After watching Rihanna's "SOS" video one too many times in middle school, I decided that I, too, needed bangs. (Riri was my hair idol back then and, really, nothing much has changed). So, I sat in front of my mom's bedroom mirror, with a large pair of craft scissors in tow, and snipped away at my curls. I was going for full, bouncy, brow-grazing bangs; what I ended up with were super short, choppy hairs that sat smack in the middle of my forehead. The results led to a night full of tears and years of middle-school regret.
But if I knew then what I know now, I would have embraced my baby bangs (a.k.a. micro-bangs) with open arms. Today, the fringe style is alive and well. Both Charlize Theron and Bella Hadid have been spotted wearing mini bangs this summer, and instead of the botched hack jobs from our past, stylists are cutting shrunken bangs in the coolest ways. There's the classic, straight-across, '50s-inspired style that still reigns supreme. Then, there are wispier takes on the cut that are equally cool.
Ahead, we rounded up some of our favorite ways to rock micro-bangs, including a few faux options if you're still scarred from your past DIY trim.
Though Bella Hadid's micro-bangs were only temporary, the narrowed, choppy style — care of hairstylist Chi Wong — was definitely her edgiest yet.
Charlize Theron took a more traditional route, wearing razor-sharp bangs across her forehead for the premiere of Long Shot. Her stylist Adir Abergel says that Linda Evangelista from the '90s was the inspiration for her bold, faux fringe look.
Photo: Taylor Hill/FilmMagic.For a more subtle version, try bangs that begin at the center of your forehead and get a touch longer towards your temples.
Barbie Ferreira is proof that square-shaped bangs, slightly textured waves, and neon orange liner go hand in hand.
Baby bangs aren't limited to straight hair types. You can crop the front of your naturally curly hair or, if permanently chopping isn't in your plan, fake it by pinning up your hair and leaving a few coils out.
Baby bangs are edgy as is, but when paired with a bright color (like yellow), your style will surely turn heads.
Give your micro-bangs a subtle part in the middle to create a curtain-like effect.
Curly baby bangs are also super easy to style. Just wash, add product, and scrunch as you please. The more tousled your hair is, the better.
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