Short Bangs: What You Need to Know + Inspo Looks
Nothing can transform your look quite as quickly as short bangs. While traditionally bangs have been worn long enough to conceal your forehead and skim your eyebrows, short bangs are a cropped version that helps to draw attention to your forehead and eyebrow area. Short bangs were hugely popular in the 1950s with stars like Audrey Hepburn, Veronica Lake and Bettie Page championing the baby bangs style. Over the years we have seen the style come in and out of fashion and if done right, short bangs hairstyles can be the ultimate image overhaul. Face-framing, eyebrow-grazing and cheekbone highlighting – the world of short hair bangs can offer many benefits.
So, let’s break it down… just how would one pull off this directional look if we were to jump aboard the short bangs train? As the hair-pros we are, we’ve compiled what we like to think of as the ultimate ‘how to rock short bangs guide’, below. You can thank us later!
Short Bangs With Headband
While, technically speaking, anyone can wear short hair bangs, it can be a difficult look to pull off – particularly if you have a round or a heart-shaped face.
However, the number one bonus of these looks is that both long and short haircuts with bangs are super flattering, helping to draw attention to your best features. This is especially great if you have an oval, long or square-shaped face.
Short Bangs with Vintage Glamour
Looking to channel old Hollywood glamour for an iconic beauty fix? Pair short bangs hairstyles with some grown-up waves and a bold red lip! You’ll have a stand-out look ready for whatever the world throws at you.
Baby Bangs and Short Curls
Looking for ways to style short haircuts with bangs? Add a touch of retro to a bob length cut with baby bangs and curled ends.
Hepburn Bangs Updo
Laura Harrier oozes sophistication with this Audrey Hepburn style short bangs updo. We love this look for a special occasion or formal event.
Editor’s tip: Use the superfine TONI&GUY Finishing Shine Spray over blow-dried hair to give your tresses a brilliant shine and polish.
’90s Grunge
The return of many ’90s trends has brought highly-coveted looks back into the spotlight. Space buns, scrunchies and crimped locks have all been resurrected – and now it’s time for the micro fringe to step up to the podium once again.
Wavy Lob with Edgy Short Bangs
This edgy ‘do combines an ultra-short fringe with a wavy shoulder-length style for the ultimate cool-girl look.
Bettie Bangs
Known as the Queen of pin-ups, Bettie Page kicked off the Bettie bangs trend, wearing a short fringe for most of her career.
Editor’s tip: Finish your look with a generous spritz of VO5 Invisible Firm Hold Hairspray. This ultra-fine fast-drying spray is key to holding your style.
Long Locks and Short Bangs
It’s so easy to get in a style rut when you have long hair, which is why we think adding short bangs is the answer to the mane of your dreams.
Wavy Bob and Baby Bangs
The ultimate French girl combo; bob and bangs are the It hairstyle to be spotted wearing right now thanks to model Taylor LaShae and co.
’70s Bedhead
We absolutely love Lily James’ take on short bangs. Teaming her wavy blonde hair with above the eyebrow bangs gives her mane a ‘70s-style boho feel.
Editor’s tip: Define & separate to create tousled texture and light hold without a crunchy feel with the TONI&GUY Sea Salt Texturising Spray.
Choppy Short Bangs
Already rocking a cropped ‘do? Want to up the ante a little for the season ahead? Then turn your attention to this runway look, which is bringing out a rough ‘n’ ready edge to this short hair and bangs combo.
Long Bob with Side Bangs
Short fringes aren’t for the faint-hearted, so if it’s your first foray into the style, try testing the waters with a longer, feathered fringe or some short side bangs before going for a more dramatic look.
French Girl Bob with Side Bangs
If you’re obsessed with French girl style as much as us, you’ll love this bob and side baby bangs combo as seen on Léa Seydoux.
Mod Pixie
Whether you go for long or short haircuts, with bangs you can work with your style to create something that suits your personality to a T. From a ’90s-esque, straight-across-the-forehead fringe, to retro mod bangs seen above there’s surely something that will work for you.
Editor’s tip: Use the TONI&GUY High Definition Spray Wax to add texture to short styles. Spray through towel-dried or dry hair for flexible, reworkable control.
Super Short Bangs
If Beyoncégiving this style a seal of approval isn’t enough to tempt you to rock short bangs, we don’t know what is!
Choppy Short Bangs with Wavy Long Bob
With her dark brown hue and bold red lips, this short bangs and wavy lob is ideal for those looking for a sultry vampy look with a retro twist.
Rounded Short Bangs
Don’t let short hair stop you from trying short bangs. If Rooney Mara can style her short-cropped cut with rounded bangs then so can you!
Baby Bangs & Ponytail
How amazing does Penelope Cruz look with her voluminous ponytail and short bangs? Try this hairstyle for a special occasion – or use a clip-in fringe before taking the plunge, we won’t tell if you don’t.
Short Bangs with Long Hair
If you decided on short bangs but want to ease yourself in gently, follow in Krysten Ritter’s footsteps and start with a fringe that sits just above your eyebrows.
Editor’s tip: Complete your look with the VO5 Tame & Shine Spray for a polished frizz-free finish. With built-in heat defence, you can even use this versatile spray before using heated styling tools!
Piecey Baby Bangs
If you have eyebrows like Maisie Williams it’s easy to see why you would want short bangs.
Do you have a formal occasion on the horizon? Be the belle of the ball with this glamorous baby bangs and ponytail updo.
