Glam Slam: The Big Bang Theory

Gwen Stefani recently showed off her new ‘do… she added cute bangs to her signature platinum locks. After years of long layers, Heidi Klum is sporting a shorter style with bangs. Thinking about going for the fringe yourself?

Warren-Tricomi Los Angeles hairstylist Corey Powell (www.warrentricomi.com), whose celeb clients include Kim Basinger and Hilary Swank, says “Whether you’re bored, want to feel sexy or in need of a few youthful snips, getting banged is always a good option and right now it’s the hot trend du jour.”

How do you know which style will work best for you? “If your face shape is broad, get narrower bangs; go wider if shape is more oval,” suggests Corey. “Texture and thickness should also be considered when considering the bang, often added to camouflage a variety of facial sins. Consider what facial features you want maximized when creating a fringe.”

Here is Corey’s guide to what works best for each face shape:

OVAL FACE SHAPE:
Celeb: Gwen Stefani
This is the ideal face shape because you can wear most any style. Heidi Klum’s bangs are deep, but not too wide; Jessica Alba has a strong side swept above-the-brow fringe, which is a good eye-opener. Gwen Stefani is way cute in her oval shaped fringe, leaving the option of side sweeping. YOUTHFUL.

OBLONG FACE SHAPE:
Celeb: Sarah Jessica Parker
A long, heavy bang, which falls over the corner of the eyes, shortens the forehead. Or a soft layered fringe, which helps break up the face length. Rihanna is looking red hot in her long asymmetrical tuff of a side swept bang.

TRIANGULAR FACE SHAPE:
Celeb: Victoria Beckham
To minimize wide cheeks and angular jaw, a full fringe is a good choice.

SQUARE FACE SHAPE:
Celeb: Demi Moore
Go with a side, oval shape bang with the center being shorter. Fringe should blend into the sides. For a stronger look, go asymmetrical and angular.

HEART SHAPED FACE:
Celeb: Reese Witherspoon
A wispy, shattered and uneven fringe conceals a wide forehead and balances a prominent chin. Christina Ricci looks chic with her ever so elegant angled fringe.

ROUND FACE SHAPE:
Celeb: Drew Barrymore
A side swept bang brushed over one cheek is the most flattering.

SECRET TIPS:
Cautionary Cutting: Naturally curly, wavy and/or very thick hair. Best to be cut in small sections, piece by piece.
Solution for unruly fringe; Keratin Smoothing Therapy or a Brazilian blow-dry just to the bangs.
To blow bangs straight, use a small to medium size brush, blow side to side then under. Not letting the hair cool in the brush will avoid a bumper bang.