“Bardot Bangs” Are the Answer to Making a Fringe Work

If you’ve been painstakingly trying to find your next signature hairstyle, bangs are probably not high on the list. Not only are they slightly more high maintenance than other cuts – requiring monthly trims and styling time in the morning – but they are also almost guaranteed to stick to your forehead if you sweat.

Luckily, there is a stylish solution: “Brigitte Bardot bangs.” Inspired by the effortless, parted-down-the-middle look that the actor was known for, this fringe is a slightly shorter (but equally carefree) version of the hairstyle that can easily transition into the hotter months.

“Bardot bangs are a modern take on a classic hairstyle from the ’70s, inspired by the actor who made these retro, curtain bangs a fashion statement that would hold up for many years to come,” celebrity hairstylist Barry Lee Moe and Unite hair ambassador previously told PS. “Bardot bangs are slightly shorter than a classic curtain bang, but they still have the same overall shape. They elegantly frame the eyes, gradually getting longer as they reach the top of the cheekbone.”

Though these bangs are definitely easy to achieve in the summer, a certain TV show may be an additional reason as to the look started trending again: after the success of ‘Pam & Tommy,’ on Hulu in 2022, “Pamela Anderson’s hairstyles made a resurgence on social media sites like TikTok and Instagram,” Moe says. “Pamela was known for her iconic Bardot fringe, and I think that the younger generations are finally catching on to the trend. [This hairstyle] looks good on everyone because it’s a classic shape that can be worn in many different lengths.”

As for what to ask for when you’re in the salon chair? “When you go to the salon, ask your stylist for a classic curtain bang with a slightly shorter cut,” Moe says. “The center of the bang should rest just above the top of the brow when dry, gradually getting longer toward the side of the face.” Then, it’s all about maintaining the look at home: “For a full, face-framing look that drapes gently over your eyes, use your favorite round brush to gather the hair in the center of the forehead, and then blow it out.” Finish with a mist of hairspray to hold the style in place.

If you need more convincing to give this retro style a second life, keep reading for our favorite Bardot bang hairstyle inspirations ahead.

Getty / Kirstin Sinclair

Bardot Bangs on Long Hair

This ombré hair color is proof that Bardo bangs can work with any hair color and length. The haircut allows the shades in your hair to flow together beautifully.

Getty / Edward Berthelot

Curly Bardot Bangs

Yes, curly hair can rock a Bardot fringe, too. Just make sure that your curly cut differentiates the shorter pieces of hair and then hone in on the bangs.

Getty / Raymond Hall

Bardot Bangs on Wavy Hair

Wavy hair pairs perfectly with a Bardot bang. The extra volume adds that perfect vintage feel.

Getty / Edward Berthelot

Micro Bardot Bangs

Micro bangs can also get the Bardot treatment. Just make sure that your fringe first qualifies as a micro bang – they typically stop right at or above the top half of your forehead.

Getty / Christopher Polk/NBC

Bardot Bangs on Mid-Length Hair

Bardot bangs can also add a bit of edge to a hairstyle. This version has slightly choppy layers and stops just above the midback for a style that almost feels like a fake mullet.

Getty / Melodie Jeng

Short Bardot Bangs

The more volume, the better. If you have shorter, curly hair, don’t be afraid to try your hand at the Bardot fringe. Your afro will thank you.

Getty/Edward Berthelot

Classic Bardot Bangs

This version of Brigitte Bardot’s bangs is a true classic. They feature a slight bump in the back of the head, and the bangs themselves flow perfectly into the rest of the hairstyle.

Getty / Christian Vierig

Bardot Fringe on Colorful Hair

If you already have a bold hair color, the Bardot bang will make it stand out even more by adding an extra layer of visual interest.

Getty/Edward Berthelot

Shaggy Bardot Bangs

Bardot bangs feel like they were made to be paired with a shag, so if you’re in your indie sleeze era, take this as a sign.

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Ariel Baker is the associate editor for PS Beauty. Her areas of expertise include celebrity news, beauty trends, and product reviews. She has additional bylines with Essence and Forbes Vetted.

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