Cloud Bangs

Fringes have had a big few years at Gusto, from the Birkin Fringe to bottleneck bangs, but there's a new shape making its way into consultations this season: Cloud Bangs. Soft, round and full of volume, they're the fringe equivalent of a really good blow-dry, and they're proving especially popular with clients who want a fringe that photographs beautifully without needing constant round-brush attention.

What Are Cloud Bangs?

Cloud Bangs are a rounded, voluminous fringe that curves gently away from the face rather than sitting flat against the forehead. Cut with soft, blended edges and a bit of extra length at the corners, they're built to be blow-dried outward and up, creating a cloud-like puff of volume across the front hairline. Where a blunt fringe reads structured and graphic, Cloud Bangs read soft, romantic and a little bit retro, somewhere between 1970s blow-dry glamour and modern face-framing layers.

How They're Different From Other Fringes

It's easy to lump every soft fringe together, but Cloud Bangs are a distinct cut from what's already popular. They're rounder and fuller than curtain fringes, which are parted and swept to the sides. They're less severe than a blunt or micro fringe, and unlike the Birkin Fringe, which is long, wispy and low-effort, Cloud Bangs are cut with real shape and are designed to be styled with a blow-dry brush for that rounded, lifted finish. Think of Cloud Bangs as the fringe for people who love the drama of a proper blow-dry.

Why They're Having a Moment

Cloud Bangs tap into two things happening in hair right now: a return to volume after years of sleek, flat styling, and a nostalgia for the glamour of eras when a blow-dry was the whole point of a salon visit. They photograph brilliantly, adding softness and lift around the face, and they work as a genuine style statement rather than just a practical fringe trim. For London clients who want their cut to do a bit more work in photos and on nights out, this is a fringe with presence.

Who Suits Cloud Bangs?

Cloud Bangs are especially flattering on round, oval and heart face shapes, where the rounded volume echoes and softens the face shape rather than fighting it. They work best on hair with enough natural body to hold a blow-dry, though fine hair can absolutely wear them too with the right products and a diffuser or round brush. If your hair is very straight and resistant to volume, talk to your stylist about layering underneath the fringe to give it something to lift from.

Styling Cloud Bangs at Home

The look lives and dies by the blow-dry. Dry the fringe on a large round brush, rolling it up and away from the face and holding for a few seconds of cool air to set the shape. A volumising mousse or root lift spray at the base before drying makes a real difference, and a light-hold finishing spray keeps the roundness in place without stiffness. On days you don't want to reach for a brush, a few dry shampoo pumps at the root and a quick finger-lift will keep the shape ticking over until your next wash.

Curious whether Cloud Bangs would suit you? Our stylists at both Gusto salons are already cutting and styling this one for the new season. Book at Oxford Street or book at Covent Garden for a consultation.