Bangs are the section of hair that's cut shorter and hangs down over your forehead. Some people call them fringe, especially in Britain. When you get bangs, a hairstylist cuts the front portion of your hair so it falls forward across your brow instead of being swept back or to the side with the rest of your hair.

Bangs come in many styles: straight across, swept to one side, wispy and light, or thick and dramatic. Some people love having bangs because they frame the face and can completely change how someone looks. Others find them annoying because they can get in your eyes or require more maintenance than longer hair.

The decision to get bangs can feel like a big one, since unlike most haircuts, bangs dramatically change how your face appears. They grow back fairly quickly if you don't like them, but there's usually an awkward in-between stage while you're growing them out.