6 Tips for Styling Micro Bangs

Micro bangs — you’ve seen them on the runway and on your favorite celebrities (who somehow pull them off so well) — are the latest in eccentric hairstyle trends that we want in on. Micro bangs, also known as baby bangs are super-short bangs that reach an inch or two down your forehead. They’re super short, undeniably bold and they are not going to be for everyone. 

While bangs are a beauty trend in their own right, they require extra maintenance, commitment and styling and even more goes into having micro bangs. But, sometimes the extra work is worth the reward. Snipping your bangs to a micro length instantly takes your hairstyle to the next level and adds an effortless, cool factor to your overall look. 

Before you go reaching for your scissors, you’ll want to read on to learn how to determine if micro bangs are right for you and to get tips on styling them once you’ve made the cut.

Should You Get Micro Bangs?

Getting a trim (or a hair dusting) is a pretty simple and common hair decision but snipping your strands to micro bangs status is not. There are a few major points to think about before committing to this itty bitty length. 

First, take your hair type into account — straight hair is the best pairing for micro bangs while wavy or curly hair is better off opting for a slightly less micro version or choppy fringe since curly hair can experience shrinkage. Micro bangs require constant trims to keep their baby length along with extra styling and blow drying to keep them smooth. If you’re someone who doesn’t like to spend much time on their hair, especially as you get ready, then micro bangs may not be the best fit. 

Look at your face shape before committing to micro bangs and find inspiration pictures that mimic your features and hair type. Micro bangs tend to look best on long and oval faces because they elongate. 

Finally, the last point seems pretty obvious but take a look at just how short micro bangs actually are. While your bangs will continue to grow there’s no going back (at least for a few months) once you make the chop. This edgy style definitely requires a bit of confidence (and work) but arguably, the risk is worth the reward when you pull them off and truly enjoy them. 

6 Styling Tips for Micro Bangs

Once you decide that micro bangs are for you, your hair routine is definitely going to need some adjustments. While micro bangs may look effortless when they are styled, it takes a good amount of work to get there. Follow our tips below to learn how to manage this short style and how to keep your micro bangs looking their best.

1. Use a Boar Bristle Brush

A boar bristle brush can help smooth your hair which can make for easy styling. If you brush your micro bangs and find that they look and lay smooth, feel free to skip the hot tools and go about your day. Once you find the right routine, products and practices, being able to brush your micro bangs into place can cut back on a lot of maintenance.

2.  Make Sure You Have Dry Shampoo on Hand

Micro bangs are such a small area of hair and they tend to show oil quicker than the rest of your hair since they lay on your forehead. Dry shampoo is going to be your best friend. We recommend the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Tinted Dry Shampoo for Blonde Hair for light hair and redheads and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Tinted Dry Shampoo for Brown Hair for dark hair. This tinted dry shampoo helps absorb excess oil without any residue or weigh down.

3. Sleep With a Silk Headband On

If you shower and style your micro bangs at night, sleep with a silk headband on to help your bangs lay flat. Without the headband, rolling around in bed could provoke your micro bangs to set in every direction, making them harder to style in the morning.

Editor’s tip: Along with a silk headband, consider sleeping on a silk pillowcase to help reduce friction and keep the rest of your strands smooth for easy styling.

4. Purchase a Mini Flat Iron

Micro bangs are miniature and with hair that short, it can be pretty difficult to flat iron them. The slim, small shape of a mini flat iron allows you to reach even the tiniest hairs. Whether you’re reaching for a mini flat iron or another hot tool, always prime your strands with a heat protectant before using heat on your hair. We love the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum Leave-In or the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Weightless Blow Dry Primer, Heat Protectant. It’s also good practice to use your flat iron on the lowest temperature setting and only pass through each section of hair once if possible.

5. Don’t Forget Hairspray

A light, flexible hairspray, like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold, Light Hairspray Unscented can be magic for your micro bangs. Spritz some onto your bangs to help set your style without weighing down your hair.

6. Use Less Product

As we said, your micro bangs are going to get oily much quicker than the rest of your hair because they lay on your forehead. Since your micro bangs are such a small area of hair, it’s important to address the amount of product you apply to them and how many products you use. 

Focusing too much product on the front of your hair and on your micro bangs can cause them to look oily. To fix this issue, opt for a versatile leave-in like the L’Oréal Paris Ever Pure Sulfate-Free 21-in-1 Color Caring Spray, Leave In. The spray applicator allows you to concentrate product on certain areas of your hair and with 21 benefits in a single treatment — including heat protection, frizz control and softness to name a few — you won’t need to use multiple products.

Next: 25 Hairstyles for Greasy Hair That Will Hide Oily Roots

Edited by: Reece Andavolgyi, Photo by: Chelsea IG @/hair_ritualist, Design by: Crystal Simone