How to Style Micro Bangs for Straight, Wavy and Curly Hair
June 15, 2023
Micro bangs, baby bangs, fringe, whatever you choose to call them — short bangs that show off your eyebrows are back. One of this year’s trendiest haircuts, micro bangs may seem like an intimidating look to try to pull off, but believe it or not, there are ways to make the look work for any hair type as long as you’re ready to put in some styling time. Keep reading to find how to style your fringe for straight, wavy and curly hair, according to pro hairstylists. Plus, read on for our product recs to make styling your fresh cut a little bit easier.
What Are Micro Bangs?
First things first, you may be wondering what exactly micro bangs look like. According to Justin Toves-Vincilione, a professional hairstylist and Authentic Beauty Concept advocate, “micro bangs are an extremely edgy and very short style of bangs.” They can be styled in different ways and may look different depending on hair type and texture, but the super short length is the consistent defining feature of the style. “Micro bangs can be blunt with hard lines or soft with texture,” says Toves-Vincilione. “The most important part of micro bangs is the extra short length.”
Who Should Try Micro Bangs??
At Makeup.com, we’re firm believers in anyone trying out any hairstyle their heart desires, regardless of factors like face shape and hair texture, and Toves-Vincilione agrees. “Micro bangs can transform anyone into an edgier version of themselves,” he says. “When designed right, they can suit all face shapes.”
And when cut by a professional, they can work for all hair types and textures, confirms Toves-Vincilione. “The final look is bold so, even if you have wavy or coily hair, it can work based on the bold statement alone.” He recommends chatting with a professional hairstylist before making the chop to determine what length of fringe will work best for you and the look you’re going for, as well as to discuss styling advice.
What to Know Before You Get Micro Bangs
“When committing to micro bangs, consider how your hair will make you feel,” says Nick Stenson, artistic director of Matrix. If you prefer soft, flowy layers or low-maintenance styles, baby bangs might not be your best bet. However, Stenson says if you’re ready for a bold change, you should consider making an appointment with your stylist to discuss micro fringe.
Toves-Vincilione echoes the sentiment that micro bangs can be a bit of a commitment — especially if you have never had bangs before. “Micro bangs can be quite the big change!” he says. “It can show off your facial features in a completely new way and open up doors for a new look.” He notes that you may find yourself wanting to make other changes to embrace your cool, edgy new look. “Be mindful that your makeup routine may need to shift in order to bring the final look to life,” he says. “Embrace more dramatic makeup and wardrobe and be prepared to style your micro bangs every day to keep them looking fresh.”
How to Style Micro Bangs
How to Style Micro Bangs on Straight Hair
“Styling your micro bangs straight will give the full, bold fantasy that you see in inspiration photos,” says Toves-Vincilione. “You’ll want to get really comfortable with a blow dryer, as most flat irons are too big to properly smooth out bangs this short.”
On days when you’re planning to style your bangs, start by shampooing and conditioning, then prepping with a shaping cream or volumizing mousse.
“When styling micro bangs on straight hair, it’s important to keep the root direction in mind,” adds Stenson. “I would recommend prepping damp hair with a volume root spray, like Matrix High Amplify Wonder Boost Root Lifter, and use a paddle brush to brush the hair from side to side while blow-drying the hair down toward the face.” This will give your bangs subtle volume and movement.
Toves-Vincilione also recommends this method of blow-drying, called the flat-wrap technique. “This method consists of firm brush strokes with blow-dryer heat from one side to the other,” he says. “Blow-dry everything to the left until almost dry, then repeat towards the right. Follow up with downward motion to arrange the bangs perfectly smooth on your forehead.”
Once your hair is dry, you can amp up the sleekness and shine by going in with an oil or leave-in treatment. However, “for more longevity, keep your bangs free of product and only use a finishing product as needed for touch ups throughout the day,” advises Toves-Vincilione.
Our Favorite Hair Products for Straight Hair
Matrix High Amplify Wonder Boost Root Lifter
Boost the volume of your straight hair and keep it from falling flat with the Matrix High Amplify Wonder Boost Root Lifter. This product is especially great if you have fine hair — you can apply it just to your roots to give them a little extra lift, or spray it all over for a fully volumized look.
Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine 10-in-1 Leave-In Spray
If your hair is dry or prone to frizz and fly-aways, you’ll be obsessed with the Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine 10-in-1 Leave-In Spray. Keeping your bangs sleek and shiny has never been so easy. Mist your hair with this spray before styling or in between washes.
Authentic Beauty Concept Amplify Mousse
Another volumizing product, the Authentic Beauty Concept Amplify Mousse gives life and body to straight, fine hair. Bonus: It also protects against heat damage when you use it before blow-drying.
How to Style Micro Bangs on Wavy and Curly Hair
If you have curls or waves, Stenson recommends letting your micro bangs air-dry or styling them with a diffuser to enhance your natural curl pattern. “The bangs should be prepped with Matrix A Curl Can Dream Light Hold Gel and combed with a wide-tooth comb, then allowed to dry in natural fall,” he says.
Another thing to keep in mind if you decide to wear your bangs with your natural curly or wavy texture rather than straightening them is that wet styling will become your best friend.
Toves-Vincilione agrees that your best options are air-drying or blow-drying with a diffuser. “Always start on freshly cleansed and conditioned hair,” he says. “Apply a leave-in conditioner to assist in detangling and moisture retention. Next, apply a shaping cream, mousse, balm or any medium-hold hairstyling product directly to your wet hair. Allow to air dry or use a diffuser for more volume & efficiency.”
Pro tip: If your bangs aren’t laying the way you’d like them to, Stenson suggests using flat duckbill clips at the root to mold them into place until they air-dry. This creates structure and adds a cool, piece-y effect. Once your bangs are completely dry, you can finish with a hairspray or oil to define your curls or waves.
Our Favorite Hair Products for Wavy and Curly Hair
Matrix A Curl Can Dream Light Hold Gel
As recommended by Stenson, this hair gel from Matrix defines curls and coils, as well as helps to hold them in place without flaking or crunching. It’s perfect for highlighting your choppy micro bangs look.
Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength 7 Oil Blend Scalp & Hair Oil
This weightless hair oil is the key to keeping curly and wavy hair strong, moisturized and healthy-looking. It also nourishes your scalp and protects against hair breakage and split ends.
L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray
The new Elnett formula from L’Oréal Paris locks your look in place with a lasting yet brushable hold. You don’t have to worry about classic hairspray pet peeves like crunchiness, strong scents and residue with this flexible, unscented option.
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