IVE's Rei showcases the "sesame leaf hair" style using her bangs. Captured from Rei's SNS

IVE's Rei has added a fresh twist to her signature straight bangs with the trendy "sesame leaf hair" style, a modern reinterpretation of the Y2K aesthetic.

For many women, bangs are both a beauty essential and a constant source of concern. While they can create a youthful, charming look or help conceal features one might want to downplay, they also demand regular upkeep, making the decision to get them feel daunting. And even once one has cut them, the challenge isn't over — keeping them looking even and styled is a constant task until they grow out to the right length.

For those tired of the standard straight-cut bangs, trying the "sesame leaf hair" style, like Rei, could offer a refreshing alternative. This trend, named for the way the bangs fall diagonally across the forehead — resembling a sesame leaf — has gained popularity with the resurgence of Y2K fashion. Gen Z stars have added their own modern twist to the look, blending retro vibes with youthful charm, thereby capturing the attention of many women.

The "sesame leaf hair" style gets its name from the way the bangs fall diagonally along the forehead, resembling a sesame leaf. Captured from Rei's SNS

The key to achieving the "sesame leaf hair" look is parting the hair in an 8:2 ratio and styling the longer section to gently follow the curve of the forehead. To prevent the heavier section from looking too bulky, fine baby hairs should be styled naturally to enhance texture and movement.

For those who struggle to achieve the wispy, defined strands characteristic of the look, using a mascara-style baby hair fixer can help shape the bangs with precision. Additionally, pulling a few strands towards the center of the forehead, as Rei does, can further enhance the playful and delicate appeal of the style.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.