What are wispy bangs?

Wispy bangs are similar to blunt bangs with a more feathery quality. Sometimes this is a natural effect created by the hair type, texture, or density but it can also be cut into the bang by an experienced stylist.

What are peekaboo bangs?

Peekaboo bangs are an iteration of blunt bangs. They have a uniquely layered cut that allows for glimpses of the forehead to peek through, whereas traditional blunt bangs typically cover the entirety of the forehead and lend a heavier, more dense appearance.

What is the difference between curtain bangs and wispy bangs?

Wispy bangs differ from curtain bangs in that curtain bangs are longer and parted down the middle to frame the face. The two are not necessarily exclusive of one another, as they can be merged into flattering combinations like those shown above.

What face shape suits wispy bangs?

As our experts mentioned, oval and heart-shaped faces work well with wispy bangs. If you have a different face shape, just talk with your hairstylist to find the most flattering iteration for your features.

55 Ways to Wear Wispy Bangs

Dakota Johnson, Sienna Miller, Yara Shahidi, Wispy Bangs — Getty Images / Instagram @yarashahidi / Byrdie

For many of us, bangs are a rite of passage. As children, we had no choice but to sit in the salon (or kitchen) chair while our moms, aunties, or grandmothers dictated that a blunt bang was to be our signature look. Today, they often carry the torch for symbolic life transitions that are accompanied by dramatic style switch-ups. That's a lot of baggage for a haircut to carry, but bangs needn't be so intimidating. In fact, they have a ton of versatility to offer, with various lengths and shapes to flatter all hair types and face shapes. The most accessible of all? Light, wispy bangs that can be worn on thicker, textured hair to break up the density that can weigh down the face– or on thinner hair to help effortlessly add shape. What can't a wispy bang do?!

"If you want something fun that'll incorporate new styles into your regular hair routine, wispy bangs can be a simple way to do just that," says hair expert Megan Giaimo. We tapped Giaimo and hairstylist Gregga Prothero to get their input on what to consider as you begin the journey to wispy bangs.

Meet the Experts

Gregga Prothero is a master stylist and founder of Gregga LA.
Megan Giaimo is a former hairstylist, educator, and salon owner. She specialized in healthy hair transformations and color for blondes.

Below, find 55 of our favorite ways celebrities are wearing the light, wispy bang trend.

01 of 55

Choppy Cascade

selena gomez with wavy shag and bangs in black silk top — @selenagomez / Instagram

Wispy bangs are often cut with a feather razor on thicker hair to give it that airy, edgy look. Here, Selena Gomez wears her razor-cut wisps at choppy lengths around the eye line.

02 of 55

Full and Fluffy Curls

yara shahidi with coily curly hair and bangs in front of fuschia background — @yarashahidi / Instagram

Yara Shahidi's soft, voluminous curls—including her barely-there bangs—are the epitome of cool. Keep your coils hydrated with moisturizing leave-in conditioners and amp up fullness with something like Sexy Hair Big Sexy Hair Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray.

03 of 55

Glossy and Choppy

lily collins with wispy bangs and long blown out hair in leather shirt against white brick wall — @lilyjcollins / Instagram

Lily Collins's wispy bangs come with choppy ends of varying lengths, albeit subtle. Hitting right at her lashes, they work to draw attention to her eyes. To style, "Go for a lighter product with some hold, like Davines' This is a Texturizing Serum. This creates body, structure, and shape while you blow-dry," explains Prothero. "Avoid too heavy products that have too much oil because it can cause the bangs to look greasy."

04 of 55

Overgrown Curtain

hailey bieber in white dress at vmas with piecey overgrown bangs — @haileybieber / Instagram

Here, one of our favorite hair muses, Hailey Bieber, is wearing her hair up while letting her bangs frame her face. "Wispy bangs are the softer feathery version of the blunt straight-across bangs," explains Prothero. "They differ from curtain bangs in that curtain bangs are parted down the middle and are cut longer to frame your face on both sides." If you can't decide between the two, go for Bieber's version, which is something of a wispy curtain-bang mash-up.

Byrdie Tip

If you have grown-out curtain bangs and want to try something a little gutsier, ask your stylist to take a feather razor to your center pieces for an easy trim. This simple detailing will take you from curtain bangs to a wispy, feathered fringe—you'll be in and out of the salon in a few minutes with a very different look.

05 of 55

Brow-Framing Fringe

priyanka chopra jonas with layered hair and wispy bangs in blue shirt — @priyankachopra / Instagram

We love the way these brow-grazing bangs tie in with Priyanka Chopra Jonas's longer layers. "While wispy bangs are fresh and stylish, they do require regular shaping maintenance and daily styling efforts," Giaimo notes. The perk is that you look effortlessly edgy between trims.

06 of 55

Extended Lifespan

elizabeth olsen in red off the shoulder dress with bobs and long wispy straight bangs — @elizabetholsendaily / Instagram

If your wispy bangs are overdue for a trim, give them a little boost of volume to keep them lifted out of your eyes while still sporting that rock and roll vibe. Spritz some of Oribe's Dry Texturizing Spray at the roots before blow-drying, and use a small round brush or Mason Pearson to help morph them to your desired shape.

07 of 55

Sweeping Fringe

Suki Waterhouse with red lips and face framing fringe — @sukiwaterhouse / Instagram

"Cowlicks are another factor to take into consideration," says Giaimo. "Depending on where the cowlick is, wispy bangs may not lay properly on their own." Prothero agrees: "What this hairstyle really depends on is the density of hair and if the hair has any cowlicks or quirks in texture at the front hairline. These will factor in most in determining the length and the amount of thickness that is cut for the bangs," she says. Unless your cowlick is directly near the front of the hairline, you should be good to go. Even a smaller off-center cowlick, with a little daily styling, can offer a piecey, sweeping fringe.

08 of 55

Shag With Blended Bangs

Hoyeon shag haircut with wispy bangs in louis vuitton ascot — @jennychohair / Instagram

If you're into heavily layered haircuts, may we introduce: the shag. This cut works best on medium to thick density hair and nearly all textures. And while you don't have to have bangs for this cut, just one look at actress HoYeon Jung's 'do has us saying, "Why not?"

09 of 55

Long, Piecey Curls

Zazie Beetz with natural updo, black dress and diamond necklace — Getty Images

We love the way Zazie Beetz sports a light, wispy bang in her naturally curly texture, which may require an array of tools to achieve, according to Giaimo. "Regular shears can provide that baseline shape," she says, "but polishing the look off with a razor will help give that texture and movement to blend into the rest of the hair."

10 of 55

Feathered Fringe

Dakota Johnson with wispy bangs, natural makeup and chandelier earrings in black spaghetti strap dress — Getty Images

Dakota Johnson's known for her soft, feathery bangs and face-framing wisps, which keep her fine hair from falling flat. Keeping a straight edge cut above the brow line will help give the illusion of fullness. "Also, if you have natural curly to wavy hair, prepare to straighten your bangs to achieve this look," notes Prothero. Make sure to prep the hair with a heat protectant like the OGX Bond Protein Repair Heat Protect Multi-Tasker Spray.

11 of 55

Bits 'n Bobs

Rashida Jones with gold earrings and short bob in one shoulder black dress — Getty Images

Light, wispy bangs are the best little bits to accompany your bob. Giaimo notes that this style can bring the hair a lot of volume around the face without a lot of daily effort required, especially on finer hair types.

12 of 55

Short Side Bangs

Olivia Wilde with short side swept bangs in front of red roses — Getty Images

Bangs don't need to be light and wispy all over to fit the criteria. These side bangs are a perfect example of how to gradually work your way into a fuller bang from the more approachable wispy look.

13 of 55

Face-Framing Fringe

"The good news about wispy bangs is it works well with all hair types and textures and it’s easy to pull off," Prothero tells us. This face-framing fringe is seriously cool, and the light, wispy texture has everything to do with it. Plus, we love the way any updo can highlight the bangs as such a strong statement.

14 of 55

Soft, Wispy Layers

Kirsten Dunst with soft wispy blonde lob — Getty Images

Soft, wispy layers pair well with soft, wispy bangs. This note is specifically directed to all our thin and straight-haired friends. Adding layers with a feather razor can bring a lot of that desirable texture into the hair, and bring those bangs into a cohesively cool look.

15 of 55

Textured Wisps

zendaya in pink glitter jacket and curly hair with curly bangs — @zendaya / Instagram

Sometimes a haircut says it all, like this layered mid-length look on Zendaya, which features wispy, textured bangs. Working with your texture to provide a shape it can fall into naturally can be the make-or-break deal behind sporting your curls.

16 of 55

Brow Length

Jessica Biel with brow grazed bangs, glossy brow waves in front of blue wall — Getty Images

A common length for light, wispy bangs is to let them graze right at the brow line, parting their way around the face with ease. The stark contrast against longer lengths makes for a great statement bang. "This style works well with all face shapes. However, if you tend to break out easily and have a very oily t-zone or are prone to sweating, this can make the bangs very greasy and look stringy," comments Prothero. To combat greasy bangs, she recommends Davines This is a Texturizing Dust.

17 of 55

Curtain Bangs

Halle Berry with long wispy piecey bangs — Getty Images

These curtain bangs are longer and wispier than the norm, but they're a great way to break things up and can ease into soft, face-framing layers effortlessly. "Any type of wispy bang," Giaimo says, "can dress up a simple ponytail or bun, creating a much softer look."

18 of 55

Barely There Bangs

Brunette with wispy bangs — @nikkilee901 / Instagram

Camilla Cabello's wispy bangs are barely there, but just there enough to make a sexy statement. Notice how they blend right in with her curtain bangs? It gives her style that much more versatility.

19 of 55

Piecey and Face-Framing

Bella Hadid with piecey bangs, gold hoops — Getty Images

These long, piecey bits frame Bella Hadid's face shape effortlessly. Face shape is another important consideration for any type of bangs, says Giaimo. "Heart and oval face shapes are excellent candidates for wispy bangs, in my opinion."

20 of 55

Center Part

Rihanna with parted wispy bangs in brown silk top — Getty Images

Even with a stubborn center parting that won't budge, wispy bangs are proven to look flattering. Rihanna complements her bangs' lightweight movement with piecey, textured waves all around.

21 of 55

Coarser Cuts

Penelope Cruz with coarse wispy bangs in front of porsche sing — Getty Images

If you have a lot of hair that's thicker in density, ask your stylist to remove some of the weight from your bangs by cutting directly into them for that lighter, wispier look. This way, the bangs can get pushed around casually, and you'll have the assurance that they aren't sitting too bulky all over.

22 of 55

Overdirected Side Bangs

If you have commitment phobia, don't worry, we get it. Instead of cutting length to get this look, try overdirecting a few longer strands beside your side bangs to give your 'do a wispier, fashion-forward look.

23 of 55

Different Textures

Tyra Banks with blown out wispy bangs and messy waves — GETTY

Light, wispy bangs have a softer feel to them than many of the heavier fringe options out there. One of the perks to this lighter look is how seamlessly different textures work together. If you want to wear your natural waves all over but want to smooth out your bangs, use a vented brush to push the hair from right to left at the roots while blow-drying. Make sure to tell your stylist how you plan to wear your bangs from day to day so they can cut with your needs in mind and offer any specific styling tips that'll benefit your desired outcome.

24 of 55

High-Brow Bangs

Laura Harrier with baby bangs, necklace, and sky blue silk dress — Getty Images

Even shorter lengths can have that airy quality that qualifies them as lighter, wispier bangs. For thicker fringe, like Laura Harrier's (faux) bangs, ask your stylist to lighten things up at the center of your bangs. This allows you both to collaborate until you find a level of wispiness that best suits you.

25 of 55

Wet and Wavy

Wispy bands get a side of edge à la textured bob. If you have thick tresses, going shorter will help remove some of your hair's weight and lend movement; however, it's important to incorporate long layers to help define your cut's shape. Wet-look styling will also keep hair from looking too "poufy."

26 of 55

Flipped Out

Zooey Deschanel wispy bangs and medium-length hair — Paul Archuleta / FilmMagic / Getty Images

The ever-stunning Zooey Deschanel is pretty much the poster girl for bangs, and these wispy ones are at the top of our list. To keep thick hair from feeling too heavy, break up your bangs like Deschanel by separating strands post-blowout using a light styling cream.

27 of 55

Bouncy Curls

Nathalie Emmanuel natural curly wispy bangs in emerald green blazer — David M. Benett / Getty images

Nathalie Emmanuel's curls lend texture and interest to her fringe. To get her bouncy bangs, it's important to keep curls moisturized. Try a styling product like Carol's Daughter Hair Milk Nourishing & Conditioning Styling Pudding.

28 of 55

Long and Straight

Long, straight hair pairs well with bangs of the same variety. To pull off wispy bangs, "Always have your bangs styled; meaning, this look isn’t a wash and go," emphasizes Prothero. "You’ll need to at least make sure the shape of the wispy bangs is to your liking via blow drying and styling. It doesn’t take very long to do but is a necessary step in maintaining the look," she says.

29 of 55

Mussy Curls

Sandra Oh curly wispy bangs updo in white blingy shirt — Mike Marsland / WireImage / Getty Images

Forget the messy bun (okay, maybe not entirely), Sandra Oh makes a strong case for the messy ponytail. Her curly bangs and pulled-out, face-framing tendrils are what make this look visually effortless. The best part? It doesn't have to look perfect; the messier, the better.

30 of 55

Short and Choppy

Kat Graham short wispy bangs and braid — Getty Images

Wispy bangs don't have to be long, just look at Kat Graham as proof. She turned heads when she debuted this look at Cannes. With a sleek braid and choppy bangs, it's Sporty Spice meets modern-day Caesar.

31 of 55

Thick and Choppy

Does Ciara ever have a bad hair day? The answer is a resounding "no." Just look at the way she upgrades the classic bob with loads of texture—bangs included. Not only does it create some edge, but it also frames her heart-shaped face perfectly. To keep your fringe looking fresh, "Wispy bangs need to be maintained by getting them cut every two and a half to three weeks," advises Prothero.

32 of 55

Stylized Wisps

Tessa Thompson with red side-parted hair and stylized wispy bangs in gold dress — @lacyredway / Instagram

Forget the Superman curl. We want Tessa Thompson's stylized wispy bangs to take their rightful place in superhero stardom.

33 of 55

Curly Tendrils

Rose Bertram curly bob and bangs in green silk dress — @rose_bertram / Instagram

Curls just want to have fun, right, Rose Bertram? Her beautiful blonde ringlets are full of body and bounce from root to tip, making this look a must-have for curly-haired girls. Try air-drying this style or using a diffuser to keep coils healthy and defined.

34 of 55

Wispy Waves

Winona Ryder wispy bangs and wavy lob in black and white outfit — @marcusrfrancis / Instagram

A shoulder-length cut is universally flattering, whether you're Winona Ryder—or the rest of us. And if you have thin or thinning hair, the shorter length and wavy texture of this 'do is super flattering. Wispy bangs are also the ideal accompaniment since they don't require much density like, say, a thick fringe would.

35 of 55

Blunt and Separated

Minha Kim updo with wispy bangs in white outfit — @emilychengmakeup / Instagram

Pachinko's Minha Kim lets her bangs do the talking with this simple, yet statement-making 'do. To replicate, style hair into a simple ponytail and pull out a few strands at each temple. Then, blow-dry bangs using your fingers to create separation. Finish with a light-hold hairspray like R+Co Outerspace Flexible Hairspray.

36 of 55

Face Framing

Maggie Q wispy bangs and messy bun in red rose outfit in front of wood wall — @maggieq / Instagram

There's more than one way to wear a topknot, but we are loving Maggie Q's version paired with fringe. Have your stylist cut your shortest layers at the chin and then pull these out after styling your hair into a high bun. The result is this perfectly face-framing look.

37 of 55

Blown Out

Ella Purnell textured bob with wispy bangs and heavy eyeliner — @ella_purnell / Instagram

Ella Purnell's blunt, textured bob is cool and casual. Use a round brush, such as the Moroccanoil Ceramic Round Brush, when blow-drying bangs to get them straight and volumized. As for the rest of your mane, spritz on some dry texturizing spray then simply tuck hair behind the ear for a neat finish.

38 of 55

'90s-Inspired

From her claw bangs to her double face-framing tendrils, Rowan Blanchard is giving us serious '90s vibes. To really take this look to the next level, top it off with your favorite hair accessory: a headband or barrettes, or better yet, some butterfly clips—but only if you dare.

39 of 55

Lightly Layered

Demi Lovato pixie with wispy bangs — @lacyredway / Instagram

Demi Lovato's bold look draws attention to her face, with bangs playing a starring role. To style, work some pomade through the bangs and muss them up a bit. Finish by spraying Fekkai Root Lift Volumizing Treatment at the root, which is especially helpful for adding some length to a round face.

40 of 55

Overgrown

If you haven't gotten around to trimming your bangs or are growing them out, do like Charlotte Gainsbourg and let overgrown bangs work for your rock-star chic aesthetic. This look requires incorporating long layers and texture, but also attitude. Wear it with confidence.

41 of 55

Beachy Bangs

Kaley Cuoco long beachy waves and wispy bangs — Steve Granitz / FilmMagic / Getty Images

Kaley Cuoco could have worn her beachy waves without bangs but instead, she opts for wispy bangs that add maturity and versatility to her overall look.

42 of 55

Blunt Baby Bangs

Emma Watson's blunt baby bangs pair perfectly with her shaggy lob, making for a complementary style that suits her face.

43 of 55

Faux Fringe

Teyana Taylor with curly, knotted topknots falling over forehead to create the appearance of wispy bangs — @lacyredway / Instagram

Love wispy bangs but not entirely ready to commit? Forgo the chop and let Teyana Taylor lead the way with curly topknots cascading over the forehead to create the appearance of fringe.

44 of 55

Lash Grazing

Michelle Monaghan ponytail with wispy bangs — Michael Tran / FilmMagic / Getty Images

Simple, yet stunning, wispy bangs can dress up even the most basic of updos. Case in point: Michelle Monaghan's high ponytail. The length, hitting just at her lashes, brings out her eyes—as would the right eyeshadow—but to maintain these bangs, frequent trimmings are a must, just FYI.

45 of 55

Above the Brow

Lea Michele at the Met Gala with a bob in a glittery silver michael kors dress — Getty Images

Lea Michele's bang and bob combo at the 2023 Met Gala was a classic and timeless look that paid homage to one of the star's idols: Barbra Streisand. Here, her wispy bangs are parted, with just a few pieces down the middle, skimming her eyebrows.

46 of 55

Natural Coils

Sometimes, bangs have a mind of their own. Tessa Thompson's natural coils go in every direction, making her wispy bangs that much more effortless (and interesting!) with this style.

47 of 55

Wispy Tendrils

Christian Serratos wears wispy, face-framing curly bangs and a half-up hairstyle — @christianserratos / Instagram

If you have curls, this is your sign not to write off wispy bangs. Even with just a few curls surrounding the hairline, they soften any look with a delicate, almost ethereal-like element.

48 of 55

Blended Into Pixie

Zoe Kravitz wears a pixie cut with baby bangs and oversized stud earrings — Getty Images

Zoë Kravitz's micro baby bangs are blended into her cropped pixie for a seamless look. We love the jagged texture they add, too.

49 of 55

Romantic Reveries

Camila Cabello long, side French braid with wispy bangs and face-framing strands — Steve Granitz / WireImage / Getty Images

Camila Cabello's wispy bangs are perfectly imperfect. A little messy at the top, her bangs blend into face-framing shorter pieces of hair, which match the loose French braid draped over her shoulder.

50 of 55

Graduated Fringe

Jenna Ortega with side-parted wispy bangs and updo — @jennychohair / Instagram

Jenna Ortega's fringed updo is what dreams are made of. The wispy bangs are not only side parted but elegantly graduated to blend with the 'do.

51 of 55

Wet-Look Wisps

Wet-look hair with wet, stylized bangs — @lacyredway / Instagram

Straight from the runways and onto our mood boards, these artfully stylized bangs are everything. The style takes the term wet-look seriously, not settling for merely damp strands.

52 of 55

Iconic Flick

Sabrina Carpenter with wispy bangs — @sabrinacarpenter / Instagram

What's the secret to Sabrina Carpenter's bombshell bangs? That ever-so-slight flick at the ends that gives added dimension to an otherwise rolled, blown-out bang.

Byrdie Tip

Apply a tiny bit of pomade or wax to the ends with your fingertips to accentuate the definition and provide long-lasting hold.

53 of 55

Spiky Styling

Hailey Bieber with spikey bangs and bun — @justinandersoncolor / Instagram

Spiky hairstyles are the very cornerstone of 90's hair. Hailey Bieber doubles up on the style with a spiky messy bun and spiked wispy bangs to match.

54 of 55

Statement 'Do

Lupito Nyong'o with wispy bangs and updo — Steve Granitz / FilmMagic

Lupita Nyong'o's braided updo packs the drama and a large part of that is thanks to her wispy, face-framing plaits.

55 of 55

Gorgeous Grunge

Textured french bob and wispy bangs — @anhcotran / Instagram

A bob and bang combo practically call for a chic, grungy look. This particular French bob looks even edgier courtesy of those textured, piecey bangs. Here, a combination of molding wax and texturizing cream were used for extra oomph.

FAQ

What are wispy bangs?

Wispy bangs are similar to blunt bangs with a more feathery quality. Sometimes this is a natural effect created by the hair type, texture, or density but it can also be cut into the bang by an experienced stylist.
What are peekaboo bangs?

Peekaboo bangs are an iteration of blunt bangs. They have a uniquely layered cut that allows for glimpses of the forehead to peek through, whereas traditional blunt bangs typically cover the entirety of the forehead and lend a heavier, more dense appearance.
What is the difference between curtain bangs and wispy bangs?

Wispy bangs differ from curtain bangs in that curtain bangs are longer and parted down the middle to frame the face. The two are not necessarily exclusive of one another, as they can be merged into flattering combinations like those shown above.
What face shape suits wispy bangs?

As our experts mentioned, oval and heart-shaped faces work well with wispy bangs. If you have a different face shape, just talk with your hairstylist to find the most flattering iteration for your features.

55 Ways to Wear Wispy Bangs—From Curtain Bangs to Blunt Cuts and French Fringe

Choppy Cascade

Full and Fluffy Curls

Glossy and Choppy

Overgrown Curtain

Brow-Framing Fringe

Extended Lifespan

Sweeping Fringe

Shag With Blended Bangs

Long, Piecey Curls

Feathered Fringe

Bits 'n Bobs

Short Side Bangs

Face-Framing Fringe

Soft, Wispy Layers

Textured Wisps

Brow Length

Curtain Bangs

Barely There Bangs

Piecey and Face-Framing

Center Part

Coarser Cuts

Overdirected Side Bangs

Different Textures

High-Brow Bangs

Wet and Wavy

Flipped Out

Bouncy Curls

Long and Straight

Mussy Curls

Short and Choppy

Thick and Choppy

Stylized Wisps

Curly Tendrils

Wispy Waves

Blunt and Separated

Face Framing

Blown Out

'90s-Inspired

Lightly Layered

Overgrown

Beachy Bangs

Blunt Baby Bangs

Faux Fringe

Lash Grazing

Above the Brow

Natural Coils

Wispy Tendrils

Blended Into Pixie

Romantic Reveries

Graduated Fringe

Wet-Look Wisps

Iconic Flick

Spiky Styling

Statement 'Do

Gorgeous Grunge

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