The Inside Scoop on Kim Kardashian’s New Bangs

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Reality star Kim Kardashian showed off a bold new do at last night’s Empowerment for Africa dinner in N.Y.C., and PEOPLE.com got the scoop on the new look straight from her longtime hairstylist Joaquin Hortal of Rita Hazan Salon — and from the star herself! Hortal made a house call to Kim’s hotel yesterday and totally transformed her look with strong and long new bangs balanced with her signature curls. He explains, “They really frame her face, accentuating her gorgeous eyes and cheekbones.” But as different as the new look is, the two almost went for an even more drastic change. “We were contemplating taking her hair short,” he says. “But opted for sexy, rock star bangs that are perfect for winter — and very New York.” For her part, Kim couldn’t wait to transform her hair. “I’ve been getting tired of the look I was sporting and wanted something fresh and bangs were just it,” she tells PEOPLE.com. “It’s amazing how they can alter your look. I’ve been definitely evolving with my own personal style and fashion sense and with that, I think I needed to change it up a bit with the hair. The bangs were the perfect change for me right now.” Tell us: What do you think of Kim’s new look? Do you love or hate her new bangs?