'See-through bangs' are the next big fringe trend to fall in love with

As we head into spring, we're finding fresh inspiration in a new set of eye-grazing bangs. Hardly surprising, given a fringe can transform a run-of-the-mill hairstyle into one that's directional and cool with just a few snips of the scissors. 

What is surprising, though, is that hairstylists are predicting that wispy see-through bangs will steal the crown from curtain bangs this season as the most in-demand cut.

In short, see-through bangs are like the bittier cousin of heavy, shaggy curtain bangs. They still involve a full fringe, but this time the hair is thinned-out to reveal gaps and more scattered, feathery pieces to frame the face. 

What are see-through bangs?

According to Yuki, hair designer and owner of the Gavert Atelier Salon, see-through bangs are thin, wispy bangs that show a bit of your forehead through gaps in the hair. 

“See-through bangs have been trending among Asian women for the last few years but are also slowly becoming a trend in Europe and the US,” he says, noting that many of his clients who originally slavishly asked for curtain bangs have made the switch to see-through bangs. 

Does everyone suit see-through bangs?

The easy answer is yes. “It's not so much about the shape of your face, but you need to take your forehead into consideration,” says Luke Hersheson, hair stylist and CEO of Hershesons. 

When it comes to see-through bangs, says Luke, you can afford to create any length you like if you have a larger forehead. But for those with a smaller forehead, it's worth keeping the strands super wispy and slightly grown out.

Yuki agrees, adding, “In general, people who have a small or narrow forehead are not considered to suit bangs but light, see-through bangs can create a soft, youthful impression.”

How do you create see-through bangs? 

As with all fringe styling, it's important to cut on dry hair as opposed to wet or freshly washed hair. Wet hair is heavier than dry hair and can distort the actual length – a crucial fact when it comes to designing a fringe.

“First of all, I part the hair into a triangle section at the front," explains Yuki. “The top of the triangle lines up with the centre of the face – about one inch from the hair line – and the bottom two points would be the outer corners of the eyes.” 

Yuki then uses a point cut (when the scissors cut into the ends of the hair, rather than across) to create light bangs and add soft texture.

Another bonus: if your hesitation over whether to get bangs or not stems from how much time is needed to style them, you'll be pleased to know that see-through bangs are a minimalist's dream.

While curtain bangs need to be cut at the right length, styled with curling wands to force them to flick out in the right direction and sprayed with an array of products to keep them in place, see-through bangs are far more low-maintenance.

Those with straight hair only need to use their fingers to create separation while waving a hair dryer backwards and forwards; curly hair types may wish to use a lightweight curling cream and a diffuser.

Feeling inspired? If you're thinking of giving see-through bangs a go, we've lined up some of our favourite renditions.

See-through bangs styled with an updo

Mussed-up see-through bangs

Platinum see-through bangs

See-through bangs with a sleek pixie haircut

See-through bangs with caramel baby lights

See-through bangs and reverse balayage

Copper see-through bangs

For more from Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR's Acting Associate Beauty Director, follow her on @fiembleton.