“U Bangs” Are a Universally Flattering Fringe

New season, new bangs? If you’re feeling the itch, try “U Bangs,” already worn and loved by Jennifer Lawrence, Mia Goth, and Jenna Ortega.

This cut is summed up in its name. U bangs are a softly-curved take on curtain bangs with each side resembling an inverted “U” shape. When it comes to the actual cut, the bangs are shorter in the mid-section (think, middle of forehead area) and get gradually longer toward the temples in a way that arcs away from the face. This shape, says celebrity hairstylist and Shark ambassador Chris Appleton, is part of the cut’s magic. “People are realizing that they can lift the appearance of their face with the right cut and styling,” he tells me. “The u-shape, like a more subtle take on Farrah Fawcett’s look, definitely lifts the cheekbones.”

The secret—to really any good haircut—Appleton continues, is to never hide your cheeks and cheekbones. “Covering your cheekbones removes the contours of the face,” he advises. “Instead, cut your layers and bangs to highlight and expose your face shape. I like to cut bangs just above or at the cheekbone so that when they are styled, they expose it. And U bangs are the universal bang of bangs.”

U bangs inspiration

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