Wispy Bangs Are the Easiest, Low-Maintenance Way to Try Fringe

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Want to delve into the world of bangs but not sure you want to deal with the upkeep? Good news: Wispy bangs are about to become your new favorite hairstyle. If you’ve been asking yourself lately, “should I get bangs?” the answer is yes—this low-maintenance, easy-to-style look is going to be your BFF. Celebs like Jenna Ortega and Selena Gomez have signed off on the trend, and as an added bonus, they’re totally lazy girl-approved—this is exactly what we like to hear as we’re trying to rush out the door in the morning (or simply don’t feel like having to blow dry and style your own bangs).

Best of all: This wispy fringe looks great on pretty much anyone, regardless of hair texture or face shape. You can go to the salon, ask your stylist to cut wispy bangs, and walk out of the salon with a fresh new blowout without a second thought.

But what exactly are wispy bangs? With so many types of bangs, how do you know this is the right option for your face shape? How do you even style wispy bangs? We answered all your questions with the help of expert hairstylists to give you everything you need to know about these fun, face-framing fringe bangs. Ahead, what to know about wispy bangs, plus photo inspiration to show your hairdresser at your next salon appointment.

What are wispy bangs?Vastly different than blunt bangs which are cut straight across without layers, “See-through or ‘wispy’ bangs are a softer, more playful bang cut to loosely accentuate the eye and temple areas,” Rogerio Cavalcante, owner and hairstylist at NYC’s the Second Floor Salon, tells Glamour. “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 additional movement and more of an “airy” texture to them (hello, piecey hair!), lending themselves well to a layered haircut.

Why did this look start trending in the first place? As New York City hairstylist Dan Williams points out, we have K-pop stars to thank for bringing the trend so mainstream. The hair look started in South Korea, and has proven to be especially popular among K-pop stars like Blackpink’s Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rosé, Squid Game actor Jung Ho-Yeon, and model Lee Sung-Kyung.

Williams also notes that they’re the perfect beginner bang. “Wispy bangs are fabulous and much more dainty than your traditional bang, and are therefore a great gateway into the world of bangs without the harsh commitment to a lot of bang density,” 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.”

What’s the difference between fringe and wispy bangs? Cavalcante notes that wispy bangs are a great choice for anyone unsure if they want full fringe, as they allow clients to test the look and try different styling techniques before fully committing.

What face shape suits wispy bangs?Wispy bangs’ length 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. “Wispy bangs usually work well with square, heart, and oval face shapes,” says Jenna Spino, hairstylist at Chicago’s Maxine Salon. “The texture softens jawlines and can even elongate longer faces.”

That said, it all comes down to how you style them, according to Cavalcante. “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 round face shape to create more dimension.”

How do you style wispy bangs?Spoiler alert: It’s super easy. Wispy bangs are 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,” Williams notes. Spino also sees this wispier look as an ideal bang 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.

There are so many ways to wear them, too. “Wispy bangs are easier to style, especially for frizz- prone hair types,” Cavalcante explains. Ponytail and updo lovers will be excited to hear that “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,” adds Cavalcante. Curly hair types can definitely rock this look too. One thing to note: Side part fans will have to give that up for these bangs, as these do require a middle part.

As for the actual 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 Spino.

For a slightly more intricate styling technique, use a round brush and blow dryer for maximum volume, she says. “Apply a volumizer and round brush up to give volume to show off the texture.” You can also use Velcro rollers in place of a round brush, she notes. Just make sure to focus on hair care too, especially if you’re using hot tools. Apply a heat protectant before putting any heat on your tresses.

Prefer a flat iron? Perfect: That’s what Williams suggests. “Style with a flat iron, tilting the iron towards the face slightly to give a proper bang bounce and setting with curler to cool. Once it’s set, finish with your favorite setting spray,” explains Williams.

In terms of products, Cavalcante recommends stocking up on light-hold leave-in conditioner and texturizing spray. “This works best to not weigh the hair down,” he says.

Feeling inspired? When you’re ready to head to the salon, be sure to ask your stylist “for shorter, pieces to be layered or cut to hit by the eye or temple length,” says Cavalcante. “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.”

Pro tip: Williams 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.

Shop products here to DIY style your wispy bangs:

Ouai Leave-In Conditioner & Heat Protectant Spray (4.7 oz.)

Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Sea Salt Texturizing Spray

GHD Original Styler 1″ Flat Iron

Kitsch Ceramic Thermal Hair Rollers