15 Face Framing Highlights with Bangs That Actually Work

Let’s talk about the combo that’s been breaking the internet lately – face framing highlights with bangs. If you’ve been thinking about switching up your look but don’t want to go full-on dramatic, this is your answer.

Here’s what I love about this style. It’s got just enough edge to feel fresh and modern, but it’s not so bold that you’ll regret it in three months. The highlights brighten your face, the bangs add structure, and together? They’re kind of magic.

I’ve put together 15 different ways to rock face framing highlights with bangs, from super subtle to absolutely stunning. Whether you’re a natural brunette, already blonde, or somewhere in between, there’s something here that’ll make you want to text your stylist immediately.

Why Face Framing Highlights with Bangs Work So Well

You might be wondering what makes this particular combination so special. Let me break it down.

Face framing highlights do exactly what they sound like – they frame your face with lighter pieces of hair. These lighter strands catch the light and draw attention to your best features. Your eyes look brighter. Your cheekbones look more defined. Your whole face just pops.

Now add bangs into that equation, and you’ve got this gorgeous layered effect happening around your face. The bangs provide structure and shape, while the highlights add dimension and brightness.

In my experience, this combo works on pretty much everyone because it’s so customizable. You can adjust the thickness of the highlights, the placement, the tone – everything can be tweaked to flatter your specific features.

According to hair color experts, face framing highlights “bring out the most attractive facial features” by creating contrast and dimension exactly where you want attention drawn.

Different Types of Bangs That Work with Face Framing Highlights

Not all bangs are created equal, and some work better with highlights than others. Let me walk you through the options.

Curtain bangs are probably the most popular choice right now for face framing highlights with bangs. They part in the middle and sweep to the sides, creating this gorgeous frame that shows off your highlights perfectly.

Wispy bangs work beautifully too. They’re lighter and more piece-y, which means the highlights can peek through. It creates this soft, romantic effect that’s super flattering.

Blunt bangs make more of a statement. The straight-across line provides contrast to the highlights, creating a bold but polished look.

Side-swept bangs are the most versatile option. You can style them different ways, and the highlights blend seamlessly whether your bangs are swept dramatically or just slightly to the side.

Now here’s where it gets interesting – the type of bangs you choose should complement your face shape and the placement of your highlights. More on that in a minute.

15 Gorgeous Face Framing Highlights with Bangs Ideas

Alright, let’s get to the actual styles. These are my favorite face framing highlights with bangs combinations right now.

1. Soft Caramel Highlights with Curtain Bangs

Warm caramel highlights paired with curtain bangs create this effortlessly chic look that works year-round.

The golden tones add warmth around your face without being too dramatic. They blend naturally with brown hair, giving you that sun-kissed effect.

What I love about this combo is how low-maintenance it is. The curtain bangs grow out gracefully, and the highlights don’t need constant touch-ups.

Perfect if you want something noticeable but not high-maintenance. This is your “I woke up like this” hair in the best way.

2. Subtle Blonde Ribbons with Wispy Bangs

Delicate blonde highlights woven through darker hair, paired with soft wispy bangs – it’s feminine without being too sweet.

The wispy bangs let the highlights peek through, creating layers of dimension around your face. It’s like your hair has built-in contouring.

In my experience, this works especially well on medium brown to dark blonde hair. The contrast is subtle but definitely noticeable.

The wispy texture keeps everything soft and romantic. It’s the opposite of harsh or severe.

3. Honey Balayage with Side-Swept Bangs

Honey-toned balayage creates this gorgeous gradient effect, and side-swept bangs show it off perfectly.

The face framing highlights start lighter around your face and blend deeper as they go back. It’s seamless and natural-looking.

What makes this special is how the side-swept bangs fall. They create this diagonal line that’s super flattering for most face shapes.

You might be wondering about maintenance. This is actually pretty forgiving – balayage grows out beautifully, and side-swept bangs are easy to style.

4. Platinum Face Framers with Blunt Bangs

Okay, this one’s bold. Platinum blonde highlights around the face paired with blunt bangs across the forehead.

The high contrast creates serious drama. It’s editorial, it’s fashion-forward, and it definitely makes a statement.

Now here’s where it gets interesting – this works best on people who are committed to maintenance. Platinum needs regular toning to stay bright.

But if you’re willing to put in the work? The payoff is absolutely stunning. Super high-impact look.

5. Subtle Dimension with Choppy Bangs

Soft, barely-there highlights paired with textured, choppy bangs create this cool, undone vibe.

The highlights are so subtle they might just look like natural dimension. But they catch the light in this gorgeous way that regular hair doesn’t.

The choppy bangs add edge without being too punk rock. It’s modern and fresh but still totally wearable.

Perfect for anyone who wants face framing highlights with bangs that feel effortless and low-key cool.

6. Warm Copper Highlights with Curtain Bangs

Copper-toned highlights bring warmth and dimension, especially on auburn or red-toned hair.

The warm metallic tones catch light beautifully, making your whole face glow. Pair that with curtain bangs and you’ve got instant face-framing magic.

What I love about copper highlights is how they add richness without darkening your overall color. They enhance rather than change.

This combo works especially well in fall and winter when warmer tones are trending.

7. Icy Blonde Streaks with Baby Bangs

Baby bangs (those super short bangs that sit above your eyebrows) paired with icy blonde face framing highlights – it’s bold and unapologetic.

The cool-toned blonde creates contrast against darker roots or base color. It’s striking and definitely not subtle.

In my experience, this look works best on people with strong features and the confidence to pull off something dramatic.

Fair warning though – baby bangs are a commitment. They need frequent trims and daily styling.

8. Golden Highlights with Long Curtain Bangs

Golden blonde highlights paired with longer curtain bangs that graze your cheekbones – it’s classic and flattering.

The golden tones add warmth and brightness without going too yellow or brassy. They enhance your natural coloring.

Long curtain bangs are the most versatile bang option. You can wear them swept, tucked behind your ears, or right in front framing your face.

This is one of those face framing highlights with bangs styles that works for literally everyone. It’s universally flattering.

9. Chunky Highlights with Textured Bangs

Thicker, more visible highlights create a bolder look, especially when paired with piece-y, textured bangs.

This isn’t trying to be subtle. The chunky highlights make a statement, and the textured bangs add to that edgy vibe.

What makes this work is the intentional, fashion-forward quality. It looks deliberate, not accidental.

Perfect for anyone who wants their hair to be a conversation starter. This definitely gets noticed.

10. Soft Brown Highlights with Feathered Bangs

Lighter brown highlights on a darker brown base, paired with soft feathered bangs – it’s subtle and sophisticated.

The monochromatic approach keeps everything cohesive. You’re adding dimension without changing your overall color story.

Feathered bangs blend seamlessly into the rest of your hair, and the highlights add just enough brightness around your face.

You might be wondering about upkeep. This is actually really low-maintenance – the tonal variation means regrowth isn’t obvious.

11. Strawberry Blonde Ribbons with Bangs

Strawberry blonde highlights bring this gorgeous peachy-pink-gold tone that’s absolutely stunning with the right bangs.

The unique color makes your face glow. It’s warm but not orange, blonde but not yellow – just this perfect in-between.

What I love about strawberry blonde is how it catches light. Sometimes it looks more pink, sometimes more gold, depending on the lighting.

Works beautifully with curtain bangs or side-swept styles that show off the color variation.

12. Ash Blonde Highlights with Wispy Bangs

Cool-toned ash blonde highlights create contrast without warmth, perfect for people who prefer cooler colors.

The ashy tones keep everything fresh and modern. There’s no brassiness or yellow – just clean, cool blonde.

Wispy bangs work perfectly here because they’re not too heavy or solid. The light, piece-y texture complements the cool highlights.

In my experience, ash tones work best on people with cool or neutral undertones in their skin.

13. Money Piece Highlights with Curtain Bangs

Money piece highlights – those bright blonde pieces right at the front – paired with curtain bangs is absolutely trending right now.

The technique focuses the lightest color directly around your face for maximum brightening effect.

Now here’s where it gets interesting – this is the boldest version of face framing highlights. It’s high-contrast and definitely makes a statement.

The curtain bangs blend into those bright pieces, creating one cohesive frame around your face.

14. Burgundy Highlights with Blunt Bangs

Okay, hear me out – burgundy or wine-toned highlights paired with blunt bangs is incredibly chic.

The deep red tones add richness and depth. They’re unexpected but in the best way possible.

Blunt bangs provide structure that balances the softer, more romantic burgundy tones. It’s edgy meets elegant.

Perfect for fall and winter when deeper, richer colors are trending. Super fashion-forward.

15. Natural Balayage with Micro Bangs

Subtle, natural-looking balayage paired with micro bangs (those ultra-short bangs) – it’s the ultimate contrast.

The balayage is soft and blended, almost like your hair just naturally lightens around your face. Then you’ve got these bold, dramatic micro bangs.

What makes this combination work is the juxtaposition. Natural color meets bold cut. Soft meets edgy.

Fair warning, this is a high-maintenance look. Both micro bangs and balayage need regular upkeep.

Choosing the Right Highlights for Your Hair Color

Not all highlight colors work equally well on all base colors. Let me help you figure out what’ll look best.

Your Natural Hair Color	Best Highlight Colors	Effect	Maintenance Level
Dark Brown/Black	Caramel, honey, copper, light brown	Warm, dimensional, natural-looking	Medium (every 8-10 weeks)
Medium Brown	Honey blonde, golden, butterscotch	Sun-kissed, bright, flattering	Low to Medium (every 10-12 weeks)
Light Brown	Blonde, champagne, wheat	Brightening, subtle, seamless	Low (every 12-14 weeks)
Dark Blonde	Platinum, ash blonde, buttery blonde	High-contrast or subtle blend	Medium to High (every 6-8 weeks)
Red/Auburn	Copper, strawberry blonde, rose gold	Enhanced warmth, rich dimension	High (every 6-8 weeks, color fades fast)

How to Choose Bangs for Your Face Shape

Your face shape really matters when picking the right bangs to pair with your highlights.

For round faces, longer curtain bangs or side-swept bangs work best. They create vertical lines that elongate your face and prevent it from looking rounder.

Oval faces can pull off pretty much any bang style. You’re the lucky ones – blunt, wispy, curtain, choppy – all work. Experiment and have fun.

Square faces look great with soft, wispy bangs or rounded curtain bangs. These soften strong jawlines and add a feminine touch.

Heart-shaped faces benefit from side-swept or piece-y bangs that balance a wider forehead. Avoid blunt bangs that end right at your widest point.

Long faces work beautifully with fuller, blunt bangs that create a horizontal line. This visually shortens your face and adds balance.

In my experience, when in doubt, go with curtain bangs. They’re the most universally flattering option and work with highlights beautifully.

Styling Your Face Framing Highlights with Bangs

Having the right cut and color is only half the battle. You need to know how to style it too.

For curtain bangs with highlights, blow-dry them with a round brush pulling them away from your face. This creates that swooping, face-framing effect that shows off your highlights.

Wispy bangs need less styling. Let them air-dry or rough-dry with your fingers for that lived-in, effortless texture.

Blunt bangs require precision. Use a paddle brush and blow-dryer to keep them smooth and straight. The highlights will peek out from underneath.

Now here’s where it gets interesting – use a texturizing spray or light pomade to piece out your highlights. This makes them more visible and adds dimension.

When curling or waving your hair, make sure to curl the highlighted pieces away from your face. This shows them off and creates that frame effect.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let me save you from some regrets I’ve seen (and maybe made myself).

First mistake? Going too light too fast. If you’re starting with dark hair, you can’t go platinum in one session without serious damage. Build up gradually.

Second, placing highlights too far back from your face. They’re called face framing highlights for a reason – they need to actually frame your face, not hide behind your ears.

Third – and this is huge – cutting bangs yourself at home. Just don’t. The money you save isn’t worth the months of growing out a wonky bang situation.

Fourth, not toning blonde highlights properly. Brassy, yellow highlights don’t do anyone any favors. Invest in purple shampoo or regular toning treatments.

Fifth, forgetting that bangs and highlights both need regular maintenance. Budget for bang trims every 3-4 weeks and highlight touch-ups every 8-12 weeks.

Essential Products for Maintaining Your Look

You’ll need the right products to keep your face framing highlights with bangs looking fresh:

• Purple or blue shampoo – Keeps blonde highlights from turning brassy; use 1-2 times per week
• Color-safe shampoo and conditioner – Protects your highlight investment and prevents fading
• Dry shampoo – Keeps bangs fresh between washes without stripping color
• Round brush – Essential for styling curtain or side-swept bangs properly
• Texturizing spray – Adds piece-y definition to highlights and keeps bangs from looking flat
• Heat protectant – Protects highlighted hair from heat damage when styling bangs
• Small flat iron or straightener – Perfect for quick bang touch-ups throughout the day

How Much Does This Cost?

You might be wondering about the investment. Let’s talk real numbers.

Face framing highlights typically cost $80-200 depending on your location and how much lightening is needed. In major cities, expect to pay on the higher end.

Bang cuts are usually $15-40 if done separately, though many stylists include them with your color service.

For maintenance, budget for bang trims every 3-4 weeks ($15-25) and highlight touch-ups every 8-12 weeks ($80-150).

In my experience, the initial investment is worth it. But make sure you can afford the ongoing maintenance before committing.

Some salons offer packages or loyalty programs that can save you money if you’re a regular client. Worth asking about.

DIY vs. Professional Application

Now here’s where it gets interesting – can you do this at home?

Honestly? The bangs part, no. Never cut your own bangs. It seems simple but it’s not. One wrong snip and you’re stuck with weird bangs for months.

The highlights? Maybe, if you’re experienced with hair color. But face framing highlights are trickier than they look.

The placement has to be strategic. Too low and they don’t frame your face. Too high and they look like racing stripes. You need to know what you’re doing.

Plus, if you’re going lighter, you risk damaging your hair with improper bleach application. Orange, brassy, or fried hair isn’t cute.

In my experience, this is worth the professional investment. A good colorist knows exactly where to place highlights to flatter your features.

How to Communicate with Your Stylist

Getting what you want starts with clear communication. Here’s how to nail that consultation.

Bring multiple reference photos showing the exact highlights and bang style you want. Show front view, side view, and the color close-up if possible.

Be specific about your lifestyle and maintenance tolerance. Tell your stylist honestly how much time you’ll spend on styling and how often you can come in for touch-ups.

Discuss your natural hair color, texture, and any previous color treatments. This affects what’s possible and how long it’ll take.

Ask about the maintenance schedule and costs upfront. No surprises later about how often you’ll need appointments.

Be open to your stylist’s suggestions. They might recommend slightly different placement or tones based on your face shape and coloring.

Growing Out Your Highlights and Bangs

So what happens when you want to change things up or let them grow out?

Growing out face framing highlights is actually pretty graceful if they were done well initially. The regrowth blends naturally, especially with balayage placement.

To transition away from highlights, ask your stylist to gradually lower and blend them over several appointments. This avoids harsh lines.

For bangs, the grow-out process is more annoying. You’ll go through an awkward stage where they’re too long to be bangs but too short to tuck away.

Bobby pins, headbands, and strategic side parts become your best friends during bang grow-out. Embrace accessories.

In my experience, the whole process takes 4-6 months to fully grow out bangs. Highlights can be gradually blended out over 6-12 months.

Final Thoughts on Face Framing Highlights with Bangs

Look, face framing highlights with bangs isn’t just another trend that’ll be gone next season. It’s a classic combination that’s been working for decades because it just flatters people.

What makes this style so special is its versatility. You can make it subtle and natural or bold and dramatic. You can adapt it to any hair color, length, or texture.

My biggest advice? Choose a combination that fits your actual lifestyle, not just what looks cool on Instagram. The best hairstyle is one you’ll actually maintain and enjoy wearing every day.

Work with an experienced colorist who really understands face-framing techniques. Show them photos, communicate your expectations clearly, and trust their expertise.

When you find that perfect combination – the right highlight placement, the ideal bang style for your face shape, the perfect tones for your coloring – it’s absolutely transformative.

You’ll walk out of that salon feeling like a whole new person. And honestly? That confidence boost is worth every penny of the investment.

So go ahead, book that consultation, bring your inspiration photos, and get ready to fall in love with your reflection. Your perfect face framing highlights with bangs are waiting for you.