From the color to the style, your hair can say a lot about you. So when it comes to making a major change like getting bangs, you need to know how to style them, whether or not they’ll work with your face shape and if you’ll have time to deal with them.
Bangs can be a big commitment, so you may be wary of them at first. But don’t worry, I’ll walk you through the basics of taking care of bangs, so you’ll be an expert in no time.
1. Consider your face shape
While bangs are popular, some styles of bangs don’t work for everyone. Some look better with a retro full-fringe bang, and others are complemented by a simple side-swept bang. The best place to find your style of bangs is your face shape.
Amber Ellsworth, a stylist at Swank Hair Studio says, “Definitely consider a consultation. Not everyone’s face is made for bangs or even the same type of bangs. Small foreheads should stay away from blunt heavy bangs while long faces should consider them.”
Your face shape is a great factor to consider before your next hair appointment when salons are open again, so ask your hair stylist what different styles of bangs would work for your face shape. There may even be a different style that you don’t know about!
2. Experiment with different styles and accessories
Everyone has a way they style their hair, but you don’t just magically wake up one day and know how to style it that way. Parting your hair different ways, trying out new products, and emulating techniques you find your favorite celebs doing are all great ways to find your everyday hairstyle.
Kaley Roshitsh, a junior at Virginia Tech, says, “Go with the texture you have each day and you’ll gain a sense of how your hair responds to skipping a wash here, or dousing it with dry shampoo the next.”
The best way to learn about your new set of bangs is through trial and error, just like anything new. Find what works for you and roll with it! Longer bangs and side bangs can go well with a pretty braid. It will show off your face while highlighting your fringe. Microbangs and bangs that don’t take up your entire forehead will be great for hair with a ton of volume or curly hair, because it will emphasize the shortness of them.
3. Figure out how you’re going to part your hair
Someone who parts their hair down the middle like Kim Kardashian is not going to rock the same style of bangs as someone who parts their hair to the side like Khloé. A middle part works best with blunt bangs, a side part looks better with an easy side bang, and a zig-zag part will look best with a fashion-forward microbang, like Audrey Hepburn. Determining what will look best is based on the current hairstyle you rock.
“When I was younger I had bangs, but I developed a cowlick so my bangs went in opposite directions and I just ended up having two side bangs,” says Cristina, a senior at Marist College. “Before getting bangs, figure out how your part and any abnormalities will affect the way your bangs lay on your forehead.”
How you part your hair doesn’t have to make or break your decision about bangs, though—it just might change the style of bangs you envisioned yourself with. One helpful way to see what will look best is to look up some celebrities with bangs and choose a few you like before you talk with your stylist.
4. Make sure they work for your lifestyle
Are you someone who is always on the go? Do you love to hit the snooze button and get ready in 10 minutes? Do you play a sport that requires your hair to be out of your face? These are all questions you should consider before getting bangs. But no matter what type of life you lead, you can make bangs work for you.
Emma Hoey, a freshman at the University of Vermont, says, “Having bangs and being an athlete is very hard. They get in your face and stick to you if you’re really sweating, so headbands all the way. Invest in as many headbands as you can find they will be your go-to lifesavers for early morning practice.”
If you’re in a rush, carry around bobby pins and pin back your bangs. If you’re on the go and you’re worried about your “end of day” hair, invest in a mini straightener so you can pop into the bathroom and refresh your hair.
5. Become a regular with your stylist
With bangs being such a focal point, it’s best to not DIY a trim. You don’t want to risk cutting them too short or uneven. You also don’t want to leave them looking messy with split ends. Make “clean up” appointments with your hair stylist and give your bangs the TLC they deserve.
Ellsworth says, “Bangs require maintenance even in between haircuts to maintain them.”
If you’re short on cash or your salon isn’t open at the moment, you may want to rethink the style of bangs you get. Side bangs are the least high maintenance, but if you can’t get to the salon right away, you can pin them to the side so they don’t get in your way.
6. Utilize heat tools
Blow dryers, straighteners and curling irons can cause damage to your hair, but sometimes you need their help. Fear not, heat tools are bangs’ best friends.
“Blow drying is an absolute must, even if it’s just your bangs. Keep the heat directly over the problem area until completely dry to ensure sleek, even bangs,” says Sarah Self, a sophomore at Belmont University.
Bangs can be high maintenance, but once you snap into a routine, they won’t feel like an everyday homework assignment. Just make sure that whenever you use any heat tools, you’re protecting your hair with heat protection spray.
7. Growing out your bangs can be tough
People change their minds about hairstyles very often, so if you rock your bangs for a few months and decide they’re not for you, you’re not alone.
“Growing out bangs is one of the biggest hair hassles. … Try pushing them to the side to let them grow out with ease,” says Ellsworth.
The key to growing them out is to simply wait. Your hair will have its own awkward stage that will make the growing out process a bit more annoying, but you’ll be satisfied with the final product.
Most people see bangs as “scary” because they are a serious style change, but follow these tips and you’ll be a pro. Hairstyles don’t have to be difficult, you just have to be smart. The best tip? Wake up early, spend a little time styling your hair, and you’ll feel more confident about your new look.