Peekaboo Bangs Are the Low-Maintenance Way to Elevate Your Look

Bobs may reign supreme as the year's biggest haircut trend, but textured bangs come in a very close second. From Emily Cooper's trauma bangs in Emily in Paris, to celebs like Megan Fox, Jenna Ortega, and Sarah Hyland, everyone seems to be getting choppy fringe these days. 

One of the most popular styles of the moment is peekaboo bangs. It's a textured take on blunt bangs, which fall across the forehead but—thanks to the choppy and layered style—allow some of the forehead to show through. 

Celebrity hairstylist Edson Ibarra, who cut Michelle Phan's ultra-wispy bangs, shares that peekaboo bangs have become one of his most requested styles. “They’re the hottest trend for my clients at the salon,” he tells Glamour. “Literally, this week, four clients got a version of these bangs.”

It's also become a favorite for celebrity hairstylist and Milbon global creative director Anh Co Tran, who loves the versatility of the look. “They’re noncommittal,” he says. “You can wear them up, wear them down, and even push them out of the way if you decide that you don’t want to wear them one day.” 

Ibarra agrees, adding that the style is a great way to change up your look without altering it drastically. “Bangs allow you to temporarily transform and frame your face for a fresh look,” he says. “Not only are they a fun way to add versatility to your face shape, but they can draw out a different side of your personality. The peekaboo bang is the updated, sexy version of classic bangs so if you’re looking to add a little spice, it’s perfect. And the great thing about these subtle bangs is that, if you don’t love it, they grow out so fast.” 

As for what to ask your stylist for at the salon, Tran recommends asking for a length that hits just below the eyes. “Ask for them to be textured and light enough to easily push them out of the way if you choose not to wear them one day,” he says. 

Ibarra says to ask for a cross between wispy bangs and curtain bangs blended together. “Very soft feathered bangs that make the forehead peek perfectly through,” he says. 

Another major selling point? Peekaboo bangs are relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal styling. “My favorite ways to style these bangs are blow-drying them forward and styling them down for a more traditional bang,” says Tran. “You can also style them more like a true peekaboo and push them off to the side for a side-part effect or push the bangs to the side of the face so they can emulate curtain bangs.” 

Ibarra uses a few tools to create different bang looks. “I like to blow-dry the bangs with the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer or the Dyson Airwrap,” he says. “The technology in this blow-dryer really allows the bangs to sit perfectly. My Paul Mitchell 413 Sculpting Brush really helps dry the bangs in the direction I want. For a bouncy bang look, use the Ibiza EX2 round brush.”

If you don't want to grow out your peekaboo bangs, Tran recommends visiting the salon every four weeks for a touch-up trim. “It depends on how quickly their hair will grow, but it’s best to get a trim every month or so,” he says.

To help create even more texture and volume, Tran recommends using dry shampoo, texturizing spay, and hairspray. “The texture spray will help to give the bangs a bit of grit and texture, the dry shampoo will help to absorb the excess oils, and the hairspray will help to keep the bangs in place throughout the day,” he says. 

Ibarra likes using Color Wow Dream Coat on bangs to keep them sleek and shiny. “I love spraying and blow-drying this product with a round brush,” he says. “It's perfect to seal to the hair. It has antihumidity properties that will help fight frizz and keep hair shiny and smooth."

For texture, Ibarra recommends the IGK Beach Club Volumizing Texture Spray, while the Paul Mitchell Super Clean Hair Spray will lock the look in. “It has a light hold so it's buildable and flexible, so if you want to move them back and forth, you can,” he says.

Ariana Yaptangco is the senior beauty editor at Glamour. Follow her on Instagram @arianayap.