Bangin’ Trends: 8 Cute Korean Bangs You Can Try

Have you ever stared at your favourite idols like Lisa and Chaewon, wondering how their bangs always look flawless and thought “It looks nice but I’m worried, what if it doesn’t look good on me?” We’ve all been there! The idea of bangs can be both exciting and terrifying. But fear not, my friend! Let’s dive into the world of Korean bangs, which have taken the beauty scene, and yourself, by storm.

What are Korean bangs?

Korean bangs aren’t just your average fringe. Unlike traditional bangs that tend to be blunt-cut and heavy, Korean bangs are often softer, wispier, and more tapered. They’re designed to frame your face delicately, adding a touch of youthful innocence. When styling Korean bangs, they often have a slight curve or arch, which helps to soften your features and create a more feminine look. Plus, they’re usually paired with a side parting, which adds a touch of asymmetry and visual interest.

There’s a bang style out there for everyone. Whether you have a round, oval, square, heart, or long face, I’ll share recommendations to help you find the perfect match.

Types of Korean bangs you can try for a change

1. Air bangs

Even if you’re not a fan of the Korean wave, you would know about the popular Korean air bangs (also known as see-through fringe). The cut is a thin layer of fringe that ends between your top lashes and eyebrows. Unlike thick and tidy bangs, air bangs allow your forehead to peek through. These Korean bangs help to add a subtle and natural contour for a slimmer and youthful appearance to your face. They can be very versatile too. Sweep it to the side to create a side fringe or hide it under the rest of your hair when you want to go fringeless!

However, these bangs may be a little hard to maintain as they can be blown out of shape easily.I’ve tried this cut and as someone who sweats outdoors easily, my air bangs lose volume pretty quickly. Plus, I had to constantly style it every morning to avoid an icky cow lick fringe – just imagine having to miss out those precious 10 to 15 minutes of extra sleep for this!

With air bangs, I had to constantly use a hair roller and blow dry it to keep the volume up throughout the day. I eventually decided to get a chargeable heated brush for touch-ups while outside. And let me tell you, the &honey hair styling stick works wonders in keeping them in place!

I’ve cut my own air bangs with this tutorial and it turned out great! It’s easy to do since it’s not as precise as blunt bangs and a little unevenness here and there won’t be as visible with light pieces. But I still highly recommend going to an actual hairstylist.

How to cut Korean air bangs: 

1. Find out where you want your fringe to begin and comb the hair forward to create a parting
2. Gather the pieces of hair that fall between your brows. These will become the main part of your air bangs
3. Cut the bangs to your desired length (in between your brows and upper lashes). Next, hold your scissors vertically and create vertical cuts — this technique is known as point cutting.
4. Section out the remaining hair to form side bangs. Imagine a diagonal line connecting your nose bridge to your jaw bone.
5. Cut along the imaginary diagonal line to create sloping side bangs which help to cover wide jawlines to create a slimmer face. When you’re done, part the bangs to both sides, leaving a thin layer of fringe on the forehead to create wispy and natural air bangs!
6. Using a heated hair roller or curler, curl your air bangs for two minutes to give your fringe volume that will last all day!

2. Choppy bangs

This is the type of Korean bangs to go for if you want to shave a few years off your age! Choppy bangs are making a comeback as one of the most unique Korean bangs styles. This hairstyle is suitable for ladies with smaller, rounder face shapes. It brings attention to the eyes and will give you a childlike appearance.

Choppy bangs come in many variations, for different looks. Cut them in a straight and thick manner for a high fashion, chic vibe. Go for slanted choppy bangs for a bold and funky look! Curl your choppy bangs to look feminine and cute. Or thin the Korean bangs out (so it’s choppy bangs plus air bangs) for a sophisticated and refined image.

How to cut Korean choppy bangs : 

1. Decide where you want your fringe to begin and comb the hair forward to create a parting
2. Position the scissors vertically and begin shortening your fringe using vertical cuts. The final length of your choppy bangs should end from the middle of your forehead to the area just above your brows.
3. Trim the fringe to make sure the length is consistent and voila!

3. Baby hair bangs

Do you want to look like a lovable baby? These baby hair bangs will make you look delicate and youthful. If you are wondering how to cut these different types of Korean bangs, it’s pretty simple! Instead of having an actual fringe, this hairstyle makes use of your baby hair to help frame your face.

This type of Korean bangs is great for those who are developing bald patches along their hairline or for those who have an M-shaped forehead. Ladies who are conscious of these features can use baby hair bangs to cover and conceal. Baby hair bangs are also great for girls who want to hide their wide forehead but do not want to commit to an actual fringe. This style gives a young and playful appearance to your face!

How to cut Korean baby hair bangs:

1. Comb all your hair back as if you’re going to tie a ponytail
2. From the centre of your forehead, create a 45-degree angle parting to the right. Use a rat tail comb for easier control. Repeat on the left.
3. Starting from where your brows are, grab a small section of hair (about 3 cm wide) from the side of your head. These are the hairs that will become your baby hair bangs. Using an eyebrow razor, trim the hair in short strokes, creating gradual length to shape your face. Repeat on both sides.
4. Style your baby hair bangs with the mini hair curler to give your baby hair bangs more volume! 

4. Curly bangs

Bored of having straight and flat bangs? Why not whip out one of the best hair curlers and give your Korean bangs a perm? Curly bangs are a great way to draw attention away from a wide forehead or a huge pimple on your nose. This type of Korean bangs also adds dimensions to your face, creating a sweet and youthful charm!

For a feminine vibe, create long curly bangs that frame your face like Song Hye Kyo. Alternatively, combine both air bangs and curly bangs together to achieve a wispy and dolly image like Yuqi!

How to cut Korean curly bangs: 

1. Preheat your curling iron and part your fringe to your preference.
2. Grab a small section of fringe (about 3 cm wide). Using the curling iron, curl your fringe inwards (towards yourself) to create bouncy curls
3. While the hair is still hot, you can shape it into any style you want. Scrunch it for tighter, more long-lasting curls or stretch it to create loose waves. Repeat steps 2 and 3 on the rest of your fringe.
4. Complete the look by curling the hair on the sides of your face too. They help to frame your face and make you look slimmer! For a better effect, curl them inwards.
5. Separate the curls and arrange them to your preference. Apply hair spray to secure the curls and ensure they last all day!

5. Curtain bangs 

With so many different types of Korean bangs to choose from, you may be unsure of which to choose. The curtain bangs may be a good place to start! With a centre parting and bangs that fall around the side of your face, curtain bangs follow the shape of the Chinese character of the number eight (八). This helps to frame your face and achieve a slimming effect!

This was my favourite bang cut. It’s simple and elegant. Although I’d say it can be a bit of a hassle to maintain since it’s so prone to creating an icky cow lick when not curled properly.

This type of Korean bangs exudes elegance and it’s another commonly worn style among Korean celebrities besides air bangs. You can wear it short like Jihyo to add a youthful vibe to this style!

How to cut Korean curtain bangs: 

1. Determine the amount of hair that is going to be your fringe and comb it forward to create a parting. Then part this portion of hair in the middle to achieve a centre parting.
2. Grab one side of your fringe with two fingers, in line with the corner of your eyes or to your desired length. Pull this portion of hair towards the opposite side.
3. With thinning scissors, cut the portion of the hair at a 45-degree angle such that the strands on your forehead are the shortest
4. Comb your hair out and trim again if necessary. Repeat step 2 to 3 for the other portion of your fringe.
5. For this type of Korean bangs, curl the shorter part of your curtain bangs with a hair curler to add more volume to your curtain bangs!

6. Long bangs

This hairstyle is perfect for girls who have wide or short face shapes. In general, long bangs extend beyond the eyes and can sometimes reach the corners of the lips. This means that long bangs can help to lengthen and make the face narrower. 

I’ve tried this as well and it’s the easiest one to maintain! It’s similar to the curtain bang cut, but just a bit longer. This is one of the types of Korean bangs you don’t have to fret about how to cut as the Korean long bangs is one of the simplest. It’s a great fuss-free hairstyle for girls who want to sport Korean bangs without the hassle! 

How to cut Korean long bangs: 

1. For girls who do not have a fringe:
   1. Part your hair forward from the middle of your head. This portion of hair will become your fringe.
   2. Depending on your preference, you can choose to part your fringe through the centre or all to one side
   3. If your fringe is too long, cut it at a 45-degree angle such that the strands furthest from the face are longer than those closer to the face
2. For girls with shorter bangs:
   1. To create long, side-swept Korean bangs, part your hair (including your fringe) into a 6:4 ratio, using a rat tail comb. Your fringe should be hidden underneath the rest of the hair.
   2. Choose the side where you want your bangs to be. Section the hair before your ears, these will become your long bangs.
   3. Imagine a line connecting the corners of your mouth to your jawline. Cut your long bangs at a 45-degree angle towards your jaw, creating a gradual length for a softer look.
   4. Using a curler iron, curl your long, side-swept Korean bangs loosely to create waves that add dimensions to your face!

7. Voluminous side bangs

Enjoy wearing your hair up often? These trendy Korean side bangs will suit you! Also known as the Goddess bangs, this hairstyle frames the shape of your face with its curls. Korean side bangs have been trending since mid-2019 after being spotted on many celebrities. This different type of Korean bangs is definitely one of the most loved K-pop hairstyles right now!

Korean side bangs stay visible even when your hair is tied up, giving a feminine vibe at all times. Curl your side bangs to achieve the goddess look that many Korean girls are after! 

How to cut Korean side bangs: 

1. Section out the amount of hair that will be your bangs. Grab the portion of hair that falls between your eyebrows and cut to where the length falls just below your nose.
2. Bring together a small portion of the bangs from both sides to the centre and hold it forward. Position your scissors horizontally and cut such that the length ends slightly beyond your lips.
3. Comb out the rest of your bangs and cut the length at your chin line.
4. Part your bangs into half. Grab one side of the hair and pull it to the opposite side. Cut your bangs at a 45-degree angle such that the longest strands are furthest from your face. Repeat this step for the other side.
5. You may notice a few strands of hair along your side line that are uncut. Trim these sections of hair to the length of the longest bangs on both sides.
6. Complete your look by adding volume with hair rollers! Curl the bulk of your bangs with a big hair roller and curl the side hair (in step 5) with a small hair roller. Using your hair dryer, lightly blow over the hair rollers and leave to cool for three seconds before removing them and voila!

Bonus tip – To create a sweeter look, trim your hair shorter in each of the steps! Cut the first portion of hair in step 1 to between your eyebrows and your eyes. Follow through with the rest of the steps, ensuring that there is a 45-degree angle gradient in the bangs for a softer look. This combines the look of air bangs and side bangs.

8. Thick and blunt bangs

The classic thick, blunt bangs are back in trend! Blinks will know that Blackpink’s Lisa has rocked this type of Korean hairstyle for the longest time and they certainly work well to accentuate her doll-like features.

If you have naturally thick and straight hair, thicker bangs work best for you. This is because thick bangs will require more maintenance for those with naturally wavy hair. In terms of face shape, this type of Korean bangs is more suitable for those with an oval-shaped face – you’ll be able to pull it off without a sweat. 

The maintenance can be a bit of a hassle if you have springy hair like me. I have to constantly iron down the strands with the &honey hair styling stick, especially during windy weather. I usually spray it down with the Matomage hair spray to keep it down.

For rounder face shapes, you can still rock this hairstyle by creating a curve upwards at the middle of the bangs to elongate your face. This style also suits those with a high or wide forehead as it helps to draw attention to the eyes instead!

How to cut Korean thick, blunt bangs:

1. Part your hair in the middle and section out the amount of hair that will be your fringe. For this type of Korean bangs, you’ll have to section out a larger amount of hair. Use your fingers as a gauge and measure about four fingers long from the starting point of your hairline.
2. Make sure that the amount of hair on each side of your hairline is evenly distributed. Grab the portion of hair that falls at the middle of your nose with your index and middle finger, and twist it. Take a pair of scissors and cut it at the bottom of your finger. 
3. Get rid of the harsh edge of the fringe by using the point cutting technique. Point your scissors at an angle and trim across your fringe. 
4. Section your fringe into two by pinning half of it up. Use a hair dryer and a round brush to curl your fringe inwards. Repeat this step with the other half of the fringe.   
5. Trim your fringe shorter to your ideal length. Take out a small amount of hair on both sides of your hair and trim it to the length of your chin to frame your face and there you have it!

Should you get bangs?

As a fellow bangs girlie myself, here’s why you should get bangs:

• Instant youth boost: Bangs can make you look younger than your actual age. Who wouldn’t want that?
• Face-framing magic: Bangs can accentuate your features and make your face look more defined.
• Personal look: Sometimes it’s fun to give yourself a signature look.
• Versatility is key: You can style them in so many different ways!

While I’m all for DIY beauty, bangs can be tricky to cut and style. I highly recommend heading to a professional hairstylist who can assess your face shape and hair texture to give you the perfect bang style. But hey, I get it. Sometimes the DIY urge is just too strong!

If you’re feeling brave enough to take the plunge, I’ll provide some tips and tutorials below. But remember, a pro can make a big difference.

Now, let’s talk about maintenance. The good news is, with the right products and a little effort, keeping your bangs looking fabulous is totally doable. We’ll cover everything from the best hair dryers and styling tools to the essential products for different bang types. 

Try Something New WIth Trendy Types of Korean Bangs

When it comes to cutting your own fringe, practice makes perfect! Though I still highly recommend going to a hairstylist. Work your magic with the necessary hair tools and you’re ready to strut on stage!

Feeling adventurous? Determine the best hair colour for your skin tone and dye your hair at home. Don’t forget to take care of your hair with some of the best hair tonics for gorgeous, healthy locks too! Grab your hair colouring essentials during our 12.12 Birthday Sale to enjoy maximum savings. 

The best way to find the perfect bang style for you is to experiment and see what works best with your face shape and personal style. Don’t be afraid to try something new and have fun with it!

Now, go forth and slay those bangs!

This article was updated on 30 October 2024. Additional research done by Jaia Corral.