'Mall Bangs': The Hip '80s Look That's Back Again, No Aqua Net Required

Between effortless "Birkin bangs" and versatile peekaboo bangs, we understand if some of the many bang styles we've been writing about in 2023 are starting to seem super similar and possibly appear the same in your mind. After all, 2023 is all about embracing every option for bangs, so some of those styles overlap and don't differ all that much. But here's one trending-again, ultra-retro bang look that stands out from the rest, thanks to its '80s roots: mall bangs. One Glam editor even rocked the look back in the day.

The 2023 "mall bangs" don't have to be as big and bold as they were in the '80s, but they can if you want. Thus, they're more versatile nowadays, so there's no need to stock up on Aqua Net. "When it comes down to it, I think mall bangs are not about perfection, just adding some interest... They can be very customizable. The thing with bangs or fringe, generally has a lot to do with your hairline, the size of your forehead and how thick you want them," Heggy Gonzalez, editorial stylist and creative director at Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes, told Byrdie. Of course, not everyone likes these '80s-inspired bangs. However, if you're interested in rocking them, go for it, as they're more versatile in 2023 than ever before.

Many people with curly or wavy hair who had bangs in the 2000s often felt pressure to straighten them for a sleeker, more polished look. But that's not what mall bangs are about! The most desirable '80s hairstyles typically had bold curls and waves, so don't waste your time trying to hide your real hair in 2023. Flaunt your wavy and curly bangs for the fun '80s mall bang look.

On the other hand, don't feel like you need curly, wavy, and super voluminous locks to flaunt mall bangs. As mentioned earlier, the look is more versatile in 2023, so even people with straight and fine tresses can capture the mall bang style. When styling your hair, focus on your fringe so the bangs are the most voluminous part of your hair in true mall bang fashion.

How can you add more volume to your bangs? Use Velcro rollers! Many videos on TikTok demonstrate how to style your bangs with Velcro rollers, proving that using rollers to style hair wasn't only for the 1950s. So, you can learn how to use '50s-era rollers to add some '80s flair to your bangs from a Gen Z-focused app. Sounds random, but why not?

Like mall bangs, the micro bangs trend makes the ultimate bold statement, so why not rock both looks at once for ultra-trendy, head-turning hair? To flaunt your own micro mall bangs, make sure the bangs are shorter than traditional bangs, and add volume by blow drying them or using rollers.

Getting mall bangs doesn't have to mean looking like the sassy, hyper-girly mean girls who walked around the mall and made fun of people all day in '80s movies. Yes, that might be where the name for these bangs came from, but don't forget that the '80s rockstar style was just as prominent. So, if you don't want to channel the sassy look, flaunt your inner rocker instead with '80s-inspired bangs and outfits that can be automatically more edgy by adding studs, the edgy alternative to fringe.

Not only are mall bangs in 2023 and beyond not limited to a single aesthetic, but they're also not limited to one gender, either. Whether you identify as a woman, man, non-binary person, or any other gender, if you like mall bangs, you should wear them. Mall bangs look trendy on everyone!