45 Ways to Wear Wispy Bangs (2024)

• 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.

Choppy Cascade

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.

Full and Fluffy Curls

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 ($21).

Glossy and Choppy

Lily Collins' 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 ($28). 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."

Overgrown Curtain

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. 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," explains Prothero. If you can't decide between the two, go for Bieber's version, which is something of a wispy curtain-bang mash-up.

Lash-Grazing Lengths

We love the way these lash 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.

Extended Lifespan

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 ($49) at the roots before blow drying, and use a small round brush or Mason Pearson to help morph them to your desired shape.

Sweeping Fringe

"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.

Shag With Blended Bangs

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?"

Long, Piecey Curls

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."

Soft as a Feather

Dakota Johnson's finer hair isn't falling flat and lifeless thanks to these feathery soft bangs and face-framing wisps. 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.

Bits 'n Bobs

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.

Short Side Bangs

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.

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.

Soft, Wispy Layers

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.

Textured Wisps

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.

Brow Graze

A common length for light, wispy bangs is to let them graze right at the brow line, parting their way around 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 ($31).

Curtain Bangs

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."

Piecey and Face-Framing

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."

Center Part

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

Coarser Cuts

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.

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.

Different Textures

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.

Baby Bangs

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 and work your way out until you find a level of wispiness that best suits you.

Wet and Wavy

Wispy bands get a side of edge à la textured bob. If you have thick tresses, going shorter will help to 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."

Bouncy Curls

Nathalie Emmanuel's curls lend texture and interest to her fringe, and she looks darling. 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 ($12).

Flipped-Out

The lovable Zooey Deschanelis 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.

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. Heidi Klum makes it work.

Mussy Curls

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.

Short and Choppy

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.

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.

Curly Tendrils

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.

Wispy Waves

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.

Blunt and Separated

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 ($32).

Face-Framing

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.

Blown-Out

Ella Purnell's blunt, textured bob is cool and casual. Use a round brush, such as Moroccanoil Ceramic Round Brush ($30), when blowdrying 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.

'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: headband, barrettes, or butterfly clips—but only if you dare.

Lightly Layered

Demi Lovato's bold look draws attention to the face, with bangs playing a starring role. To style, work some pomade through bangs and mussy them up a bit. Finish by spraying Fekkai Root Lift Volumizing Treatment ($28) on the top of your head to lengthen a round face.

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. To pull off this look, not only is it about incorporating long layers and texture, but also the attitude. Wear it with confidence.

Beachy

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.

Micro Bangs

Emma Watson's blunt baby bangs pairs so well with her shaggy lob, making for the perfect hairstyle to complement her face.

Lash-Grazing

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.

Above the Brow

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, just touching her eyebrows.

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 with this style.

Blended Into Pixie

ZoëKravitz's micro baby bangs are blended into her cropped pixie for a seamless look.

Romantic

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.