bangs

Bangs, also known as fringe in British English, are lengths of hair cut to hang over the forehead. They can vary in length from very short micro bangs to longer styles that start at the crown, and they are typically cut to frame or alter facial proportions.

Historically, bangs have served both practical and stylistic purposes. They can help manage cowlicks, cover hairline irregularities, or create a new silhouette without changing the overall hairstyle. In Western fashion, bangs have recurred in various forms since the early 20th century, often accompanying bob cuts and later layered styles.

Common styles include:

- Blunt bangs, cut straight across for a sharp line.

- Side-swept bangs, longer on one side to blend with the rest of the hair.

- Curtain bangs, parted in the middle and framing the face.

- Micro bangs, very short above the lashes.

- Wispy bangs, light and airy with soft edges.

- Choppy bangs, with textured, uneven lengths.

- Baby bangs, very short above the eyebrows.

Maintenance and care involve regular trims every few weeks to preserve length and shape. Heat styling can damage hair, so many people prefer air-drying or low-heat tools. Humidity and hair texture influence how bangs behave, and styling products may be used to control flyaways.

Bangs can influence perceived face shape and expression, offering a youthful, dramatic, or retro look depending on the cut. They remain a popular option in salons as a reversible, low-commitment way to alter appearance.