How to Get Modern Day Birkin Bangs

Bangs are certainly nothing new in the world of hairstyles, though it seems like there’s always a latest iteration that’s trending. Curtain bangs, microbangs, blunt bangs…you get the picture. But there’s one kind that’s been around for decades and continues to just grow in popularity. We’re talking about Birkin bangs, which make for an effortlessly cool girl effect—and are surprisingly versatile. Keep reading for more on what experts have to say about this fabulously flattering type of fringe, including top styling tips and exactly what to ask for at the hair salon.

What are Birkin bangs?

“Birkin bangs are soft, long bangs that are named after the iconic French actress Jane Birkin,” explains editorial stylist Peter Gray. (Some may even consider her the OG influencer—after all, even the iconic Hermes bag is named after her.) While the ones she rocked in the 1970s were slightly fuller, their modern counterpart is slightly wispier. Still, the end result is the same: “Birkin bangs are popular because of their low maintenance, easy, feminine aesthetic,” Gray points out.

Who should consider trying Birkin bangs?

Ideally, these work best on smooth or naturally straight hair, says celebrity hairstylist Adam Reed, founder of Arkive Headcare. It’s going to be much harder to achieve the end result (read: require way more hot tool styling)  on hair that’s super curly or textured, he explains. Similarly, today’s version also works well for those with finer strands, which naturally tend to look softer and wispier than thick hair, adds Gray.

However, Birkin bangs can be flattering on all face shapes, as there are different ways to tweak them, says Reed. More specifically, the way the layers around the bangs are cut can be adjusted to either slim a wider face or add some fullness to a narrow or longer face, Gray notes.

What should you ask your stylist for?

Most stylists should know what you’re referring to when you say Birkin bangs, Reed says. (And, again, he or she will be best able to slightly tweak and tailor them to work best for you.) But generally speaking, you want to ask for wispy bangs, where the shortest point skims your brows; ideally, you want them to look soft and a little uneven, Gray adds. To that point, he notes that some stylists may use a razor to cut the bangs themselves, which produces a finer, more textured, and wispier edge.

How do you style Birkin bangs?

Reed suggests brushing the bangs forward and then blow drying  them forward, using a round brush if you want to add a little more movement and volume. Both stylists recommend finishing by using a small amount of product to help enhance the textured effect you’re going for. Gray likes applying a tiny dab of a lightweight oil onto fingertips and working it through the mid-lengths and tips of the bangs for a bit of separation. His pick: British M Annato Hair Oil ($35; sokoglam.com). Reed says a tiny dab of pomade works well, too.  We like: Kristin Ess Depth Defining Soft Matte Pomade ($10; ulta.com). To freshen up your bangs the next day (without having to wash them and start all over)  simply spritz on a bit of dry shampoo at the roots. It will both absorb grease and enhance that textured effect even further, Gray says. He recommends Back of Bottle Overtime Dry Shampoo ($39; backofbottle.com).

The other benefit of Birkin bangs? You can wear the rest of your hair any which way you’d like. They’re a gorgeous complement to a bouncy blow-out, but also work just as well to enhance a loose bun (perhaps a chignon, in keeping with the French theme?), a braid, when wearing your hair half up, you name it.