If you’ve ever wondered ‘should I get a fringe?’ but you’re eternally worried that it might involve too much upkeep, wispy bangs make a strong case for starting with something a bit softer.
Lighter and easier to work with than a traditional full fringe, wispy bangs sit somewhere between barely-there face-framing layers and classic bangs, making them one of the easiest ways tor refresh your hair without a dramatic change. It's an option that doesn’t just look cool but is also super low maintenance and very much lazy-girl approved.
The wispy fringe is also one of the most adaptable styles to try: whether it’s worn slightly parted, straight across the forehead or left to air dry for an undone, more casual feel, wispy bangs offer an easy, subtle way to change the shape of your haircut while still remaining wearable day-to-day – especially if you’re trying a fringe for the first time.
What are wispy bangs?
Sometimes referred to as ‘see-through bangs’ or ‘Korean air bangs’ – wispy bangs have been popular for years in South Korea, and like all good Korean beauty trends, they're steadily growing in popularity here in the west thanks to the soft, effortless finish.
“Wispy bangs are a softer, more playful bang cut to loosely accentuate the eye and temple areas,” explains Rogerio Cavalcante, owner and hairstylist at the Second Floor Salon. “Whether they are ‘micro’ wispy, or longer in length, there is less hair cut than a full fringe, so you can still see the forehead peeking through.” Essentially, they have movement and more of an “airy” texture to them.
Rogerio also notes that wispy bangs are a great choice for anyone unsure if they want a full fringe, as they allows clients to test the look and try different styling techniques. You’ve definitely seen the style before: stars like Jenna Ortega, Selena Gomez, Camila Cabello, Zoë Kravitz, and Suki Waterhouse have all worn wispy bangs lately.
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Where did wispy bangs originate?
The fringe style is especially popular among K-pop stars like Blackpink’s Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, Rosé, Squid Game actor Jung Ho-Yeon, and model Lee Sung-Kyung, which makes sense: The wispy bangs trend started in South Korea and became popularised by those looking to achieve an effortless, youthful look with an elegant feel.
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Why are wispy bangs trending right now?
As for why the look is trending now, hairstylist Dan Williams points out that K-pop stars clearly set the trend in motion. But he also notes that they’re the perfect beginner bang.
“Wispy bangs are fabulous and much more dainty than traditional cuts, and are therefore a great gateway into the world of bangs without the commitment,” he explains, adding that while they don't provide as much forehead coverage, they’re also much easier to style due to their light nature. “So be sure to set them with spray on those windy days.”
Are wispy bangs good for summer?
Wispy bangs are also comfortable to wear, no matter the season. “Wispy bangs are great for any time of year, as they’re not as dense as a full bang, so they won’t drive you crazy in the heat,” Dan continues.
Jenna Spino, hairstylist at Maxine Salon, also sees wispy bangs as an ideal fringe option for warm weather. “Wispy bangs are great for summer because they are a more carefree bang and not so heavy on your forehead,” she says. “They also air dry well, which is ideal for summer.” And for anyone feeling lazy.
How to style wispy bangs
There are so many ways to wear them, too. “Wispy bangs are easier to style, especially for frizz- prone hair types,” Rogerio explains. “They can be slicked back with product or a cute accessory or headband or you can smooth them and position them with a styling gel and finishing oil.”
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Who do wispy bangs suit?
The length of wispy bangs can vastly vary too, as they look equally chic super short à la Hepburn bangs, straight across, parted into curtain bangs, and even grown out, meaning the upkeep is genuinely minimal. They’re also super versatile and can be worn with most face shapes, a great alternative if bobs with bangs, or other shorter styles aren’t for you. “Wispy bangs usually work well with square, heart, and oval face shapes,” says Jenna. “The texture softens jawlines and can even elongate longer faces.”
That said, it all comes down to how you style them, according to Rogerio. “Any face shape can wear wispy bangs since they are far less of a commitment or statement than a full fringe or curtain bangs,” he explains. “They are ideal for someone with a longer forehead or rounder face shape to create more dimension.”
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What should you ask your stylist for?
Feeling inspired? If you want wispy bangs, be sure to ask your stylist “for shorter, pieces to be layered or cut to hit by the eye or temple length,” says Rogerio. “They can be shorter in the middle if you want to try a bit more of a bang look, but it should be a small section of hair so there is movement and body.”
As always however, Dan recommends bringing example photos. “I am always a huge advocate for reference images, but if you were to describe it for your stylist, I would suggest a curtain bang styling with a very small triangular section at the middle of the forehead and razored just below the brows to start,” he says.
How to style wispy bangs at home
As for styling? That depends on how much time you’re willing to spend on them. For a lazy girl-friendly style, opt for air drying. “You can air dry for a messier look, which works really well with wispy bangs, just use your fingers to separate them,” says Jenna.
For a slightly more complicated styling technique, use a round brush and blow dryer for maximum volume, she says. “Apply a volumiser and round brush up to give volume to show off the texture. Velcro rollers can also be used in place of round brush.”
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Prefer a straightener? Perfect: That’s what Dan suggests. “Style with a flat iron tilting the iron towards the face slightly to give a proper bang bounce and setting with a curler to cool. Once it’s set, finish with your favourite setting spray.” We recommend Schwarzkopf got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Spray, which works well with finer hair textures.
In terms of products, Rogerio recommends stocking up on a light hold leave-in-conditioner and texturising spray. “This works best to not weigh the hair down,” he says. A hair pomade can also be a great addition to hold the fringe in place and tame any frizz for more textured hair types.
Still feeling torn about whether or not to get a fringe? Consider Rogerio’s parting words. “It’s a fun way to change up your look, so go for it,” he concludes. “It’s hair, it grows back!” What are you waiting for?!
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A version of this feature originally appeared on GLAMOUR US.
