Bardot Bangs: The Ultimate Guide To Achieving That Effortlessly Chic French Fringe

Ready to channel your inner French girl cavorting on the Champs-Elysée or the French Riviera? The world of beauty is constantly evolving, yet some styles possess an undeniable timelessness that brings them back into the spotlight again and again. One such iconic look making a triumphant return to the beauty zeitgeist is the Bardot fringe, or as it's often called, Bardot bangs. This sultry 1960s hairstyle, inspired by the legendary French actor Brigitte Bardot, is currently one of Google’s top trending search terms, and for good reason. It’s billowy, voluminous, effortlessly sexy, and exudes a chic elegance that's hard to resist.

If you want to embrace your inner French glamour girl or use the style as inspiration to make it your own, Bardot bangs – otherwise known as the French fringe – are the perfect choice. But what exactly defines this coveted look, how does it differ from other popular fringes, and how can you achieve that perfectly imperfect allure? Let's dive in.

What Exactly Are Bardot Bangs?

The Iconic Inspiration

You simply cannot mention Bardot bangs without conjuring up images of the tousled, perfectly imperfect insouciant locks of 1960s screen siren Brigitte Bardot. She is synonymous with perfect, voluminous hair, and her signature fringe became an emblem of effortless glamour and sensuality. It’s this very essence that defines the Bardot bang: a style that looks as though you just woke up looking fabulous, rather than having spent hours perfecting it.

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Distinguishing Features

Bardot bangs are a soft, wispy fringe inspired by the iconic French actress Brigitte Bardot. Known for their effortlessly chic and slightly tousled look, these bangs frame the face beautifully while adding a touch of playful sophistication. But what truly sets them apart from other fringe styles?

• Center-Parted Volume: Unlike a full-frontal fringe that sits straight across the forehead, Bardot bangs are voluminous, voluptuous, and distinctly parted in the center. This central parting allows the bangs to sweep outwards, creating that characteristic face-framing effect.
• Layered and Face-Framing: This heavily layered fringe is cut to frame the face, often with shorter pieces around the eyes that gradually get longer towards the cheekbones. Bardot's iconic haircut is characterized by flowing swoop bangs and long layers that encourage volume, making the hair feel light and airy rather than heavy.
• Different from Curtain Fringe: Despite what many might think, Bardot bangs are different from curtain fringe. While both are parted in the center and frame the face, Bardot bangs tend to be shorter and more voluminous at the front, creating a more pronounced "peek-a-boo" effect over the eyes, whereas curtain bangs are typically longer and blend more seamlessly into the rest of the hair.
• Not the Mid-2010s Full-Frontal: The trademark mid-2010s, full-frontal fringe, popularized by Tumblr-era queens like Alexa Chung, Zooey Deschanel, and Rashida Jones, had a much thicker, blunt cut that sat squarely on the forehead. Bardot bangs, by contrast, are softer, wispier, and designed for movement.

Why Are Bardot Bangs Trending Now?

A Resurgence of Classic Beauty

The beauty world often looks to the past for inspiration, and the current craving for timeless elegance has brought the Bardot bang roaring back. This sultry 1960s hairstyle is making its way back into the beauty zeitgeist because it offers a perfect blend of retro charm and modern appeal. We've seen how A-listers are styling the chop, with celebrities like Kim Kardashian embracing the look. On Dec. 12, Appleton created Kardashian’s “Bardot bang” moment for the grand opening of her Skims flagship store in New York City, proving that this classic style can be effortlessly adapted for today's red carpet.

Versatility for Every Face

One of the most appealing aspects of Bardot bangs is their incredible versatility. There’s a Bardot fringe style for every face shape. Whether you have a round, oval, square, or heart-shaped face, the face-framing layers and soft, wispy texture can be tailored to enhance your features beautifully. They are loved for their ability to suit any face shape, making them a universally flattering choice. Usually, this style is worn on medium-length or long hair, as the longer layers are crucial for achieving that signature volume and sweep, but with clever layering, even shorter hair can adapt a version of this iconic look.

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How to Get the Bardot Look

The Classic Bardot Cut

To achieve the authentic Bardot look, it's essential to visit a skilled stylist who understands the nuances of this heavily layered fringe. The key is to create volume and movement, with the shortest pieces hitting around the brow bone or just below, sweeping outwards and blending into longer layers that frame the face. Discussing the desired length and layering with your stylist is crucial to ensure the bangs complement your face shape and hair texture.

Variations to Consider

While the classic Bardot bang is soft and wispy, there are variations you can explore:

• Blunt Bardot Fringe: For a bolder take on the classic, try Blunt Bardot Fringe. These thicker bangs sit right at the brows, adding a structured yet still voluminous element to your look. It's a classic option that adds structure without losing the iconic Bardot essence.
• Faux Bardot Bangs: Not ready to commit to a haircut? Faux bangs allow you to experiment with the Bardot look without making a permanent chop. You can achieve that iconic look using:
  • Clip-in Bangs: These are a fantastic temporary solution. Choose a set that matches your hair color and texture, then style them with a central part and outward sweep.
  • Carefully Pinned Sections of Hair: For those with longer hair, you can create the illusion of Bardot bangs by taking a front section of your hair, bringing it forward, and pinning it strategically to mimic the fringe, then styling the ends to sweep away from your face.

Styling Tips for Volume and Texture

The magic of Bardot bangs lies in their voluminous, billowy, and effortlessly sexy appearance. Here’s how to style them:

1. Prep for Volume: Start with a volumizing mousse or spray on damp hair, focusing on the roots of your bangs.
2. Blow-Dry with Purpose: Using a round brush, blow-dry your bangs by lifting them at the root and directing the air upwards and outwards. Instead of drying them flat, try to create a "C" shape away from your face.
3. Central Parting: Once dry, gently part your bangs in the center. Don't aim for a perfectly straight line; the charm is in the slightly tousled, "perfectly imperfect" look.
4. Add Texture: A touch of dry shampoo or texturizing spray can add grit and hold, enhancing that coveted lived-in feel.
5. Set the Style: A light-hold hairspray can keep your voluminous bangs in place without making them stiff.

Embrace Your Inner French Glamour

Bardot bangs are more than just a hairstyle; they are a statement of confidence, allure, and effortless elegance. They offer a unique blend of softness and structure, framing the face beautifully and adding a touch of vintage charm to any look. Whether you opt for the classic cut, a blunt variation, or experiment with faux bangs, this timeless, face-framing hairstyle inspired by Brigitte Bardot is perfect for adding chic, effortless elegance to your look. So, if you're ready to embrace your inner French glamour girl, the Bardot fringe is waiting for you.