Audrey Tautou in Amélie. Natalie Portman in her debut film role, Léon: The Professional. Krysten Ritter, specifically as Chloe in Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, or well…just about any of the television chameleon’s numerous other roles. What binds them all? Cast your gaze just a little higher and you’ll see it. Some cut with a pinch of quirk—like their on-screen characters—but all sporting a line of baby bangs nonetheless. Be it Portman’s airy cut as Mathilda or Ritter’s curlier mop, it’s evident that the microbangs popularised by these characters are immediately evocative, and brims with certain nostalgia.
In 2025, the highly-contested hairstyle is emerging from the archives yet again. The latest to rock it? Lady Gaga, who wore it to the Grammy Awards earlier this year—elevating it by combining it with a step cut and some bleached brows to match. But the Mayhem queen hasn’t been alone in the venture. With the Internet-sweeping drop of her first studio album Ruby, Jennie also pre-dropped a music video for ‘ExtraL’ with the Swamp Princess and her fellow collaborator Doechii. In which, she’s wearing some tight grails, with a blunt micro fringe to beat. So it’s not just one hitmaker that’s been wearing it, but two.
So we ask: what makes the look so appealing? “When it is styled well, they can make outfits look more fashionable, and they help emphasise the features of the face. It also makes make-up more fun to play with. Even without make-up, microbangs can give off a stylish vibe,” explains professional hairstylist Yuhi Kim. That being said, the edgy haircut is not a look that everyone can pull off. Read: you’re going to need the attitude that comes with it too.
If you’ve got a ton of confidence already in tow and you’re armed for a challenge, then may these generous pro tips be of help to you. Here’s what to think about, if you’re planning on making microbangs your shiny new thing.
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It's a controversial hairstyle, and for good reason. Would someone's face or eye shape affect it?
According to Kim, this hairstyle can indeed be quite a challenge. “It can be adjusted based on your face shape, for sure. For oval or heart-shaped faces, microbangs tend to suit almost any length. For round or square faces, it’s important to create a frame with the haircut, and microbangs can be adjusted to match that.”
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How can the fringe style be adapted to make it more easy on the eyes?
“You can try cutting the bangs a little longer or narrowing the width, or even adding some choppy layers to create a lighter effect. You can also opt to pair microbangs with styles like a bob or very short hair, which would lend it an edgier finish. If you intend to keep your long hair, pairing microbangs with a mullet or a hime cut makes balancing the style easier,” Kim explains. “Honestly, microbangs can be customised to fit any hairstyle, so just consult your stylist to find a look that suits you best!”
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What would be the ideal make-up look?
A significant part of acing the look also lies in what make-up you’re wearing it with. “From what I’ve observed, those who like microbangs either go cleaner (especially on the eyes) and let the hair do the talking, or go all out with their make-up to fit the attitude,” chimes in professional make-up artist Victoria Hwang. Play with options like bleached or thin arches, and maybe a statement lip colour to finish the look.
