How to Style Bangs for Different Textures, According to the Pros

There’s nothing more transformative than a power fringe—but knowing how to style bangs is just as important as finding the right cut. “People are afraid of the commitment of bangs, but it really is just 10 minutes every morning,” insists Mark Townsend, the pro behind Dakota Johnson’s eternally obsessed-over fringe. “As long as you style your bangs, you’re set.” While, yes, Brigitte Bardot–esque wisps or a curtain of voluminous corkscrews are technically more maintenance, pros are unanimous in their belief that it’s a minimal amount of effort for maximum payoff.

“Bangs can truly transform a haircut and allow you to reveal a new side of yourself,” says Mara Roszak, who gave Anne Hathaway a Françoise Hardy–inspired, side-swept fringe earlier this year. “What can feel like a quick and simple change is most often a major shift in the overall style. They can frame the face beautifully, highlighting the eyes and cheekbones.” For Vernon François—who recently supplied Amandla Stenberg with an ultra-blunt curtain of fringe—a set of bangs yields endless stylistic possibilities. “They are extremely versatile, from bold, statement-making, and dramatic to upgrading your overall hairstyle without overpowering it, gentle, and romantic,” he explains.

But there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to styling bangs in general. It actually depends on a lot of different factors. “Depending on your bang length, texture, and your choice to wear them curly or straight, styling can vary,” says celebrity hairstylist Lacy Redway.

“While I always encourage people to style their hair as they please, I do recommend consulting with your stylist to help determine what cut and style is best for your hair type and lifestyle, as certain styles require more maintenance than others,” adds celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons.

So with that in mind, consider this your definitive how-to guide for every type of bang. Here, hairstylists weigh in on how to style the best bangs for your hair cut and texture and give their best tricks and tips, from drying techniques to the right products for artfully zhuzhed fringe.