Bangs are a time-honored fashion among the great beauties of ancient and modern civilizations. But are they for you?
The use of bangs has long been a fashion tradition throughout history. Legendary images of the Egyptian Cleopatra, for example, suggest longer hair topped by forehead-covering bangs. Nowadays many styles continue to use and experiment with different types of bangs. Here are a few possibilities:
2. Side bangs. Pulling the top layers of hair to one side, perhaps securing that side or both behind the ears, can suggest a feminine impression that makes more prominent the woman's facial features. You can add a hair ribbon, head band, or other adornment to further accent this style. Puff it a bit to add height or allow it to drape over the side of the forehead for a somewhat exotic look.
3. Straight bangs. Often worn with longer, straight hair that reaches to the chin or below, uncurled bangs decorate the forehead and coordinate with the rest of the hair by providing a cascading or multi-layer effect. These strands can fall to the mid-forehead or to the eyebrow and perhaps a shade below that, but if they touch the lashes, they've gone a bit too far for daytime wear. At night, though, anything goes, as long as your vision is not impeded.
4. Parted bangs. If you're trying to grow out your bangs or not quite sure how long to let them get, you can part them in the middle and pull half to each side. This will cover part of the forehead while permitting the middle section to appear. These can be curled, fluffed, or left straight, depending on how the rest of the hair is worn.
5. Go wild. If you're fun-loving, imaginative, or a little bit crazy, experiment with your bangs for different looks. Use hair gel to make them stand straight up. Slick them back to blend in with the top or sides of your hair. Use a temporary hair color to turn them pink overnight. Or try a processing perm for wavy bangs that do their own thing apart from the rest of your hair. Short, long, thick, thin, partial or full, bangs can be just about anything you want them to be.
Like a horse's fetlock, a hairstyle's bangs provide an individual appearance to the person who wears them. Stand before a mirror and experiment with yours to see what looks best with your face and features.
