It's Official: Curly Bangs Are the New Cool-Girl Hair Trend
From RiRi's summer-ready 'dos to backstage at DVF.
Just over a month ago, fresh off the hair study that was my Making a Murderer binge, I declared curly bangs a terrible idea. Yes, I said it. And now? I'm swallowing my words.
Let me explain—I have super curly hair and thus have always had an inherit fear of bangs, associating them with the bad kind of frizz AKA the '80s. So even when I spotted Rihanna over the summer rocking ringlet fringe with her bouncy curls, I chalked it up to the fact that it was, well, Rihanna. Like her sleeping bag coats and royal blue lipstick, they couldn't possibly work for us mere mortals.
It wasn't until Valentine's Day that I saw the light. It began backstage at Diane von Furstenberg Fall 2016, where each model had their own '70s-inspired 'do. Among them was new-model-on-the-block Alanna Arrington, who sported a shoulder-length head of ringlet curls complete with glossy curly-Q bangs. They were perfect.
Then, that night, I watched the premiere of Vinyl, Martin Scorsese and Mick Jagger's new '70s-era HBO drama, and became completely obsessed with Juno Temple. Full disclosure: we have the exact same frizzy blonde hair, so I'm a little biased. But I loved everything about her rock 'n' roll style, including her unapologetically kinky bangs.
At that moment, I realized that curly bangs are 1) Becoming a thing and 2) That I totally should have seen this coming because we're in the midst of a natural texture renaissance. Why shouldn't bangs be getting in on the fun?
While I'm not brave enough to go for the fringe chop just yet, I'm already contemplating investing in curly clip-in bangs and have no doubts that fringe will continue to become more crimped, corkscrewed, permed, and spiraled.
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Lauren Valenti is Vogue’s former senior beauty editor. Her work has also appeared on ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, and in In Style. She graduated with a liberal arts degree from Eugene Lang College, The New School for Liberal Arts, with a concentration on Culture and Media Studies and a minor in Journalism.
-
Chrishell Stause Will Play the Villain If She Needs To
The 'Selling Sunset' star has achieved what few (maybe no one) in the reality TV genre has: being a longtime fan favorite. But with her appearance on season 3 of 'Traitors,' she's ready to make enemies and get a little scrappy.
By Brian Moylan Published
-
This Unexpected Royal is Richer Than The King
The top three people on this list might surprise you.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Sydney Sweeney Winterizes a Plunging Mini Dress With a Sheer Turtleneck and a Fur-Lined Penny Lane Coat
The star layered all her favorite cold-weather trends for a night on Broadway.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Gray Hair Was the Hottest Accessory at the 2025 Golden Globes
Gray hair is chic, period.
By Hannah Baxter Published
-
25 Brown Nail Designs To Instantly Elevate Winter's Hottest Polish Trend
Luxury at your fingertips.
By Emma Aerin Becker Published
-
20 Beauty Stocking Stuffers Guaranteed to Please Your Pickiest Family Members
Beauty editor-tested and approved.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
24 Luxury Beauty and Wellness Gifts for Your Pickiest Self-Care Obsessed Friends
Guaranteed to please even your pickiest friends and family.
By Hannah Baxter Published
-
10 Winter Hair Color Trends Fashionable Women Love This Season
The season's top hair color trends are painfully chic.
By Jamie Wilson Published
-
10 Winter Haircut Trends Stylish Women Are Wearing in 2024
It's time to get a little scissor happy.
By Jamie Wilson Published
-
Why Dyson's New Airstrait Ad Ignited a TikTok Controversy
"They said y'all can buy the product but it is not meant for you."
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
What Is Sugar Waxing? Everything to Know, According to Experts
It's also less painful than some alternatives.
By Iman Balagam Published