Ah, baby bangs… people love them or hate them. The controversial cut, which involves having a fringe that’s shorter than what’s considered the norm, somehow manages to walk a knife edge between old Hollywood glamour and modern punk rock.

It was a popular look at various fashion weeks last year, and with trends these days less about following the crowd than about standing way out from it, we can see why this edgy look is at the forefront of a lot of people’s minds, so to speak.

What are baby bangs?

The exact definition of this gorgeous little hairdo is a tad subjective, but it’s generally accepted that baby bangs – not to be confused with the micro fringe – sit above the eyebrows. The edgier still micro fringe is even shorter, measuring as little as an inch long.

On the subject of where baby bangs came from, Sian Wood, art director at Shoreditch salon Taylor Taylor London, tells us the look saw huge popularity in the 50s thanks to Hollywood stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn. However, Josephine Baker was rocking baby bangs back in the 1920s.

Wood says: “Baby bangs had a revival in the 90s among pop stars like Gwen Stefani who brought a more edgy, club-vibe to the style, and have recently risen in popularity again, being seen on Euphoria star Alexa Demie who went for the big chop, as well as red carpets, catwalks and even at the Met Gala worn by Emily Ratajkowski and Olivia Rodrigo. 

“The look gives an instant edge to almost any hairstyle, whether long, short, curly or straight and it was everywhere on the spring/summer 2024 catwalks, from Alexander McQueen to Givenchy. With the current 90s revival in fashion and beauty, it’s no wonder they’re making a comeback.”

Who can get baby bangs?

Whether you’re thinking of channelling Bettie Page or Holly Golightly, keep in mind that baby bangs are a big commitment, and they suit some face shapes a little bit better than others.

Wood says: “Baby bangs can help to elongate the face and accentuate the eyes but be cautious, as this tends to suit people with oval faces and higher cheekbones rather than those with angular or heart shaped faces. They also require precision cutting to get right and need regular trims to keep them short.”

And then there’s the amount of styling that goes into this style; while supremely wearable and seemingly effortless, a lazy girl cut it sadly is not. 

“The bangs need to be styled daily so they won’t work if you’re a low-maintenance hairstyle kind of person,” Wood advises. “They’re definitely a statement look and a big commitment – not for the faint-hearted, because once you commit it takes on average eight weeks for the bangs to grow out again.”

What to ask your hair stylist for

In 2024, the ultimate baby bangs are on the wispy side rather than chunky, and they fade into the rest of a cut that’s made up of windswept, tousled layers for days.  

For those with curly or coily hair, Wood recommends your stylist cuts the hair while it’s dry, thanks to the length shrinkage that happens with curly hair. She adds: “We usually suggest going just a touch longer for a fringe that is still super short and stylish but easier to style day-to-day without needing to blow dry or straighten.

“They do require regular trims and daily maintenance.”

How to style baby bangs

Wood recommends: “Opt for either a micro iron to keep it straight or a quick mousse before drying [curly] hair upside down to bring back a little life. Do not overdo the product as the fringe can become quickly overloaded.”

Image: Getty