Bangs are officially back. From curtain bangs to micro bangs, blunt bangs and barely there fringe, it seems as though everyone is getting bangs these days. While some bangs demand full dedication, barely there bangs allow you to try bangs out without making a huge commitment. They’re light, feathery and incredibly versatile, working with various hair lengths, textures, and face shapes. If you’ve been wanting to give bangs a go, this is an incredibly chic and stylish way to do it. Take a look at how to style barely there bangs plus inspo looks we love.
What Are Barely There Bangs?
Barely there bangs are soft and piecey low-maintenance bangs with lots of movement. They’re similar to curtain bangs, but are shorter and have a more feathery appearance. Also known as “subtle bangs” or “wispy bangs”, barely there bangs are light and airy and perfect for anyone who wants to try out bangs without the full commitment. The ends are texturized and feathered with shears to create the wispy effect and they typically hit below the eyebrow. They’re a low maintenance way to try a fringe, offering a face-framing structure, which allows you to tuck them into the rest of your hair or bring them forward for a more piecey take on a curtain bang, depending on their length.
Are Barely There Bangs a Good Look for You?
Barely there bangs are super versatile and work well on a variety of face shapes and hair textures, although they look particularly good on heart and oval face shapes. They’re perfect if you’re looking to soften your facial features due to their light, feathery appearance, and can either be swept to the side or blended into the layers of your hair. They’re also easy to grow out. Barely there bangs are flattering for any age, and offer a softer, more youthful look. However, they can also give you an edgier vibe depending on how you style them. They’re a great option for anyone who appreciates low maintenance.
If you tend to break out easily, are oily, or prone to sweating, this can make the fringe look greasy and stringy. There are ways to combat this, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind. Having hair on your forehead can also lead to further breakouts.
If you want to try bangs, but don’t want to take the full plunge with a blunt bang barely there bangs are the perfect way to dip your toe in and see if bangs are right for you.
How to Style Barely There Bangs: 6 Tips & Tutorials
1. Blow dry: If you have straight or wavy hair, use a blow dryer and your fingers to dry your bangs back and forth and create separation. You want your bangs to have a natural, effortless feel to them. Avoid over-styling and finish with a light, flexible hairspray. You can also use a dry shampoo to keep the bangs from sticking to your forehead, especially if you know your body heat is going to be rising.
2. Curl cream: If you have curly hair, use a lightweight curl cream and let your bangs air dry. You can also use a blow dryer with a diffuser to help style them. Finish with a super flexible hairspray that won’t weigh your hair down.
3. Avoid heavy products: Stick to a lighter product with some hold such as the Dae Styling Cream to style your fringe. Steer clear of heavier products that have too much oil as this can make your bangs look greasy.
4. How I Style My Short Hair with Bangs + Layers | Lorena Caroline
We love the look of these barely there bangs and she shows you how to style them to perfection in this tutorial. She uses a heat protectant blow out spray as well as the Revlon 1” Heated Hair Styling Brush. Follow her technique to get this 70s-inspired look.
5. Revive your bangs: If you’re on day two or three hair, use some dry shampoo or a powder volumizer to lift the root and refresh your bangs.
6. Give them lift as they grow: If you haven’t gotten to the salon for a trim, keep your bangs lifted out of your eyes with a boost of volume. Before blow drying, use dry shampoo at the roots and use a small round brush to dry them into your desired shape.
How to Style Barely There Bangs: 5 Looks We Love
1. Barely There Fringe with a Top Knot
We love the effortless style of these wispy, barely there bangs. The fringe lightly grazes the top of her eye lashes with longer pieces at the side framing the face. The top knot allows the bangs to shine and can be worn casually with a comfy sweatsuit or dressed up with a dress for a holiday party.
2. Wispy Bangs
These bangs are incredibly light and airy- the epitome of barely there bangs. She could easily draw the front pieces to each side to give herself more of a curtain bang look, or keep them in front for feathery appeal.
3. Edgy Barely There Bangs
With thicker hair, barely there bangs offer an airy yet edgy look. They work well with a shorter, lob-length style, adding even more texture to the look.
4. Long Hair with Wispy Fringe
Barely there bangs also work beautifully paired with long hair. Effortless waves are a perfect hairstyle for wispy bangs as they allow the bangs to transition seamlessly into the rest of the hair. And with her fringe hitting right below her lashes, they draw attention to her eyes.
5. Barely There Bangs with Curls
Barely there bangs work for curly hair too. We love these wispy, textured bangs. They flow perfectly into the rest of her hairstyle, with some longer face framing pieces. The feathery look gives a much softer vibe to this style than a thick, blunt fringe would. It compliments natural curls gorgeously.
If you’ve been thinking about getting barely there bangs, we hope you enjoyed these tips and inspo photos!
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