This Season’s Top Bangs Trends Are Built for Those With Busy Lifestyles

Bangs are always a good idea…until you realize how much work it takes to maintain and style them. That used to be the resounding narrative around the hairstyle, but I’m here to tell you this season’s bang trends are much more relaxed and tenable. “I’m noticing that clients want more freedom with their hair. They’re craving versatility, movement, and something that reflects their personal style,” says professional hairstylist Andrew Wachter—and the most popular fringe shapes achieve all of this without the extra effort.“Great fringe isn’t about following rules or fitting a particular face shape. It’s about creating something that works with your hair, fits your lifestyle, and makes you feel confident wearing it,” adds Wachter. I recently sat down with him to learn about the top five bang trends he’s seeing. The following styles are essentially made for those with busy lives—so you really don’t have an excuse not to make the chop.Wispy fringeThe top bang shape for those who want to experiment with the divisive cut? Whisper fringe. Wachter says this soft, wispy style is one of the most versatile bang shapes. “The fringe is light, airy, and piecey. You’re able to wear them fully across your forehead one day and part them into curtain bangs the next.”The beauty of this fringe style is that it works with every hair length and texture. “We can customize the length, density, and width to create something that works with your natural texture and gives you the freedom to change your look without completely changing your go-to haircut,” Wachter says.Frazer Harrison//Getty ImagesCascading curtain bangsCurtain bangs aren’t going anywhere, but they’re getting more refined. Wachter expects to see longer, softer versions that beautifully flow into the rest of the haircut. “Unlike shorter fringe, these longer pieces create movement around the face while blending seamlessly into the layers,” he says. The perfect example is Sabrina Carpenter’s grown-out wisps. “By adjusting where the shortest pieces fall, we can highlight different features and customize the shape for straight, wavy, or curly hair. This cut offers noticeable change without feeling too dramatic.”Swan Gallet//Getty ImagesMicro bangsIf you want to make a serious statement, Wachter suggests committing to micro bangs. Despite their extra short length, he says there are ways to make them “edgy and graphic or soft and playful, depending on your cut and natural texture.” The most important thing is that you have the confidence to rock them. Keep in mind that this type of bangs requires more frequent trims (every four to five weeks), but if you can commit to the maintenance, there are few cuts as cool as this.Steve Granitz//Getty ImagesFlare bangsConsider flare bangs a cross between curtain bangs and your classic full forehead bangs. This fringe is shorter in the center and gradually gets longer towards the sides. Wachter loves this style because of the ‘70s influence and how it creates a “soft, flared shape.” This cut really shines on those with straight and wavy hair, but Wachter assures that it can also be adapted for curls, too.Amy Sussman//Getty ImagesBedhead bangsThink having bangs will require more styling and effort? That’s not necessarily true. Wachter is seeing clients adopt what he calls “bedhead bangs”—fringe that’s relaxed and not overly perfected. “This style embraces natural texture, movement, and a little imperfection.”Those with wavy or textured hair will love this fringe that works with (not against) your natural pattern. “The shape is soft, separated, and intentionally undone,” says Wachter. “The key is creating enough shape that the hair still feels intentional, even when it’s messy.”Han Myung-Gu//Getty ImagesMeet the expertAndrew Wachter is a master stylist at Umi Salon in New York City.Why trust Cosmopolitan?Mary Honkus is a contributor for Cosmopolitan with eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories. She's an authority in all beauty categories and her hair is her prized possession—she even rocked full bangs for years! For this story, she consulted with a professional stylist to learn about the top bang trends of the season.Mary Honkus is a freelance writer who covers beauty, home, fashion, health, and wellness (just call her a jack of all trades!). She has held staff roles at Real Simple, People, and InStyle, and her bylines can be found in numerous other publications. When she's not testing the latest and greatest products, she can be found chilling on her Hell's Kitchen rooftop, checking out NYC's hottest new restaurants, or recording her podcast Good Trouble NYC. Follow her on Instagram.