What I wish I had known before cutting bangs

There are few urges as powerful, and as poorly timed, as the sudden need to change your hair. Sometimes it’s heartbreak, sometimes it’s boredom, sometimes it’s a fleeting obsession with a trending cut, like the slicked bob that’s everywhere this spring. And sometimes, it’s just that your current hairstyle feels like an emotional burden you can no longer carry.

For me, it was time. I’ve been through the works—pixie cuts, waist-length waves, even a few regrettable experiments with purple and green (orange was an accident, we don’t talk about her). But one thing I hadn’t revisited in years? Bangs.

What you should know before cutting a fringe

So why had I never tried bangs? The main culprit: my natural curls. They aren’t exactly bang-friendly. They’re tricky to cut, high-maintenance to style, and generally prone to chaos. And what kind of fringe even works with curls? There are trends, of course. Curtain bangs are especially popular in 2025, breezy and face-framing. But when you’re getting them for the first time, it has to be about what suits you, not just what’s on the moodboard.

Which is exactly why we made our way to Wiesbaden to meet Alexander von Trentini. He’s the man behind the hair of global celebrities, including Leni Klum, and styles clients at Coachella. His golden rule? No cutting bangs on a whim. Get proper advice, find the right shape for your face and hair texture, and most importantly, don’t underestimate the styling commitment.

#1 Pick a style that suits your face shape

According to the expert, the first step is understanding your face shape and choosing a fringe that balances it out. “It’s important that bangs complement your features,” says von Trentini. “For example, if you have a round face, the bangs should angle outwards to create the illusion of a heart shape. Beth Ditto is a great example, her fringe frames her face beautifully. If your face is long and narrow, go for something softer, like curtain bangs or longer fringes that skim the sides of your face to add width.”

This year, wispy bangs are especially popular. They’re feather-light, fall gently across the forehead, and suit a range of face shapes. They offer a soft-focus effect that looks just as good with your hair down as it does tied up.

#2 Consider your hair texture

Your face shape matters when you’re cutting bangs, but your natural hair texture plays just as big a role, especially with bangs. “It’s something you should always discuss with your hairdresser beforehand,” says von Trentini. “Ask if the fringe you want is realistic for your hair type. Do you have enough density in the front to pull it off? Or could the hair actually be too thick, making it bulky and hard to style? Sometimes the temples are too sparse, or there are gaps that expose the scalp. In that case, a full fringe might not be the best option.”

#3 Curls and bangs can work, but there’s a method to the madness

Bangs and curls aren’t the easiest pairing, but they can work beautifully with the right approach. “The first decision is whether you want to keep the fringe curly or style it straight,” explains von Trentini. “If you’re keeping it curly, the key is to avoid pulling the hair down with tension while cutting. That’ll only cause the fringe to bounce up and sit far too short. Instead, gently pinch the curls and check how much they spring back before making any cuts.”