easy options—no snipping involved.
- Virtual hairstyle apps: There are a number of convenient apps that allow you to upload a photo of yourself and experiment with different hairstyles, including bangs. This is a quick and commitment-free way to see how various bang styles might look with your face shape and features. (If you’re also contemplating a new hair color, check out some of our favorite hair color try-on apps while you’re at it.)
- Clip-in bangs: Clip-in bangs are a fantastic way to test the waters without making a permanent change. These temporary extensions can be styled and blended with your natural hair, giving you a realistic preview of how bangs would look and feel on you.
Good hair day by @luxelab
What Are the Downsides of Bangs?
While bangs can elevate your look, they’re not without their challenges. One of the biggest downsides is the maintenance they require. Between frequent trims, daily styling, and dealing with oily strands, bangs can be high maintenance. Growing them out can also be a frustrating process if you decide they’re not for you. Additionally, bangs aren’t always practical for active lifestyles, as they can become sweaty or messy during workouts. For some people, these drawbacks might outweigh the benefits, but many find that the style and versatility of bangs are well worth the effort.
Good hair day by @gabifbaettig
Can you make bangs more low maintenance?
If upkeep is your greatest concern about bangs, there are a few tips you can keep in mind to make them more manageable.
- Use dry shampoo: Bangs can get oily quickly, so keeping dry shampoo on hand is smart for midday refreshes. We love Redken’s Deep Clean Dry Shampoo, which even comes in a travel-friendly 3.1 oz size.
- Opt for a style that grows out gracefully: Curtain bangs or wispy bangs tend to blend well with the rest of your hair as they grow, reducing the need for frequent trims.
- Train your bangs: Blow-drying your bangs with a round brush immediately after washing can help them stay in place and reduce daily styling efforts. Just make sure to apply a heat protectant, like Kérastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique Heat Protecting Cream, which protects against temperatures up to 450°F.
- Sleep with a silk pillowcase: This helps prevent frizz and bedhead, making your bangs easier to style in the morning.
- Keep styling tools handy: A mini flat iron or styling brush can be a lifesaver for quick touch-ups on the go.
Good hair day by @ayandathabethe_
The Bottom Line on Bangs
Getting bangs can be a transformative experience, but it’s essential to consider your hair type, lifestyle, and preferences before making the cut. When it comes to the question, “Should I get bangs?”, it’s all about what you want and will make you feel best. If you’re willing to commit to the upkeep and love the idea of switching up your look, they could be the perfect choice for you. And with so many stylish and trendy options to choose from, now is a great time to explore bangs.
Next Up: How to Style Bangs in 5 Easy Steps
If we have you sold on getting bangs, use our salon locator to find a stylist near you. For haircare advice after you take the plunge, try our Hair Quiz.
Header photo credits (left to right): @geoffreyhairr and @luxelab
