Everyone has a different reaction to bangs. Some have a memory of a blunt bowl cut bang that took a year to grow out. Others recall a DIY quarantine chop. Regardless, bangs have gained popularity over the years. Thanks to social media, wispy bangs are the fringe du jour. The style is dominating, especially Korean air bangs.
This ultra-thin, minimalist look adds softness to your haircut. It takes up less real estate on your face. Hairstylist and L’Oréal Professionnel ambassador Sabrina Bias shares why they are desirable, what to ask at the salon, and must-have styling tips we’ve learned. With K-beauty skincare brands filling our cabinets, it’s natural that hairstyles from Korean culture go mainstream. The latest is Korean air bangs. According to Los Angeles-based hairstylist Mika Fowler, the Asian style gives softness and femininity and makes the face appear smaller due to the forehead positioning.
What are Korean air bangs?
Korean air bangs are thin, piece-y bangs that became popular in Korea last year. Fowler says the air bang often includes a Korean side bang with a soft curl side fringe. Ideal for a subtle statement without dominating the face, ask your salon for a thick section of bangs between the eyebrows with lighter fringe and thick chunks of hair on the sides. Also known as see-through bangs, this cut doesn’t cover the entire forehead.
Which hair types and face shapes look best with Korean air bangs?
This trend looks good on any face shape. Fowler says neutral bangs are recommended for people new to bangs who don’t want to fully commit. They can be blending with side hair. Avoid if you have curly hair or a cowlick. For curls or major waves, use a flat-iron to make strands straight and piece-y. They’re meant to be worn straight and slightly curled. A cowlick might push up the area’s hair.
What’s the best way to style Korean air bangs?
Maintaining air bangs requires little effort despite their longer style. For the best look, frequent trimming is needed. Fowler suggests flat-ironing them straight and spritzing with a finishing spray like Pureology Style + Protect Texture Finishing Spray. Use a wet rattail comb to run through the bangs and set their position.
15 Ways to Try Korean Air Bangs
Air Bangs With Long Wolf Cut
Air bangs look best with layers and updos. Bias says if hair is thick, it can look unbalanced. The wolf cut is a perfect companion for wispy bangs. This cut is a cross between a shag and a mullet, featuring short, choppy layers around the face and lots of texture to enhance the piece-y bangs.
Extra Thin and Wispy Air Bangs
For an extra subtle look, ask your stylist to snip ultra-fine wisps into your next cut. These see-through bangs add lightness to your haircut and are a breeze to style.
Messy Updo With Air Bangs
One of the best things about Korean air bangs is how they frame your features. Even when your hair is pulled up, use claw clips from your styling arsenal to keep messy updos on lock.
Copper Air Bangs
Pair your wispy bangs with cowgirl copper, 2023’s most-wanted hair color, for an unforgettable result. Red hair may fade faster than other shades, but keep its fiery hue vibrant with an at-home gloss like Pureology’s Top Coat + Tone Copper. Also, learn how to wash extensions to maintain the look.
Air Bangs and Choppy Bob
For fine, straight hair, a choppy bob with air bangs adds natural movement, making your mane appear thicker and fuller. Finish your styling routine with a texturizing spray like Matrix Miss Mess Dry Finishing Spray for extra volume-building grip.
Air Bangs With Face-Framing Layers
Bias mentioned that Korean air bangs and face-framing layers are a perfect match. A pro stylist will use your facial shape to guide the length and angles. For extra volume, learn how to get more volume in wavy hair for a hair heaven look.
Curly Air Bangs With Pink Color Block
This style has bouncy curls, wispy bangs, and a punchy pink color block. Use Mizani’s True Textures Curl Define Pudding to define your ringlets and keep your curly wisps intact.
Air Bangs With Flipped Ends
For a fluffy look reminiscent of 1970s styles, flip the ends of your hair with a flat iron. For a healthier approach, use the L’Oréal Professionnel Steampod.
Skunk Stripe Air Bangs
Make your wispy bangs the star of the show by turning the front sections of your hair into bright skunk stripes. Ask for this at your hair salon using the right terms.
Air Bangs With Voluminous Blowout
Prevent your delicate bangs from falling flat using Redken’s Full Volume Mousse. This conditioning hair mousse volumizes from root to tip with polymers for added lift and body. For runway-worthy volume, apply to damp hair before using a blow dryer and round brush.
Air Bangs With Beach Waves
We adore opposing hair textures, so complement your straight bangs with beachy S-waves. If you haven’t tried this hair-waving technique, follow the S-wave tutorial from hairstylist Shelley Gregory as a guide.
Angled Air Bangs
For those avoiding touch-up appointments, ask your stylist to blend your air bangs into your haircut at an angle for a seamless grow-out. To keep your hair healthy while growing out your bangs, use a repairing hair mask like Biolage Professional’s Strength Recovery Deep Treatment Pack in your routine. Also, consider if should you braid wet hair to maintain hair health.
Side-Parted Air Bangs
If your air bangs become overgrown, part and style them like curtain bangs to keep the hair from falling into your eyes. Use hair wax or paste to hold them in place.
Air Bangs With Choppy Ends
Blunt haircuts with bangs are always in style. If you want to experiment with an undone combo, swap your careful cut for wispy bangs and choppy ends like a French bob.
Air Bangs With Berry Balayage
Berries are great go-to sources for beauty ideas. Try a fruit-inspired balayage with a contrast between brunette bangs and dark strawberry ends. This adds a touch of fantasy color territory without going overboard.
Conclusion
Korean air bangs are a versatile and trendy hairstyle option that has captured global attention. Their ultra-thin, minimalist look adds softness and elegance to any face shape. Whether you prefer a subtle style or a bold statement, there are numerous ways to customize Korean air bangs to suit your hair type and personal style. From the chic and effortless wispy bangs to the playful and vibrant berry balayage, these bangs offer endless styling possibilities. Embrace the trend and experiment with different looks to find the perfect Korean air bangs that enhance your unique features.
FAQ’s
What are Korean air bangs?
Air bangs are extremely piece-y strands of hair that rest between your eyebrows and eyelashes. Also known as Korean air bangs or see-through bangs, they are delicate and understated. Perfect for those hesitant to commit to a drastic cut.
Are air bangs hard to maintain?
Maintaining air bangs doesn’t require much effort. However, because of their longer style, these bangs will require frequent trimming to keep the look in place and ensure they stay neat.
How do you curl Korean air bangs?
Once your bangs are dry, use a small-barrel curling iron or flat iron to curl the ends slightly. Aim for a soft, rounded edge, not tight curls. Gently twist the iron away from your face at the ends for an outward flick.
Why Do Korean Girls Curl Their Bangs?
Young Korean women are often seen stepping out with hair rollers. This is practical as it keeps their bangs looking voluminous for longer.
