Bushy Bangs Are Back in Style—but With a Modern Twist

If you're contemplating the age-old question, 'Should I get bangs?' keep reading. While nothing against short choppy ones, or long, wispy fringe, thick, bushy bangs are the way to go in 2025. Just ask Zendaya, who recently debuted the look.
But, as with so many current beauty trends, bushy bangs aren't new—they're just having a resurgence. Even Zendaya herself sported them over 10 years ago. According to hairstylist David Connor, it's proof of yet another '90s and 2000s trend being modernized in fresh ways.
Plus, these full, textured bangs are also a nod to the 1970s, and perfectly capture today's love for undone, relaxed hair, adds hairstylist Christine Bellemare. Point being, if you're thinking about making the cut, big, bushy bangs are it. Here's what you need to know before heading to the salon.

Who Do Bushy Bangs Work Best For?
This type of thick fringe is flattering on a wide array of different face shapes. "Oval faces can pull them off effortlessly, while heart-shaped faces benefit from the way they balance a wider forehead. For square and angular faces, fuller bangs offset strong jawlines, while for long faces, they create the illusion of a more proportioned shape," explains celebrity hairstylist Jennifer Korab. The key lays in tailoring the length and exactly how they're cut to your specific face shape (more on that point in a moment).

That being said, bushy bangs are best suited for those with naturally medium to thick hair, as you need that density in order to create the fullness, says Bellemare. They can work well for wavy or curly textures, as well as straight hair, so long as it isn't super fine, notes Korab.

What to Ask Your Stylist For
"To achieve Zendaya-inspired bushy bangs, ask your stylist for full, textured bangs that seamlessly blend into your haircut so that they don't appear too blunt or heavy," advises Korab. Request soft layers or point-cutting to add movement and prevent them from feeling too dense, and opt for an eyebrow-grazing length for versatility; this will allow you to wear them fully forward or slightly parted, she points out. If you have a long or narrow face, you can ask your stylist to add width by lengthening the bang's perimeter line; if your face is rounder, he or she can round the bangs near the cheekbones for a more elongated effect, adds Connor.

How to Style Bushy Bangs
A word to the wise: Most bangs aren't a wash-and-go situation and you'll typically have to spend some time and effort styling them, notes Bellemare. "All bangs require some level of commitment, and bushy bangs even more so due to the amount of hair involved in creating their full, voluminous look," adds Connor.

Whereas their curtain or wispy counterparts can more seamlessly grow out and blend into longer lengths, bushy bangs are much more delineated. Still, they can be worn different ways—polished and sleek or relaxed and effortless—making them a very versatile option for those willing to maintain them, he points out.

Either way, start by blow-drying with a medium round brush to create lift and a soft curve, ensuring they don't lay flat, says Korab. Begin by drying them side-to-side to control cowlicks, then finish with a gentle forward roll for a natural look, she says. For a polished touch, lightly run a flat iron or curling wand through them to add a slight bend.

Want to go for a more relaxed vibe? Applying a lightweight mousse or curl cream and air-drying works well for wavy or curly textures, she says.