How To Style and Maintain a Blunt Fringe Haircut

As far as hairstyles go, there’s nothing quite as timeless as a blunt fringe haircut. Neat, straight-cut bangs lend any look a chic and classic feel, and unlike many other types of bangs, work well across all hair types and textures. Plus, the sharply-cut style perfectly frames the face, allowing you to draw attention to your favorite features.

However, knowing how to style blunt bangs is imperative for an effortlessly pulled-together look. Here, we’ll show you how to do just that and share our top tips for choosing the right length for your face shape and hair texture.

What Are Blunt Bangs?

Blunt-cut bangs, sometimes called straight-across bangs, are a type of fringe in which the ends are all one length. There’s no layering or feathering at the ends or sides—instead, the hair is cut in a straight line along the forehead, typically just above or at the brow bone. Because of the straight-cut ends, blunt bangs are a popular style for those with naturally straight hair. However, this sharp, intentional blunt fringe haircut can work well for those with wavy and textured hair, too.

Blunt bangs vs. curtain bangs

While blunt bangs and curtain bangs are both fringe haircuts, that’s their only real similarity—the two styles are very different. Blunt-cut bangs, as we’ve explained, lie straight across the forehead and fall right around the brow. They’re meant to be neat and sharp—and, as a result, often require a bit of upkeep to maintain.

Curtain bangs, meanwhile, are a long and heavily layered type of fringe. They’re usually a bit shorter in the center than they are on the sides and are often worn with a middle part for a lived-in, face-framing effect. While blunt bangs are intentionally polished, curtain bangs have a softer, more bohemian vibe. They’re also, in most cases, lower-maintenance than classic straight-across fringe.

What Are The Benefits of Blunt Bangs?

If you’re considering getting a fringe haircut, blunt-cut bangs might be a great option to consider. Here are a few benefits of the sleek, polished style:

• Can make your hair look thicker: The straight-across ends of blunt bangs can make fine hair appear fuller, thicker, and denser.
• Easy to style: Compared to layered cuts, blunt bangs are usually pretty easy to style. Depending on your hair type and texture, you may not need to style them at all—they often air-dry beautifully.
• Works with all hair lengths: Haircuts with blunt-cut bangs are surprisingly versatile. You can wear your straight-across fringe with long, loose waves for a retro, ‘70s-inspired look, or pair blunt bangs with a bob haircut for a chic, high-fashion feel.
• Creates a clean, structured finish: The neat, precise nature of blunt bangs lends any hairstyle a structured, intentional feel that feels modern and fresh.

Who Do Blunt Bangs Look Good On?

A blunt fringe haircut can be flattering on nearly anybody, though the specific characteristics of the cut may vary depending on your face shape and hair type. Keep reading for advice on how to make the sleek style work for your features.

Round face shape

The sharp, clean edges of blunt-cut bangs can help add structure and dimension to rounded features. For a flattering look, consider pairing straight-across, brow-grazing fringe with a chin-length bob or slightly longer lob.

Square face shape

Those with square faces are often advised to embrace more fluid haircuts to soften angular features, but blunt fringe can work, too. The key is to pair your blunt bangs with softer layers around the face to create shape and effortless movement.

Heart-shaped face

Heart-shaped faces tend to be widest at the cheeks, with a narrower, often pointed chin. Structured blunt bangs complement these features well. If you have thicker hair, you can ask your stylist to use thinning shears to remove unwanted bulk for a wispier effect. This technique can help prevent the blunt fringe from overpowering your delicate features.

Oval or rectangular face shape

Those with longer face shapes (such as rectangular or oval) will typically want to opt for a longer fringe to help create harmony and balance their features. We recommend asking your stylist to cut your bangs so they hit just above your eyebrows. Pair your blunt bangs with long hair—think armpit-length or longer—for an ultra-flattering finish.

How To Style a Blunt Bang Haircut

There are plenty of ways to wear a blunt bang hairstyle, and in many cases, coaxing your fringe into shape doesn’t require much effort. Here are four simple—and ultra-flattering—ways to rock straight-across fringe.

1. Sleek and straight

Straight blunt bangs paired with sleek, glossy strands make for a chic and timeless look. If your hair naturally has a bit of texture to it, achieving this polished look will require a bit of prep.

Start in the shower with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Iron Sleek Smoothing Shampoo and the coordinating L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Iron Sleek Smoothing Conditioner, which are designed specifically to help smooth the hair. When you get out of the shower, gently squeeze your hair with a microfiber towel to remove excess moisture, then mist your mane (blunt bangs included) with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Iron Sleek Coat. This unique treatment coats the hair fibers, helping your strands resist humidity for a sleek, frizz-free style that lasts up to five washes. To activate it, you’ll need to blow-dry your hair under tension. We suggest using a paddle brush, rather than a round brush, and blow-drying your hair completely straight to achieve the sleek, glossy style you’re after. If your hair still isn’t falling as flat as you’d like, you can go over any errant waves or curls with a flat iron (just wait until your strands are completely dry first).

2. Soft waves

If you prefer heat-free styling, consider embracing your natural texture with wavy blunt-cut bangs. On wash day, lather up with a shine-enhancing system, such as the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic + Gloss Shine-Boosting Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic + Gloss Shine-Boosting Conditioner, a gentle, drugstore duo suitable for all hair types and textures. Then, let your hair dry naturally or mist your mane with a texturizing spray before it dries for added body and movement. If you’re prone to frizz—or you simply want to amp up the shine—spritz your hair with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic + Gloss High Shine Leave-In Serum before heading out the door. The glycolic acid-infused formula laminates the cuticle, leaving the hair up to 14 times smoother and intensely glossy.

3. Curly and bouncy

Blunt bangs can complement curls beautifully—and curly fringe is easier to style than you might assume. First, wash and condition your curls with a system designed for your hair type, texture, and concerns (here’s a look at some of our top picks for curls). Then, plop your hair to remove excess moisture, and work a frizz-fighting heat protectant, such as the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum Leave-In, throughout your mane from root to tip. When you’re ready to style, snap the diffuser attachment onto your blow-dryer and dry your mane on medium heat, directing the airflow upward, to keep your curls springy and bouncy.

4. Textured and messy

If you want to embrace an edgier style, try this take on the classic blunt bang. Style your lengths as usual, then work a dime-sized amount of the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Overworked Hair Putty throughout your (dry) bangs. The workable hair pomade creates messy, piecey texture and definition with a clean, matte finish. Pair your textured blunt fringe with an equally tousled short shag haircut for a seriously cool twist on the classic bob.

How To Care for a Blunt Fringe Haircut

While styling blunt bangs doesn’t require too much elbow grease, the same can’t be said for maintaining them. This sleek, sharp style requires a good deal of upkeep (including regular trims to maintain your bangs’ length). Here are a few tips to help keep your fringe looking fresh.

1. Get monthly trims

A blunt fringe haircut isn’t one you can let go for a few months between trims. Since this cut is sharp and precise, you’ll want to schedule regular haircuts at the salon to ensure your blunt bangs stay, well, blunt. There is no universal guide to how often you should cut your hair—it depends on your hair texture and how quickly your hair grows—but we recommend scheduling time for a bang trim roughly once every three to four weeks to keep the cut looking sharp. If you’re ready to try a new style, your stylist can gradually transition you to curtain bangs, which blend easily with layers and grow out seamlessly.

2. Reassess your skincare routine

Blunt bangs lie directly on your forehead, an area prone to shine. If your skin is especially oily, that oil can transfer to your bangs, making your fringe appear limp or greasy. Certain skincare products, such as heavy moisturizers or facial oils, can amplify this effect. To help keep your bangs looking clean, limit the use of heavy skincare products on your forehead and carry blotting sheets in your bag to soak up excess oil throughout the day.

3. Be wary of buildup

Product buildup can also make your bangs look limp and greasy. If you use a lot of leave-in styling aids or are prone to oiliness, consider switching out your go-to products for a system designed for oily scalps. The L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Pure Purifying Shampoo and coordinating L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Pure Rehydrating Conditioner get our vote—the salicylic acid-infused duo gently cleanses hair and removes buildup, leaving strands feeling hydrated for up to 72 hours. If you need an extra deep clean, pre-treat your scalp with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Pure Oil Erasing Serum for Oily Hair, which is formulated to minimize excess oils and remove up to 100% of residue for pure, fresh-feeling strands.

Next Up: 8 Chic Hairstyles for Hair Parted in the Middle

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris