But we digress. Important matters are at stake after all—and hopefully, this is the month you finally bite the bullet and get that fringe of your dreams, because trust us, it exists! Scroll down for loads of cool style inspiration.
Bangs 2018: Our Current Faves
1. Shaggy
Those that took the shag plunge might be wrestling with the in-between stages of their bangs. Our advice? Just skim a little off the ends, please: The curly fringe that comes with the It Girl shag is one of the most painfully envied looks of the season. One part French iconoclast and one part rock ’n’ roll, this texturized, slightly rebellious fringe ups the cool factor of your entire look in five seconds.
2. Wispy
The wispy-bang look reached a fever pitch, particularly in East Asia, during the middle to latter part of 2016. We’re all too eager to extend this 90s-inspired trend, especially after seeing the chic bang-with-blunt bob pairings peppering the runways and our fave fashion blogs. A bit stringy, it also maintains an innocent schoolgirlish appeal that instantly sweetens up even the grungiest of makeup looks—leaving you free to go ham with that nude mauve lippie without fear of looking dated. You’d also do well with a bit of light texturizing wax to urge in that pieceyness without the crunch.
3. Sweetheart
When it comes to styles of bangs 2018 is definitely leaning towards a natural look… and a “sweetheart” shape, or bangs that slightly curve up above each eye, is no different. (Very rockabilly!) Ask your stylist to leave the temples longer than the rest of your face, and to have the ends razored for a softer effect. Best worn with layered bobs and lobs, it also makes cheekbones look extra fleek-y.
4. ’70s-Inspired
Similar to the sweetheart fringe is the 1970s-inspired bang, which is longer (around one centimeter past your brows) and usually center-parted. Also called the curtain bang by virtue of their flirty peek-a-boo effect, this style has a vintagey surfer-chic vibe and unlike a lot of fringed hairstyles, retains its glam with updos and more formal looks. Ed’s note: Imagine these bangs with a top knot—issa lewk!
5. Wet Look
Slicked-back hair was a huge trend last year, and this season mashes this up with the wispy look to come up with a novel way to sport your fringe: wet and stringy. It’s absolutely, positively a directional look—worn in reality, we would have to sweep them off to the side just a tad bit—but the concept of tousled, wet-look texture, a.k.a. like a fierce modern film noir leading lady, remains. Achieve this stylish oil slick with a high-shine yet non-greasy oil, like Nexxus Oil Infinite Nourishing Hair Oil, topped with a medium-hold gel, like TRESemmé TRES Two Mega Firm Control Gel. Note: We’re obsessed over how this look teams up with a blunt bob for a look that’s super fresh and edgy.
6. Micro
Hanging in there! This daring baby-bang look has total ingénue sex appeal. It’s a style that has enough hair to comprise a legit “look,” but not enough hair to overpower the rest of your face—which is key, as features come front and center with this iteration. Still on the fence? Sport a somewhat longer version of these kitten bangs and ease your way into them by first rocking them with a fun, slightly beehived half-pony, the ’60s way.
7. Blunt
If you’re all about showing off your straight, shiny locks (and have the oval-shaped face to match), then a full, blunt bang might be just the thing. Go full-method Egyptian and get the bob to match, or work the sexy route and wear the rest of your hair extra long and straight. Either way, it’s the hallmark of the modern vamp and one that definitely stands out. A lightweight shine serum like Nexxus Humectress Encapsulate helps bring this vibe home, and which also looks pretty darn cute with a ponytail too!
