Greta Lee Makes Micro Bangs Look Fresh and Appealing

“Should I get bangs?” That’s the perennial question whenever someone feels the need to mix up their look. And for the last few years, the bangs in question tend to be the long, curtain style that requires being blown out to frame the face. But at the end of May, while promoting “Toy Story 2,” Greta Lee appeared with a different style. Blunt and cut short, her wispy micro bangs felt refreshing and lent an edge to her appearance. Conceived by hair stylist Jenny Cho, commenters on Cho’s Instagram were quick to praise how eye-catching the cut was. So perhaps the question now isn’t whether or not to get bangs but rather, are micro bangs the way to go?

According to celebrity hair stylist Joseph Maine, whose clients in the past have included Priyanka Chopra, Kate McKinnon, and Gemma Chan, Lee’s look works on a variety of women and reflects an overall attitude versus a specific face shape. “Someone who likes a little edge would be drawn to them. They aren’t afraid to make a statement. It tends to work especially well on people with strong features or anyone looking to highlight their eyes. That said, the beauty of bangs is that they can be customized to suit almost anyone as the length, density, and texture can all be adjusted based on your face shape and hair type,” he said. You only need to look to the likes of Pamela Anderson, Miley Cyrus, and Zoe Kravitz as proof as all three have also cut their hair in a similar fashion over the years. 

Interested in taking the plunge and chopping off some length? Maine offers the following advice when consulting with your stylist. “Ask for a soft, short micro fringe that sits above the brows but still has some texture and movement. The key is that it doesn’t feel too blunt or severe; it should look a little lived-in and effortless,” he said. To ensure you’re getting exactly what you want, bring a photo as well. As for styling them yourself, Maine recommends blow-drying them immediately after washing with a small round brush or using your fingers in a side-to-side motion, in order to prevent separation and cowlicks. Then a water-based, anti-humidity spray like Color Wow Dream Coat will keep them smooth while Color Wow Pop & Lock on the ends offer extra shine. And if they start to look oily, a quick blast with a blow dryer and some dry shampoo at the roots will do the trick.

As for maintenance, realize you’ll need a trim every three to five weeks to keep them at the ideal length. And should you tire of the look, the best way to grow them out is to soften the shape and ask your stylist to blend them into face-framing layers. Despite the extra work behind the look Maine says it’s a fun and fresh way to experiment with your style. “Even if the rest of the hair is fairly simple, short bangs create a fashion-forward, editorial feel while still being wearable. They draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones and can make an otherwise classic cut feel much more modern.”