Did you know that there’s a bold, fun, dramatic way to improve the look of your face? It’s simple: just get bangs! Bangs are a great way to spice up your look, frame your face, and even take years off of your physical appearance with little effort on your part.
But you have to know how to maintain your bangs. They can be tough to take care of, and difficult to style if you aren’t used to them. Additionally, trends change all the time – today’s bodacious bang-centric hairstyle could be “so next season” within the next six months. And if that happens, you have to know what to do with your hair while you wait for your strands to grow out.
Below, we’ll give you the lowdown on Bangs: 101. We’ll discuss the different types of cuts, which ones will frame your face the best, and how to style them. And if you regret your bangs, for whatever reason, we’ll tell you what you need to know to keep your hair stylish while you grow it out into a more comfortable length.
What Bangs are Best for Your Face?
Your face shape will ultimately determine which type of bang will flaunt your features the most. But be careful, because if you cut the wrong type of bang onto the wrong facial shape, there’s no going back – at least, not for a while. So stick to these basic guidelines:
- Oval faces – you ladies are the lucky ones who officially win the Bang Lottery. You can basically wear any type of bang – whether it’s blunt-cut, side-swept, parted, or full. Your beautiful features will be tastefully accented no matter what shorter pattern of hair adorns your forehead.
- Diamond faces – stick to those asymmetrical side-sweeping bangs. By throwing off the geometric look of your natural face shape, the ad a touch of pizazz and softness to your angular look.
- Round faces – just like diamond faces, the side-swept or asymmetrically parted bangs can keep your face interesting and fun. You might also want to try a full, blunt-cut bang if you’re feeling bold.
- Square faces: go for that retro, 70’s bohemian style bang. It will give your face a bolder, more noticeable presence.
Styling your New Bangs
So maybe you have your new, wonderful bangs now – or maybe you’re doing your research so that you know what you’ll be in for if you get them. Well, most of us aren’t lucky enough to wake up each morning with perfectly coiffed bangs. You need to style them properly in order to make them work for you.
- Blunt-cut bangs: start with damp hair. Comb them forward and straight down in front of your face. Using your paddle brush, take turns drying your bangs for 5 seconds at a time to the left, and to the right. Keep alternating directions every few seconds until dry. Blast them with a shot of cool air to set and to keep frizz away.
- Side-swept bangs: Again, make sure you hair is damp. Take a large, round brush and wrap your bangs around it. Dry your bangs in the opposite direction which you want them to go (if you want them to sweep left, then dry to the right for example). Eventually, bring them over to the other side one half-inch section at a time. Pin in place while they are cooling.
- Wispy bangs – start with damp hair, no brush necessary. Point your dryer straight down and move rapidly from side to side while simultaneously combing them out (to prevent them from drying flat). Apply some anti-frizz hair serum for any frizz problems.
Oh no, my bangs were a mistake! Now what?
Don’t worry! There are plenty of accessory and hairstyle solutions for those of us who got a bad cut, or just regret our decision. Depending on how long or short your bangs are, there are several different solutions you could try:
- Pins & clips. When in doubt, pin them back! You can use jeweled or decorative pins and clips for an extra fancy touch.
- Headbands. The thicker, the better, especially considering how 60’s and 70’s retro looks are coming back in style. This is a very fashionable way to keep them out of your face.
- French braids that frame your face. It’s easy to work the shorter hairs into a face-framing braid with a little patience (and some pomade).
- Shave your head…just kidding! Relax, bangs aren’t forever. They’ll grow back eventually. And by the time they do, you’ll probably want bangs all over again.
There you have it: your guide to Bangs 101. If you already have them, enjoy! Or if you’re strongly considering them, why not try something bold and different?
