We know that haircuts aren’t one-size-fits-all, but there are certain styles that suit certain head shapes better than others. For example, people with a rectangular or oblong face may benefit from a feathered fringe to add width, while round faces are great for offsetting a choppy, clumsy look.

Just as your bone structure can help you determine which hairstyles will suit you best, you can emphasize or hide certain facial features. Your locks really have the ability to flirt with light and shadow, just like how you play with contour.

Take it from celebrity hairstylist Tom Smith: As he explains in a recent TikTok video, face-framing elements that fall a little also a low one can cast a shadow on the cheeks, which actually emphasizes the flabbiness in this area. “The hair here doesn’t help lift the face at all,” he notes. On the other hand, a soft sweeping fringe opens the face in width and preserves the brightness of each area.

Of course, it all depends on your specific bone structure. Sharp bangs that fall just below the eyebrows draw attention to the eyes, and some people may not want to highlight the area around the eyes. Plus, “sometimes blunt bangs really emphasize the mid-face,” celebrity stylist Joseph Main previously told mbg, so someone who doesn’t want to draw attention to their nose might want to avoid bold bangs.

Essence? It’s all about finding the right balance for your facial features. Curtain bangs open up the face and highlight the cheekbones (just make sure they don’t hang too low), sharp bangs draw attention to the eyes, side bangs create the illusion of lift and volume around the face, and more.

The good news is that most hairdressers are well versed in the geometry of bangs, so you won’t have to work too long. Think of this guide more as a starting point to help you decide on your next haircut.