Move over curtain bangs! The newest hair trend is taking inspiration from the 18th century and period piece films of the time. The ‘Jane Austen Bang’ is all about a softer, wispy bang that ends slightly above your eyebrows. It’s more rounded and can be styled with straight, wavy or even curly hair texture. What exactly attracts us so much to this messy, windswept, just-held hands with Mr. Darcy hairstyle?
Hairstyle History
The ‘Jane Austen Bang’ that is sweeping the nation comes to us with a lot of history. The hairstyle was wildly popular in the Regency Era, which lasted from around 1811 to 1820. This was a huge time for fashion and the Regency Era brought us a lot of fashion choices that we still lean towards today. Popular trends from this time in history introduced the public to the empire silhouette, featuring a high waist and flowy bodice, as well as puff sleeves and LOTS of embellishments — ribbons, lace, flowers, everything was added to dresses and even into hairstyles.
Diving specifically into hairstyles, accessories were everything. Women would include pieces of ribbon, flowers, feathers and much more in their updos. Elaborate braids with cascading curls were a staple at every public outing. Some of the most notable features from this time include middle parts, elaborate buns and face-framing pieces. Shorter pieces of hair around the forehead and temples were used to accentuate the natural beauty of a woman’s face and were often meticulously placed to get the most perfect shape.
We see these types of hairstyles in some of our favorite period pieces today and spot the ‘Jane Austen Bang’ specifically in the 2005 film “Pride and Prejudice,” which was based on Jane Austen’s novel. Kiera Knightley, who stars as Elizabeth Bennet, showcases the hairstyle front and center.
Modern Renditions
From the movies to the modern-day red carpet, these medium-to-micro bangs can be found just about anywhere. The first introduction to the hairstyle comes in a plethora of Jane Austen novel-turned-movies. To name a few of these films, you can turn to “Pride and Prejudice,” “Emma”, “Sense and Sensibility” and “Northanger Abbey” for hairspo.
Even now, we can find this ‘Jane Austen Bang,’ on our screens. Phoebe Dynevor, who plays Daphne Bridgerton in the hit series “Bridgeton,” can be spotted sporting this micro-bang (along with many other Regency trends) throughout the two seasons that she was on the show. Other characters throughout each season can be seen participating in face-framing layers and mountains of hairstyle accessories as well.
Recently we’ve also been seeing a lot of celebrities bringing this trend from the big screen to real life. Leighton Meester, Cara Delevingne and Ariana Grande have all been spotted rocking these hairstyles on and off red carpets. Many are speculating that the actresses are including the ‘Jane Austen Bang’ into their hairstyles in reference to the soon-to-be Audrey Hepburn biopic. Hepburn’s hairstyle was also reminiscent of the Regency Era look.
It’s easy to love the classic look of the shorter, messy bangs. They add a nice framing to the face without the harshness that a straight-across fringe can sometimes provide. We all know that getting bangs is a BIG decision, and having these face-framing pieces be lighter can also make them easier to hide. You could tuck them behind the ear or utilize some well-placed bobby pins. ‘Jane Austen Bangs’ is soft, subtle, romantic and on the rise.
What do you think? Will you be participating in the baby bangs trend? Let us know by messaging @VALLEYmag on X!
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