Growing out bangs can be a long process, depending on how fast your hair grows. If you’ve gone for a fringe and regret it, try to be patient. Try cute hair accessories to distract during the in-between stage.

What Else Should I Keep in Mind?

Hair Texture

Hair texture and type play a big role in finding your ideal style, Pollack says. Understanding what your hair does naturally—and what you’re willing to do to maintain a desired look—is of the utmost importance.

• Fine: Generally, fine hair should have the least amount of layering, so keep things blunt and short. “My favorite would be a blunt bob with limited texture and layers to maintain strength in your length,” Pollack says.
• Medium: A variety of lengths are possible here, Pollack says. Adding layers or texture can help with movement and minimal weight removal.
• Thick: With thick hair, you can get away with tons of layering, as long layers help with weight removal, debulk density, and help with day-to-day styling.

Lifestyle

Styling and maintenance should be top of mind, especially if you are doing something against your natural texture, Papanikolas says.

• How frequently you’ll go to the salon: Pollack recommends getting your haircut every three or four months. If you’re the client who sees their stylist every six months (or more), she wouldn’t recommend getting a high-maintenance look like a pixie or blunt fringe; both experts note shorter cuts tend to be more high-maintenance and require more love than a long layered haircut. Papanikolas says longer hair and a feathered fringe tend to be more forgiving and can be stretched out.
• What you’re willing to do at home: Are you ready to blow-dry and flat iron your hair if you’re going for a sleek look? Can the cut work with your natural texture on days you don’t feel like styling it? Both experts recommend staying mindful of what you’re willing to invest—in terms of both time and product.

Is There a Universally Flattering Style?

If you’re a little overwhelmed by everything we’ve outlined above, a) remember, there are no rules, and b) there are a few haircuts that come as close to universally flattering as possible.

• Pollock tells us bobs are easily adjustable, from adding bangs to accommodating based on texture and length.
• Papanikolas says a shoulder-length cut with soft layers works on most people and face shapes. “It’s one of those cuts that you can’t really go wrong with,” he says.
• Or, try out a long, layered haircut, which Pollack says is a great way to spice up your hair if you aren’t “ready to do a big chop.” Plus, added angles in the front, which can vary in length, easily works for every individual face shape.