Micro bangs are a ‘power move’ hair trend making a comeback

Oh, baby! This micro fringe is making a big splash.

Baby bangs are shaping up to be the hottest hairstyle of 2023, as ladies rock edgy micro bangs on both the red carpet and your social media feed.

The retro tuft of fringe, which barely brushes trendsetters’ mid-forehead, pays homage to ’50s Hollywood when Audrey Hepburn side-swept her clump of miniature bangs.

Then, the fringe fad was revived — in part thanks to Uma Thurman’s jet-black “Pulp Fiction” bob — in the ’90s a controversial style era that is now having a major moment in the 21st century, as Gen Z touts egregiously ultra-thin brows, low-rise denim, jelly shoes and flip phones.

The once-alternative cut — featuring fringe that barely brushes the mid-forehead — has become more mainstream in recent years, inspiring adventurous TikTokers to reach for their kitchen scissors for a daring DIY attempt.

Online creators are flaunting their fresh cuts as they snip their face-framing strands dangerously short in viral videos, which have collectively scored over 140 million views on the app.

Actresses Leighton Meester and Alexa Demie have rocked baby bangs in recent months, while pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo debuted micro fringe at the Met Gala this year.

Fans raved over Bella Hadid’s wispy chic cut — complete with blue eyeshadow — but Katy Perry’s blunt ‘do was likened to “Shrek” character Lord Farquaad.

Some women might bristle at the sight of micro bangs, but the controversial look can add “a little edge” and personality to your everyday look, Jenn Velez, a colorist and stylist at LRN Beauty, told The Post.

In fact, it’s a total “power move,” she said.


Bella Hadid
Bella Hadid sported micro bangs and electric blue eyeshadow in a truly ’90s chic look.
Instagram/Bella Hadid

Katy Perry in blue dress, brown boots, micro bangs
The “Roar” songstress debuted her blunt ‘do, but was met with mixed reactions.
Katy Perry Collections / Instagram

Leighton Meester
The “Gossip Girl” star attended a March red carpet with baby bangs.
WireImage

“If you’re ready for a bit of commitment and some controlled chaos, micro bangs might just be your choice,” Velez said.

It could mark the end for the long-reigning curtain bang, says East Village stylist Joey Silvestera, who told Vogue that the only option for new bang styles is to “just got shorter.”

But before you phone your stylist — or worse, attempt the chop yourself — the ‘do is not one-style-fits-all.

On TikTok, brave creators have shared their trims gone wrong and warn others to “not touch your hair,” at least not yourself.

Silvestera advises clients to take “baby steps” when it comes to bangs, especially if you’ve never ventured into fringe territory, while Velez noted the diligent maintenance baby bangs demand.


Olivia Rodrigo with baby bangs at Met Gala
Clip-ins or not, the baby bang trend might just be here to stay.
Getty Images

Alexa Demie at Tiffany event
Fans raved over the “Euphoria” actress’ micro fringe.
Getty Images for Tiffany & Co.

“Micro bangs are a statement look that demands some upkeep and product to avoid the ‘baby hair gone wild’ scenario,” Velez said.

Should you regret the dramatic chop, rest assured, bangs are just hair — they’ll grow back.

“Those fierce micro bangs will gradually transform into regular bangs, then curtains and finally into face-framing styles,” Velez said.

“The transition isn’t necessarily daunting, as long as you’re prepared to ride the waves of change and adapt to each new style.”