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 fringe
The 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.
Cascading curtain bangs
Curtain 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.”
