Bangs are hot.  If you don't believe me, just check out the hair of the people who know fashion the best: teens, musicians, models and those cute people at the clubs who you envy -- or want to get with.  They are wearing bangs and they look terrific.  Bangs are so popular that the sarcastic blog Stuff White People Like even had to have an entry about it.   However you look at it, though, there's no denying a good look, and the last few years has seen an explosion of bangs.  If you're considering jumping on the bang-wagon, now's your chance because with the help of some people who have some seriously great bangs, we're gonna show you how it's done!

Note from our friends across the pond: bangs are also called fringe hair!

Charlene Marie
by
Nicholson Studios
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Charlene Marie is a sexy executive assistant at Indiana University who is pursuing a Bachelors degree in apparel merchandising, with a minor in kinesiology. Not surprisingly, she models part time and blogs about fashion. On her blog, aptly named Fitness Fashionista, she says: "...to me fashion is all opinion, and I have one, so I am sharing it." Yes M'am! In her blog she also shares her knowledge of fitness, nutrition and related topics. Like many chicktellectuals, she encourages shopping locally, but occasionally finds herself buying coconut oil at Wal-Mart. Don't get on her case about it, though, because the girl can bench press 135! Seriously.

In her photo, she shows that you do not need to have straight hair to look good in bangs. Although her eyes are hidden behind sunglasses, you are drawn into them by the framing of the hair, which, in this look, provides a rough edge, which softens her angular face. Also, a lot of attention is brought to her lips in this look, especially with the glasses and her head tilted forward, even without extreme lipstick. A shirt that complements her natural skin tones minimizes the need for excessive makeup, making this an easy look for daily wear. With all that attention on the lips, this look is easily sexy enough for a hot date, but casual enough for just hanging out -- a very unusual and well-done combo.

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Keri Ann Shaw
by
Nooma Photography
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 Keri Ann Shaw is a bank teller with an infinitely positive attitude. She's currently working to pay off some debts, but plans to go back to school to be a child psychologist. In her photos, she shows us two great bangs looks: one with her everyday bangs and one with an excellent pink wig. Of course, we've already mentioned recently that wigs are a fun way to experiment with hairstyles that are either impossible or you just don't want everyday, even if you've already got great hair, but I couldn't help repeating myself. Can you blame me? Just look at that fabulous pink and matching lipstick! With the dark eyes and hair draping over them, Keri looks like she's got a bit of an attitude, but with the bright pink and contrasting taxi-cab yellow you can tell she's daring and a lot of fun.

But I can hear you and my editor complaining that you didn't read this article to find out about insane pink wigs, no matter how cool they are, so let's talk about the other picture which shows Keri's natural hair. It's almost a bob. I say almost because a normal bob is usually fluffy and cute but Keri's hair is flatter and close to her head. It's almost matted, which gives it more attitude. I'm not saying it ain't cute -- cause it is -- but if you want a bob you probably want to mousse it up for more body, whereas this look calls for straightening. Like Charlene, Keri's look is both sexy and casual, though it shows a bit more attitude, as straight hair tends to, and this look is much more likely to intimidate. Maybe good for handling those jerks at the office?

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MJ Law
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 If you really want to know what's hot, you gotta check out what the teens are doing. I'm not talking about any teens, though; I'm talking about the ones that other teens look up to. As much as the fashion industry tries to be in control of what's in and what's out, if these folks don't dig it, it'll be dead on the design room floor and no amount of advertising will sell it.

We spoke with MJ Law, an up-and-coming teen starlet who models, acts and has her own band, about her bangs. Although MJ was inspired by another teenage trendsetter, Taylor Momsen, of Gossip Girl fame, who has similar, long bangs (here's a great photo of Taylor), MJ's look is edgier and probably better for everyday wear. Despite the source of inspiration, MJ's look is that of a rock and roll girl and not that of an over-privileged upper-east side girl whose education costs $32,850 a year (MJ is home schooled).

In her photo, MJ accompanies the bangs with a soft lipstick color and intense eye makeup, which draws a lot of attention up towards the eyes. The long bangs lend a mysterious curtain over her eyes. This is not the flat shelf that a lot of other rockers and hipsters have these days, and it looks more like icicles or tassels hanging down.

She said she, "...was prompted to get bangs by watching what was popular at the time and honestly going the complete opposite direction." So while others are getting bangs, her bangs are very unique. MJ is smart to complement the look with just a simple white v-neck and balance the extreme hair and eye makeup out with some uncomplicated jewelry. The simple white, black and silver keeps it rocking, keeps the attention on her face, and looks beautiful.

If you're looking to do this look, MJ says her mom is her stylist, but it's easy to reproduce: "When I go out, I usually either just straighten it or scrunch it for more of a wilder style."  Simple as that!

Bangs!

Thanks to Charlene, Keri, MJ, and Nooma Photography for their help with this article.

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