Thinking about curly bangs? You’re not alone. Bangs might just be the most dramatic decision you can make with your hair, and yes, your friends will have opinions. If you don’t know where to start, here’s the scoop. First, find a bang style that suits your face shape, learn the difference in cutting techniques (curly bangs play by their own rules!) and arm yourself with the right styling products to keep those bangs bouncy and beautiful. Because let’s face it, committing to bangs is like starring in your own hair-centric soap opera—might as well make it a hit.

Curly bangs have become a powerhouse trend in recent years, and it’s about time. After years of straightening, pinning back and trying to “manage” our collective curls, we’re finally in a moment—a sort of cultural shift, if you will—of celebrating natural texture in all its glory. From A-listers rocking full-fringe curls on the red carpet to social media influencers and everyday people alike showing off their curly-bang transformations, one thing is crystal clear—curly bangs are here to stay. So, let’s dive into how to make them work for you. 

Just like any haircut, bangs look best when they’re tailored to your unique face shape. Whether you want to soften features, add balance or simply highlight your best angles, choosing the right bang style can make all the difference.

If you have an oval face, consider yourself lucky because you can pull off just about any look. Try piecey, feathered bangs that are effortlessly cool or a shorter shaggy look for some edge. Those with round faces might opt for longer, tapered bangs that add an elongating effect. Square faces tend to shine with side-swept bangs that soften angular features, while heart-shaped faces look great with airy, light bangs that draw attention to the eyes and help balance a wider forehead.

If you’re not sure about your face shape, fret not. Try standing in front of a mirror and tracing your reflection with lipstick or a washable marker—it’s a fun (and slightly messy) way to find your match.

When it comes to styling curly bangs, you’ve got options. Lots of options. Here’s a few we love:

Baby Shag: Short, wild and slightly rebellious, the baby shag is all about framing your face with shorter curls that blend right into the rest of your hair. Think playful, think edgy.

Modern Mullet: Yes, the mullet is back, but it’s far cooler than before. The modern mullet pairs shorter curls at the top with longer curls cascading down for a look that’s equal parts rockstar and runway.

Face-Framing Layers: If you’re craving bangs without the big commitment, face-framing layers are your best friend. They’re subtle, flattering and effortlessly chic.

Piecey Bangs: These give your curls room to breathe, with softly separated strands that create a relaxed, boho vibe. Piecey bangs are a top pick for anyone wanting a low-maintenance style with major personality.

Ready to DIY your curly bangs? Great, but let’s get a few things straight because cutting curly bangs is a little different than tackling straight ones (your hair is curly, after all). Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:

1. Dry, Dry, Dry: Cut your curls when they’re completely dry so you know exactly how they’ll fall. Wet curls can shrink up and surprise you—usually with more bang than you bargained for.

2. Twist & Trim:Gather a small section of your bangs, twist them and give them a light snip. Trimming in small sections lets you control the length without going too short.

3. Snip Sparingly: Less is more when cutting curls. Start with a conservative trim, and remember, you can always take more off but you can’t add it back.

For first-timers, it’s totally worth visiting a stylist with curly hair experience. They’ll know how to shape your curls into the bang style you’re after, leaving you with bangs that look fabulous.

Curly bangs can be a total showstopper, but they need a little love to stay in prime form. Here are some tips to keep them looking fresh:

Trim Regularly: To keep your bangs looking sharp, plan to trim every 4-6 weeks.

Wash Often: It may go against everything you’ve learned in the past about not washing your hair too often, but with curly bangs, you should wash them a bit more (bangs only) depending on the products you’re using when styling. Just make sure you’re using a quality curly shampoo and conditioner.

Moisturize: Curls love hydration. Use leave-in conditioners or curl creams regularly to keep your bangs soft and frizz-free.

Style When Wet: Like we said before, curly bangs need washing more often, and applying your styling products when wet is a good rule of thumb.

Refresh: When your bangs need a pick-me-up, spritz them with water or a curl refresher spray, scrunch and you’re good to go.

Styling curly bangs is all about working with what you got—aka your natural texture. For the best results with minimal effort, here’s how to get the most bounce for your buck:

Diffuse for Definition: Dry your bangs with a diffuser for soft, shapely curls that hold their bounce.

Curl-Specific Products: Look for lightweight products like curl creams or mousses to keep your bangs defined without weighing them down.

Hands-Off: Resist the urge to touch your bangs once styled (we know it’s tempting!). This trick keeps frizz under control and lets your curls last all day.

Looking for some real-life inspo? Check out celebrities and influencers like Zendaya, Alanna Arrington and Natasha Lyonne, who have all rocked curly bangs in ways that are totally unique to their style.

Zendaya prefers the soft, layered look for a more romantic, natural vibe. Alanna Arrington, on the other hand, prefers bold, full curls that frame her face with confidence and attitude. Natasha Lyonne goes for a funky, retro-inspired shag look that pairs perfectly with her cool-girl persona. The list goes on and on, but the most important thing is looking to others for inspiration, and then choosing the style that feels right for you.

Now that you know how to rock curly bangs, it’s time to give them some TLC. Davines has a line of curl-friendly products designed to keep your bangs hydrated, defined and totally fabulous. 

Explore our curly hair collection to find products like our curl-enhancing serum for bouncy, defined curls, LOVE CURL Cream for a little lightweight (curl) assistance and, my personal favorite, LOVE CURL Mask for intense moisture.

With the right cut, style and products, your curly bangs are sure to be a head-turner. And if ever you’re in need of some expert help, we know just the place. 

by Morgan Hansen, featured contributor