How To Style Wispy Bangs Like a Pro

There are so many fringe styles to choose from, but we’ve always had a special place in our hearts for wispy bangs. These soft, airy bangs are light, chic, and flattering on just about every hair type and texture. Better yet, wispy bangs are super easy to style—provided you have the right tools (and products) on hand.

Whether you’re new to fringe or are simply on the hunt for a way to update your go-to blunt bangs, keep scrolling. Ahead, we’ll explain what wispy bangs are and explain how to style wispy bangs without a ton of effort. Plus, we’ll share a look at some of our favorite hairstyles to rock with your airy new cut.

What Are Wispy Bangs?

Wispy bangs are the polar opposite of blunt, full fringe. As the name suggests, this bang style is light and airy and tends to be a lot less full than classic bangs. Oftentimes, wispy bangs are longer than traditional fringe, hitting at or just below the brow bone. They may also be tapered at the sides, which lends the look an effortless, lived-in vibe. Feathering is also a key element of wispy bangs—a slight unevenness in the length of the ends adds body and movement to the style, further emphasizing the style’s laid-back feel. You can wear them with a middle part, like curtain bangs, or pushed into a side part—but most commonly, they’re left to fall delicately over the forehead and brows.

What Face Shape Suits Wispy Bangs?

Because they’re not too structured, wispy bangs can be flattering on just about everybody. That being said, the most flattering cut will be one that’s tailored to your unique features. Classic wispy bangs add a softness that perfectly balances angular features, including those with square and rectangular faces. If you have a more rounded face, you may want to opt for wispy curtain bangs or feathered U-shaped bangs to draw attention to your high cheekbones.

Ultimately, it’s an incredibly versatile cut that can be made to complement any face shape. If you’re looking to play up your natural bone structure, we suggest visiting an experienced stylist who can customize the cut to complement your favorite features.

How To Get Wispy Bangs

If you’re interested in updating your ‘do with wispy bangs, there are a few things you may want to ask your stylist. First, emphasize lightness and movement—both of these characteristics are key elements of wispy bangs (and what makes the feathery fringe so flattering). It’s also a good idea to ask your stylist to cut your bangs at slightly different lengths so the ends aren’t completely uniform. This can help avoid that full, curtain-like quality thick blunt bangs occasionally get. You want lots of texture—and the right cutting technique can help you achieve that.

We also suggest bringing plenty of inspiration pictures to show your stylist. Armed with photos, you can show your stylist exactly the kind of look you’re going for, which can give them a clear idea of how to proceed.

How To Style Wispy Bangs

One of the biggest draws of wispy bangs is that, cut properly, they’re very easy to style (so if you’re someone who prefers low-maintenance hairstyles, you’re definitely in luck). Depending on your natural hair texture, you may be able to rock your fringe as-is—just comb them into place when they’re wet to help them dry in the right direction. If air-drying doesn’t yield the results you’re looking for, here are a few tips for styling your feathery fringe.

If your hair is flat: Those with finer hair may notice that their hair tends to fall flat when left to its own devices. To counteract this, try blow-drying your bangs with a round brush (it’ll help give your bangs shape and body). Make sure to prep your strands with a heat protectant before grabbing the blow dryer to help prevent unnecessary damage. We love the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Weightless Blow Dry Primer for 48 HR Frizz Control.

If your hair lacks volume: Another way to amp up the volume is to work a volumizing mousse through your hair while it’s damp. The L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse is a great pick, as it provides extra strong hold but feels soft to the touch. It also provides heat protection, so you can use it before heat-styling your fringe.

If you want more texture: For edgy, piecey texture, swap out the mousse for a workable hair putty, like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Overworked Hair Putty. The reworkable formula texturizes and helps define the hair and dries down to a clean-looking, matte finish. To use it, rub a small amount between your palms and work it through your bangs, concentrating the product at the root.

If your bangs get oily: When you spot your bangs getting greasy or limp, mist them with a dry shampoo. The right formula should help absorb excess oil while giving your hair a boost of volume and body.

15 Hairstyles With Wispy Bangs We Love

You can pair wispy bangs with pretty much any hairstyle. To help inspire your next chop, here are 15 ways we love to rock the fluttery fringe.

1. High ponytail

Feathery bangs put a stylish spin on your go-to day-off ‘do. To create the look, mist your roots with dry shampoo for a bit of grip and body, then gather your strands into a high ponytail at the crown of your head. Secure the ponytail with an elastic or a scrunchie, then fluff up your fringe for the perfect two-minute hairstyle.

2. Long, loose waves

One of our favorite ways to rock wispy bangs with long hair is to wear your strands with a bit of a tousled wave. If your hair tends to get frizzy or poofy when left to its own devices, scrunch a leave-in conditioner throughout your mane while it’s still damp. We love the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Leave-In Conditioner, which moisturizes the hair and fights frizz without any weigh-down.

Makeup for upturned eyes

To complement the naturally lifted shape of upturned eyes, try creating a winged eyeliner look with the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner. The longwear liquid eyeliner has a felt tip for precise application, so you can get very close to your lash line without the fear of irritating your eyes. For a softer (but similarly flattering) look, create a shadow wing with L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Noir Cest Noir and an angled eyeliner brush.

Makeup for hooded eyes

The key to doing makeup on hooded eyes is to ensure your products don’t smear or transfer due to the fold on your eyes. To ensure your mascara doesn’t smudge against your top eyelid, opt for a waterproof mascara like the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara, which adds volume and length to the lashes and stays put all day. And always be sure to set your eyeshadow (and the rest of your makeup) with a long-lasting setting spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist.

There are no rules when it comes to makeup 一 that’s part of what makes it a fun, creative outlet. However, creating makeup looks that are flattering to your unique features requires a true understanding of your facial structure, especially your eyes. 

If you’re hoping to up your eye makeup game and create looks that will complement your distinct looks, knowing your eye shape will go a long way. If you’re not sure what you’re working with, keep reading to learn how to determine your eye shape — you can actually do it in just three simple steps.

13. Messy ponytail

While it’s messy—by design—there’s something about a tousled, textured pony that feels incredibly chic. We’re especially fond of how a bouncy, lived-in pony pairs with choppy, overgrown bangs. If you need a play-by-play on how to perfect your updo, check out our article How to Achieve an Effortless Messy Ponytail.

14. Wispy curtain bangs

Wispy curtain bangs are a great way to ease into bangs if you’re not sure whether or not you’re ready to commit to fringe. These long, face-framing bangs hit right around the top of the cheekbone, which means you can easily pin them up (or tuck them behind your ears) when you want your hair off of your face.

15. Half-up ponytail

Last but definitely not least, we have the classic half-up ponytail. Whether worn sleek and straight or with lots of volume and texture, this easy hairstyle allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds. Wear yours with brow-skimming bangs for a classic hairstyle that can easily take you from day to night.

Next Up: 20 Layered Hairstyles We Can’t Get Enough Of

Photo Credit: Ryenne Snow, IG/@ryennesnow.hair