Micro bangs are having a major moment. Shorter than the classic bang, micro bangs fall an inch or two below the hairline and are a sure way to make a statement. Thanks to the resurgence of the Y2K era, this edgy bang has made its way back to the forefront and has established itself as the ultimate cool girl accessory. Wondering how to style micro bangs or if the look is right for you? We’re covering everything you need to know.
What Are Micro Bangs?
Micro bangs are super short bangs that fall an inch or two down your forehead, just below the hairline. They’re a very cropped version of classic blunt bangs that offer a bold and edgy vibe to the wearer. While they were last popular in the late 90s and early 2000s, stars from Zoe Kravitz to Bella Hadid to Madelyne Cline and Zendaya have been rocking micro bangs over the past couple years, turning them into one of the most coveted looks right now. If you’ve been feeling the urge for a hair transformation, this statement-making bang may be just what you’re looking for.
Are Micro Bangs a Good Look for You?
Micro bangs are not for the faint of heart. They’re typically not recommended for your first foray into bangs, however, it’s easier to go shorter than put hair back. If you’ve never had bangs before, consider starting with a blunt bang cut and if it works for your aesthetic and lifestyle, go for micro bangs the next time. They’re definitely a commitment and require extra maintenance when it comes to styling and upkeep. Plan to get them trimmed every 3-4 weeks to maintain the style and length.
Micro bangs can work for almost everyone, and are especially flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces. They also work well for those who have hair with a manageable texture, is average in density, and has minimal cowlicks. It may be best to steer away from them if you have a round face, short forehead or super sharp features. Unless you have super straight hair that perfectly falls into place, if you don’t like spending much time on your hair, micro bangs may not be the best fit.
How to Style Micro Bangs: 5 Tips
1. Smooth out your bangs. If you have straight or wavy hair, micro bangs tend to look best smoothed out. If styling them from wet, use a blow dryer and brush to straighten and smooth them. If you’re styling them dry, use a boar bristle brush to smooth them out. If you find that’s all you need for them to lay smooth, you can go about your day. However, many people will need to do some additional styling.
2. Invest in a pencil flat iron. Since micro bangs are so short, it can be tough to style them with a regular flat iron. A pencil flat iron, on the other hand, is super thin, allowing you to smooth out even the shortest strands. Always use a heat protectant on your bangs first before using any type of hot tool.
3. Add some texture. If you don’t want a super smoothed out look, texturize your micro bangs with a paste like the Sun Bum Sonny’s Original Surf Paste. This will help you achieve the piecey look for a more undone aesthetic.
4. Let them air dry. If you naturally have great texture in your hair, air drying could be your best bet. Make sure to use a small amount of the JVN Air Dry Cream on damp bangs for light hold and to combat frizz. It will give your hair soft, touchable hold and enhance your natural texture.
5. Keep them refreshed. Since they sit on your forehead, bangs always tend to get oilier faster than the rest of your hair, and this is especially true for micro bangs. Make sure to have dry shampoo on hand to refresh your bangs. This will help remove excess oil without weighing your hair down.
How to Style Micro Bangs: 5 Looks We Love
1. Micro Bangs with a Short Bob
A bob is arguably one of the best haircuts to pair with micro bangs. The combination instantly gives off an effortless vibe that totally encompasses Parisian girl chic. We adore how she has styled both the bangs and the bob with volume and plushness.
2. Curved-In Micro Bangs
This long layered haircut looks gorgeous with micro bangs. We love how the bangs have been styled slightly bent into her forehead, complementing the rest of her curved-in, face framing layers.
3. Micro Bangs Au Naturel
We adore the effortless look of these micro bangs. You can tell she rolled out of bed with this no-fuss look and didn’t do much, if anything, to her bangs. This is a perfect, no-fuss look that works flawlessly with her tousled hair.
4. Piecey Micro Fringe
Micro bangs don’t always have to be blunt and straight across. This piecey vibe is super chic too. We love how she paired her bangs with a sleek high bun, but they would look just as good with her hair down or in a half-up hairstyle.
5. Curly Micro Bangs
Curly haired gals can pull off micro bangs too. Style them as you would the rest of your hair and pinch them into place. This shorter lob haircut looks divine with micro bangs, but a longer cut would work just as well.
Micro bangs are an incredible way to add some edge to your look. Bring these inspo photos to your stylist to show them the exact look you want.
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