Cool Celebrity-Inspired Hairstyles With Bangs

 

Some things become trends because they're totally new and captivating. Other things become trends based on sheer hype. Yet, it's not often something becomes a trend because it's practical. But in these unprecedented times, sensibleness and limited resources (no regular hair appointments) are just the things to make grown-out bangs a trend. Holly Dear, founder of Dear Clark and House of Dear (coming late February 2021), says that grown-out bangs are the natural progression of quarantine and people going months without a haircut.

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With salons closing in 2020, people were left with the option of cutting their own hair or letting layers grow. A few wonky fringes were enough for many people to embrace longer, grown-out bangs and make them a proper trend that is continuing into this year. You've hit that awkward in-between stage. But don't touch the scissors. "You'll only be more frustrated in the end," said hairstylist John Barrett. Instead, he recommended "being patient and knowing you still have many options."

Here, he shares his tips for how to manage and style your hair until you hit your perfect length.

Curtain bangs are part of the look

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It also encompasses shorter styles, longer layers, bangs parted on the side and ones swept off the face in a chic French girl vibe. If you've had bangs and let them do their thing, congrats, you're part of the trend. Now, embrace growing lengths with these looks from ladies with famous fringes of all heights. And remember this advice from Gina Rivera, founder of Phenix Salon Suites, by Gina, & Colours by Gina: "The great thing about bangs is that there are no set rules on how to wear them."

To the Cheek

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Georgia May Jagger makes a very strong case for long curly bangs after allowing her signature fringe to grow out to her cheekbones.

Full and Thick

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The transition between "proper" bangs and grown-out ones CAN be seamless. Take a lead from Ella Balinska and begin parting your fringe down the center as it grows. We encourage trying the bouncy half-up, half-down hairstyle, too.

Center Split

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Long or short, Louise Follain has mastered the art of insouciant bangs, but we're definitely digging these longer curtain bangs.

The Shag Is Back

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Presenting the J.Lo shag. Allow your bangs to grow and amp up the texture. You can always ask your hairstylist later on to cut some layers to achieve the flirty shape like Jennifer Lopez. Hairstylist and Director of Education at Flow Melanie Bolton says that the super shag cut is one of the hottest looks of 2021.

Oh So 70s

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You've heard it here first: The 70s hair trend is in full swing so make like Kacey Musgraves and consider it when styling longer bangs.

Down the Sides

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Alexa Chung has been our fringespiration for over a decade and that shows no sign of abating thanks to this half updo and long bangs combo.

Eye Level

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Long and straight grown-out bangs leave plenty of room to play with updos and half updos. Take a cue from Suki Waterhouse with a piecey half-up style.

Let It Grow

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Grown-out fringe? Shorter layers? Don't worry about terminology. Just know that the longer layers add even more softness to any updo.

Bangs have a bad rap for being an irrational move when we're going through a new phase in life or are craving change. Understandably, they’re a quick and easy way to switch up your look, but there's a very rational argument for why bangs—when cut correctly—can elevate your style entirely.

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"I think the great thing about a fringe is that you can use it to really change up any haircut," says Ashley Streicher, a celebrity hairstylist. "Long, layered, bobbed, and shaggy can all add to a fringe to really change the look. It's like an added accessory."

Unlike a traditional bang, a fringe bang is longer, hitting either right above or along the brow line—and it doesn’t require months of growing out your hair to get them tucked back behind your ears, should you have a change of heart.

Curly Crop With Bangs

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Halle Berry's short curly crop is well-rounded with a bit of fringe grazing her forehead. Here, bangs help pull this style together entirely.

Stick-Straight

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Shay Mitchell’s fringe lays down stick-straight over her brows, but her smoky eye helps keep her eyes from being overshadowed.

Natural Part

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Alexa Chung has always had bangs to lust over. Here, she lets a side part naturally peek through her fringe. If this isn't a natural occurrence for you, you can assist your fringe by placing it in the desired position with no-crease clips while wet. We like Harry Josh Pro Tools Pro Makeup & Wave Setting Clips ($18).

Feathered Fringe

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Freida Pinto’s feathered fringe lends itself to effortless movement. To keep this style from becoming high maintenance, showing up for your appointment with clean, dry hair, styled the way you always style it, will enable your stylist to give you a quick, dry cut and provide the immediate gratification you’re looking for.

Short and Piece-y

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Sophia Amoruso traded in her famous micro-bangs for a bit of a (semi) longer fringe. For a similar look, Leela says to ensure the cut and length of fringe frames your face well. "The best cut with a fringe is something that harmoniously blends the cut and fringe together," she says. "Stay away from solely asking for a fringe without cutting the rest of the hair, as the stylist will not have the opportunity to marry the two."

Feather-Light Bangs

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If you have thicker, heavier hair like Constance Wu, ask your stylist to cut into your bangs for a lighter, piece-y look. Mist with a product like Aveda Brilliant Damage Control ($23) to keep hair shiny.

Wavy Bob With Bangs

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As if this texture wasn’t already something we’d want to replicate on its own, the addition of these long textured bangs on Carey Mulligan have us swooning, too.
To help set your bangs, use a wet texture product like surf spray, pin your bangs in the desired position with no crease clips, and very lightly blow-dry with a diffuser.

Voluminous Waves With Soft Bangs

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Camila Cabello’s fringe is a minor detail amidst her big, wavy mane. For a similar look, ask your stylist to bring a very small section forward when cutting your new fringe.

Gradual Layers

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Kirsten Dunst wears her long fringe split down the middle, cascading down gradually into her face-framing layers. Check out our guide on how to cut your own hair for a slide-cutting technique that can help you get face-framing layers from the comfort of your home.

'60s Lob With Bangs

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Winnie Harlow’s look was one to watch on the CFDA red carpet, pairing her fringe with a slightly flipped-out lob. It's a statement look, though, so if you're looking to replicate something similar, there are some things to keep in mind. "Important things to ask your stylist or keep in mind are things like: Do you wear glasses, and where should they sit with frames on?" says Leela. "How much maintenance is involved and how to style it? What products will I need? Which length is suitable for my face shape?"

Mod Fringe

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A long fringe looks great with this mod-inspired, half-up half-down ‘do on Bryce Dallas Howard. When you go see your stylist and request a fringe like the one seen here, be sure to wear your hair in its natural state (or, if you’re someone who under no circumstances will leave the house without straightening or blow-drying your hair, then so be it). Point being, you want your stylist to see you as you always are.

Side Part

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A good fringe doesn’t have to lay straight down. If you have a natural side part, you can still opt for a fringe that caresses the brow line, as seen here on Taraji P. Henson.
To keep it styled throughout the day, keep a bottle of texturizing bang spray handy. "It’s great to have on hand for volume and stay ability—for bangs to keep from separating or getting too flat," says Streicher.

Face-Framing Fringe

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Kelly Rowland's short bob creates a focal point on her beautiful face with the help of full, eyebrow-obscuring bangs.

Tousled Fine Hair With Bangs

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Even if you have fine hair like Kate Moss, a little fringe and some razor-cut layers can really add a lot of body and effortless movement to your strands.

Side Swoop

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Since a good fringe is long to start with, it can give you more versatility than your average bang. Try pushing them over into a side swoop a la Karlie Kloss when in between trims.

A-Frame Bangs With Ponytail

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Style queen Zendaya's high ponytail is perfectly complemented by these soft, full bangs, bookended by longer, face-framing pieces on the side.

Long and Straight

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Elizabeth Olsen pairs her long locks with a long fringe and it has us wondering if we should be growing out our hair, too. For straight and shiny hair like Olsen's use a product such as AG Hair Smooth Set It Straight Argan Straightening Lotion ($20).

Curly Shag

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The only thing we love more than a messy, curly shag is a messy, curly shag with accompanying curly bangs. Gabrielle Union's version is giving us serious disco feelings.

Half-Up

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Zooey Deschanel has pledged herself to maintaining good bangs. If you’re hesitant about making the switch, try starting out with a longer fringe as seen here. You’ll be looking like a new girl yourself in no time.

Baby Bangs

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Keke Palmer keeps things neat and petite with this chic pixie. Because the bangs are proportionate to the length of the cut, they look more sophisticated and less third-grade-bowl-cut.

Ballerina Bun

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Shailene Woodley keeps her fringe prim and proper with this ballerina bun. To style this look, try dry shampoo rather than washing hair from scratch. "Dry shampoo and texture sprays will definitely be your friend," says Streicher. "Because bangs lay on the forehead, which tends to be oily, you will want to keep this hair as oil-free as possible." Streicher recommends R+Co Balloon Dry Volume Spray ($32), which she says keeps bangs "full with fluffy volume and absorbs any oils from your forehead that could possibly cause separation."

Sweeping Shag

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There's not a hairstyle on J.Lo's head that we haven't seen and immediately wanted on our own. This shag with swooping curtain bangs is certainly no exception.

Messy-on-Purpose Updo

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"I think Dakota Johnson is a perfect example of how bangs accentuate and balance the face," says Leela. The actress wears her fringe au natural, allowing her bangs to naturally cinch just above the brow line.

Waved Long Fringe

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Gemma Chan's side-parted style is great for those wanting to try curtain bangs or even grow out their current fringe.

Faux Fringe

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If you’re unsure about making the leap and cutting a fresh fringe, try grabbing some clip-ins first. Kendall Jenner’s faux fringe had us fooled.

 

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