These days, bang trends are just as prevalent as hairstyles, cuts and colors. From Birkin to curtain, wispy to peek-a-boo, the list of fringe styles is never-ending. The good news is that there are now lots of ways to sport bangs, making them ideal for almost everyone. The latest style, dubbed letterbox bangs, is one of the most intriguing. Named after the mail slot on homes and posts, it blends a simple boxed shape with feathering to create an edgy yet polished look. If you’re one of those people constantly toying with getting bangs, this effortless style should be on your moodboard. Below, two experts share what you need to know about letterbox bangs, including how to achieve the look and style them at home.
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What are letterbox bangs?
No doubt about it, bangs of any sort make a bold statement. However, letterbox bangs offer a distinct and unique look. Unlike a wispy fringe, they are cut to precision and have a more intentional feel. “These bangs create a strong presence, thanks to their straight cut and longer length,” says Tiana Boruff, colorist and owner of Hair Sanctuary Salon. Falling just below the brows, she explains that letterbox bangs have a contemporary edge while still looking appealing and polished. “Think of an Audrey Hepburn-inspired bang—slightly rebellious yet timeless and fresh,” she says. While a straight cut fringe isn’t known for framing the face, celebrity hairstylist Millie Morales notes this style is the exception. “The straight-across shape and longer edges frame your face, to add drama without going too short or blunt,” she says. In that vein, letterbox bangs have earned a reputation for being cinematic and drawing attention to the eyes.
Who do letterbox bangs work for?
The experts note that though the linear look works best on straight hair, wavier textures can still take advantage of this trend. “Subtle waves allow the cut to remain visible and defined and add a texture to the look,” says Boruff. For curlier hair types, she mentions that while the shape may differ, the style is still manageable. “On curlier textures, the look becomes softer and more diffused, which can also be beautiful,” she adds. Still, letterbox bangs are one of the more versatile styles of fringe. As Morales explains, they pair well with a range of face shapes, including oval, heart and longer frames. With a straighter edge, they add width to the top of the forehead and help balance rounder facial features. This can be especially beneficial for those with strong cheekbones or smaller chins.
How to achieve and style letterbox bangs
Clarity is essential to ensure your bangs flatter your face and meet your expectations. When headed to the salon, Boruff urges bringing reference photos and clearly stating that you want the bangs to feel sleek and modern, not feathered or choppy. The length is also key to achieving the letterbox shape. “Stick to straight-across bangs with longer corners that taper softly past the temples and brows,” says Morales. Remember, this style is about ease but has a bold look. So, it’s best to ask for a cut that merges a clean, blunt finish with a slightly feathered texture. For those with cowlicks or denser hairlines, Boruff assures that a slight bevel or undercutting technique can help the bangs sit closer to the face without puffing or separating.
Once you’ve bounced out of the salon with your new bangs, you’ll need to invest in a few items to keep them looking chic. Fortunately, they’re simple and easy to find in your local beauty aisles. “A good blowdryer is important, as you want to avoid air-drying the bangs to keep their signature shape,” says Boruff. Dry shampoo or volumizing foams are also ideal to add volume to the roots. After applying to damp hair, she recommends using a paddle, not a round brush to blowdry and smooth the hair. For a sleeker look, you can also pass through your strands with a mini flat iron. Just be sure to use a medium setting to ensure the bangs have a natural swing.
