Face-Framing Bangs: How to Style Them

Renee Trilivas, Allure magazine

With apologies to Mia Farrow's pixie, Dorothy Hamill's wedge, and Jennifer Aniston's "Rachel," Kate Middleton's glossy brown waves may be the most-obsessed-over hair in human history. The Duchess recently debuted some bouncy layers and-gasp-face-framing bangs, and I predict that millions of women around the world will follow suit (I realize I'm going out on a limb here). But as much as I'm digging her fringe, Middleton reportedly said she wasn't sure about the cut after a few gusts of wind disheveled the style. In the name of public (royal?) service, may I offer up these pointers on how to pull manage your bangs.


See more: The 6 Most Flattering Haircuts for Round Faces

Consider your face-shape.
These long bangs look particularly flattering on oval or round faces. Skip this style if you have a square or heart-shaped face since it can make your face look wider than it really is.

Use products sparingly. Overloading on heavy serums and creams can leave bangs stringy and flat, so stick to a single, lightweight product. Try John Frieda Frizz-Ease Sheer Solution Lightweight Frizz Control to smoothe hair without weighing it down.

See more: Top 21 Drugstore Beauty Bargains

Add volume. Hairstylist Garren recommends using a fine-tooth comb to pull bangs away from your face while blowdrying, creating volume at the root. To finish, run a flat iron over the ends to keep them polished and frizz-free.

See more: The 10 Commandments of Mascara

Play up your eyes. Since these bangs draw attention to the eyes, try this look with a bold swipe of colored liner or a classic smoky eye.

See more from Allure:
The 12 Best Eye Creams
10 Hairstyles That Make You Look 10 Years Younger
Best of Beauty 2012
The 10 Most Gorgeous Hair-Color Ideas for Brunettes