On the fringe

Go bold with your tresses by flaunting a micro-fringe. The short, choppy bangs look has gained popularity recently and caught the fancy of a number of stars. Emma Roberts made heads turn when she flaunted a blonde lob with edgy bangs at the Critics’ Choice Awards. Alison Sudol rocked a similar look with a wavy do. Vanessa Hudgens gave out goth vibes at the Golden Globes with a black bob and matching bangs, while Emma Watson pulled off an uneven fringe with the rest of her locks pulled back at the awards ceremony. Even Emily Ratajkowski temporarily sported bangs at the New York Fashion Week adding a chic touch to her brunette waves. So what’s the appeal of the baby bangs?

Makes a statement

A fringe is a style statement by itself, though it is a very small section of hair, it immediately changes a person’s look without compromising on their length. Also, it enhances your features in a minimal way, explains Najeeb Ur Rehman, hairstylist and PPS Director India. “Bangs are ideal for those with oval and long face shapes. First apply a styling cream, blow dry the entire fringe section and finish it off by gently ironing inwards. Those with a narrow forehead, where the hairline is too low on the face, should avoid straight fringes,” he says.

Experiment with your look

Given the recent push from Hollywood stars as well as comic book and fantasy-related movies where you often find characters sporting baby fringes, this trend has caught on. Alistan Cruz, stylist, Nalini of Nalini & Yasmin Salon says a haircut is a representation of how one feels and baby bangs relate to a more conservative, yet bold nature. “It works best with straight to medium wavy hair. If one has a curly jumpy hairline, or a widow’s peak, it should be avoided as this would require too much maintenance. This fringe is meant to sit flat. One can apply a serum on the hair and run a straightening iron if needed. The serum ensures protection and the iron will keep it flat and shiny,” she adds. Don’t be afraid to try it out. Just remember worse case scenario it will grow back in a couple of months.

Requires some care

Gone are the long bangs that concealed your eyebrows and hence half your face, instead the short, choppy micro bangs are in demand. Arpit Jain, founder and managing director, Auraine Botanicals feels this look can work with all hair textures. “The silkier and straighter hair you have, the easier it will be to style those bangs. You must be careful while handling the bangs unlike the rest of your hair after a wash, as bangs are supposed to stay in their own shape. Immediately after washing your hair, dry it out. Don’t air-dry the bangs, as it’s going to spoil the cut.  It’s not a wash and go type hairstyle, with proper care the bangs can make you look very different.” he says.

Short and edgy

Bangs have always been in trend. What we’re seeing of late are short, strong bangs which have come back in vogue. It looks sharp and edgy at the same time. In fact, the same short strong bangs have another variation which is more jaggered and textured making it look ultra sexy and soft on the face, says Rohit Bhatkar, salon director, BBLUNT Kemps Corner. “While bangs work well with a leaner face shape or on somebody with a strong jawline, a good stylist can make them work with any hair texture and face. The length of the bangs can vary depending upon your comfort level as it covers the face. Short bangs do require more maintenance than longer ones,” he adds.