What Are Micro Bangs and Why Every Girl Wants Them This Season
Another Y2k style, taking over!
Rewind to this past summer: What hair trend stood out most for you? For me, it was the resurgence of the micro bangs, which, if we’re being honest, is one thing we never saw coming. Admittedly starting out as an acquired taste, we’re now seeing more and more designers incorporating this grunge-era style of the baby bang on their latest runways and actually—actually!—changing the way we perceive this tricky look.
Since we were quite throwback-happy this year—braids, the blunt bob, the shag—it probably comes as no surprise that this ’90s hairstyle has found a renewed place in the hearts of many. Make no mistake; the micro fringe is still not the best look for everyone (as no one trend is perfectly universal), so we will try to deconstruct it for the curious yet still very afraid (i.e., me).
Micro Bangs: Let’s Discuss
1. It’s kinda scary but in a good way!
Think about the tiny panic attack you get when you decide to give regular bangs a try… now triple that. Forget about maybe sweeping your bangs off to the side or clipping them up when you’re having an off day (or sweating it out in the gym). There is ZERO of that leeway with micro bangs — it’s all or nothing, which is, you know, kinda awesome. It doesn’t care if you’re feeling especially puffy, oily, or just-not-in-a-bang-wearing-mood; you must face facts, as they’re literally front and center. It just begs to be noticed, with absolutely no regard for your feelings. This brings us to my next point…
2. It’s not for the faint of heart
Confidence is required. A lot of it. To make up for maybe not having a perfectly symmetrical, oval- or longer-shaped face that can pull off a micro fringe without a hitch. Or maybe for actually having the cheek to bring something back that you thought was perfectly happy living in your 1990s yearbook picture. Either way, it’s not a look that sits well with everyone, as not everyone can pull off having their forehead bisected in half and still have it work for daily life.
I must say, many fans of the look, though, have managed to adopt micro bangs and its nuances pretty seamlessly: Covered via a fabric headband at the gym, worked to the hilt at the club, and ruffled à la French ingénue in between. It’s challenging to work around if you’re a bang conservative and are used to a bang-conservative lifestyle (acknowledged, but not shouted from the rooftops), but for those who have the guts to go where angels fear to tread… you do you, boo.
3. Micro bangs take twice as long to grow out
Every girl who’s contemplated getting bangs (a.k.a. every girl, full stop) has had that fear, right at the artist’s chair, that she might regret the look and spend months waiting for the new cut to grow out. And with a micro fringe, there’s just no escaping it — if you get cold feet or sick of the look a few weeks in, you have no choice but to wait it out, achingly, painstakingly. Since some of us can’t deal with that drama, this is also why a lot of people opt for clip-on bangs as a compromise — they get to try out the look sans commitment because although hair grows out, it only grows around six inches a year, so that means you’re left with a semblance of a fringe for the next year and a half of your life.
4. But they’re life-changing
We’ve had friends who’ve taken the micro bangs route with #NoRegrets, saying that it’s the total look upgrade they’ve wanted all year. It’s undeniably directional and refreshes your facial shape like no other — you will definitely appear different to other people and yourself. More than that, the micro fringe is a statement in itself: that you’re not afraid to commit or to look different from the pack, that your hair is no one else’s business but yours, and that you dress up just for you. That, I think, is the best part of getting this game-changer of a hair look — it’s less about a trend than it is about having a totally original mindset, enough to make the rest of us look twice. So yes, I’ve actually graduated to a “maybe,” and maybe that’s good enough for now.
Will Micro Bangs Suit My Face Shape?
Long or oval faces
If you’re lucky enough to have either a long face shape or an oval one, you’ll be glad to know that a micro fringe suits you best.
Round faces
You’ll be fine if you opt for a messy, short fringe type! Make sure there’s a curvature to your cut, as this will help balance out your round facial features.
Square faces
If you’ve got a square face shape, short bangs might not be the best option for you. This style tends to make your face look longer. A way you can work around this is to try side-swept micro bangs.
Diamond face shapes
You can try this cut if you go for a get a curved style. It will help balance out your lovely cheekbones.
Heart shape
If you want to make the most of your strong jawline, this bold bang style is all you need to match it and show it off. Just don’t get it cut too short!
Micro Bangs Inspiration
Are you ready for the cut and need some inspiration? Here are some cool micro bangs hairstyles that will take your looks to the next level. Make sure you keep your bangs tidy and amazing with a finishing spray, like Nexxus Comb Thru Finishing Mist Hair Spray.
Blunt Baby Bangs
Blunt micro bangs are for you if you want a defined cut without featherings. They look good with any hair type, from straight to curly, and give you an extra bold look.
Curly Hair Micro Bangs
Curly hair? No problem! The cute micro bangs also look great on curly hair; you don’t have to straighten them daily.
Shaggy Bangs
Pair the choppy layers of shag haircut with grunge micro bangs for the ultimate face-framing look! To achieve this look, we recommend you use a hairspray such as TRESemmé Ultra Fine Hair Spray. This spray works great for hold and control.
Looking to make the cut? Check out our hottest bang trends for more inspiration.
