French Bangs Are the Summer Style I'm Taking Into Fall

After about a decade of keeping my hair all one length, I recently decided dip my toes (or rather, head) back into the world of bangs. Now, you may be wondering if I recently went through a breakup, and the answer is, well, yes. However, there are more reasons for wanting bangs than just coping with heartbreak, OK? For me, it was about wanting a new look to match the vibe of my single girl summer and into the fall. And the trendy french bangs look was just what I needed.

When I think of french bangs, images of the eternally-cool Jane Birkin and modern-day starlets like Dakota Johnson, Emrata, and Jenna Ortega immediately spring to mind. There's something about the breezy, almost unkempt (in the chicest way) nature of the fringe that makes me gravitate toward the style. So to get my cut along with insider styling tips, I turned to celebrity stylist Jesse Alexandre at LA-based Andy Lecompte Salon. Effortless cool, here I come.

Alexandre describes french bangs as effortless and soft. "They are shorter in the center of the forehead and longer toward the outer cheekbones," he tells POPSUGAR. "French bangs are less bulky and more textured than a regular frontal bang. A french bang allows for less maintenance because, as it grows, the shapes and angles enable you to swoop the hair in various ways."

He also notes that french bangs are fairly versatile and can look great on wavy, curly, or straight hair.

When you head to your appointment, it's important that your stylist customize the angles according to your face shape and hair texture. "Be sure to explain to your stylist how you regularly wear and style your hair at home," Alexandre says, "and try finding [inspiration] photos with similar face shapes." Make sure to ask for a blended, soft bang that's not too bulky or thick. Your stylist should start cutting around an inch back from the hairline, creating a V shape going from the center part out to the top of your eyebrows. Most stylists will opt for using thinning shears to cut the french bangs rather than classic scissors, so that the end result has a soft edge rather than a blunt one.

Because I'm also working with highlighted hair, I wanted to make sure my color would meld correctly with my new look. I asked celebrity colorist George Papanikolas, also at Andy Lecompte Salon, to weigh in on what to consider when it comes to color and bangs. "If you're cutting blunt straight across bangs, the highlights should be highlighted in a diagonal pattern so they don't look stripy," he says. "If you're doing more of a face-framing bang like a French bang, they should be stronger at the natural part. I usually recommend doing a slight shadow root to avoid any zebra effects, especially on darker hair."

How you style your fringe really depends on your personal hair texture, how messy or polished you want the french bangs to look, and whether or not you're using hot tools or air drying. Alexandre broke down three different ways he styles french bangs, which are easily replicated at home.

Pro tip: Alexandre recommends using the Ouai Wave Spray ($28) prior to thermal styling or blowing out the fringe for a natural textured finish.

Ouai Wave Spray

From

$28

$28 at Sephora

Air drying: "First, apply your wave spray," says Alexandre. "Mold your fringe into its desired shape and clip into place as it dries. I prefer setting clips that will not allow a dent/crease in the hair. When the fringe is completely dry remove the clips and it should be set to perfection." I like to use the KS&CO Leaf Hair Clips ($22) when air drying.

Round brush: "When styling a french bang on coarse or frizzy hair I suggest using a small round brush to help shape the way the hair falls," says Alexandre. "The brush strokes will help tame the frizz without using too much product on hair that falls right in your face."

No-brush blow dry:"Another signature trick for styling a french bang is starting with wet hair," says Alexandre. "Comb the hair in the direction by which you want it to fall. Place your hand on the top root area of the bang and point the blow dryer directly onto your hand and the fringe tips blowing in one constant motion (not side to side) for a rapid speed style." He then suggests using the Ouai Matte Pomade ($26) for a piecey finish.

Ouai Matte Pomade

From

$26

$26 at Sephora

According to Alexandre, french bangs will typically be the most flattering on someone with an oval shaped face. "The symmetry of the bangs can truly compliment the cheekbones and contour in all the right places," he says. Medium to fine textured hair is ideal for the most workable daily styling, but he notes that french bangs can work on most everyone with the correct products, hot tools, and clips.

It's also important to remember that bangs = trims in order to maintain the style. While when cut properly, the grow-out can still frame the face well, Alexandre says. "A French bang does demand maintenance. They are the pieces of hair that fall into the face and can often grow like curtain shielding your eyes so regular trims, or dustings, with your professional stylist is a requirement every six to eight weeks."