Fake It ‘Til You Make It: The Ultimate Guide to Faux Bangs
Want to try out bangs without the commitment (or the scissors)? Faux bangs are your answer! Whether you’re curious about how you’d look with a fringe, want a temporary style change, or simply don’t want to deal with the upkeep of real bangs, creating the illusion of bangs is easier than you think. This comprehensive guide will walk you through several methods to achieve believable and stylish faux bangs, from using your own hair to incorporating clip-in extensions.
Why Faux Bangs?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s explore why faux bangs are such a fantastic option:
* **No Commitment:** This is the biggest draw! You can rock bangs for a day, a night, or even just a few hours without altering your hair permanently.
* **Experimentation:** Curious about different bang styles? Faux bangs allow you to test out blunt bangs, side-swept bangs, wispy bangs, and more before committing to a cut.
* **Low Maintenance:** Real bangs require regular trimming and styling. Faux bangs require minimal effort – style them once and you’re good to go.
* **Hair Growth Considerations:** If you’re trying to grow out your hair, cutting bangs would set you back. Faux bangs let you enjoy the look without sacrificing length.
* **Changing Your Look:** A quick and easy way to dramatically change your hairstyle for a special occasion or photoshoot.
Method 1: The Classic Tuck-and-Pin (Using Your Own Hair)
This method works best for those with medium to long hair and is the most common way to create faux bangs. It relies on cleverly manipulating the hair at the front of your head to mimic the look of bangs.
**You’ll Need:**
* A hair tie
* Bobby pins (lots of them, preferably matching your hair color)
* A comb or brush
* Hairspray (optional, for extra hold)
* Scissors (only if you decide to trim the faux bangs)
* A mirror
**Step-by-Step Instructions:**
1. **Prep Your Hair:** Start with clean, dry hair. If your hair is freshly washed and slippery, add some texturizing spray or dry shampoo for better grip. This will help the bobby pins stay in place.
2. **Create a Section:** Part your hair as you normally would. Then, isolate the section of hair that will become your faux bangs. This typically involves taking a triangular section from the crown of your head, extending forward towards your forehead. The width of the triangle will determine the thickness of your bangs. For thicker bangs, take a wider section. For thinner, more wispy bangs, take a narrower section.
3. **Tie it Up (Temporarily):** Gather the selected section of hair and loosely tie it with a hair tie close to your forehead. This is just to keep the section separate while you work.
4. **Determine the Length:** This is where you decide how long you want your faux bangs to be. The hair tie acts as a marker. Experiment with different lengths to see what looks best on your face. Remember, you can always trim later, but you can’t add hair back!
5. **Tuck and Roll (the Magic Step!):** This is the core of the technique. Take the tied section of hair and start rolling it inward, towards your forehead, underneath the rest of your hair. You’re essentially creating a roll that will become the bulk of your faux bangs. The hair tie will be hidden underneath the roll.
6. **Secure with Bobby Pins:** As you roll, secure the hair with bobby pins. This is the most crucial step. Start pinning from the center of the roll and work your way outwards. Use plenty of bobby pins, placing them close together and angled to grip the hair effectively. The goal is to create a secure and stable base for your faux bangs.
7. **Adjust and Refine:** Once the roll is pinned, carefully adjust the bangs to achieve the desired shape and style. You can pull out some strands for a more wispy look, or smooth them down for a sleeker appearance. Pay attention to the sides of the bangs, ensuring they blend seamlessly with the rest of your hair. Use a comb or your fingers to refine the shape and hide any visible bobby pins.
8. **Blend and Conceal:** This is where you make the faux bangs look realistic. Take strands of hair from the sides of your face and blend them with the faux bangs. This will help to soften the line between the faux bangs and your natural hair. Conceal any visible bobby pins by strategically placing strands of hair over them.
9. **Trimming (Optional):** If the faux bangs are too long, you can carefully trim them. Use sharp scissors and trim in small increments to avoid cutting too much. It’s always better to start with a longer length and trim gradually until you achieve the desired look. Angle the scissors slightly upwards for a more natural, textured effect.
10. **Finishing Touches:** Once you’re happy with the shape and style, use hairspray to set the faux bangs in place. This will help to keep them from falling out of place and maintain their shape throughout the day. A light misting of hairspray is usually sufficient. Avoid using too much hairspray, as this can make the faux bangs look stiff and unnatural.
11. **Check in the Mirror (and from all angles):** Before you head out, check your faux bangs in the mirror from all angles to make sure they look natural and secure. Make any final adjustments as needed.
**Tips for Success:**
* **Hair Color Matters:** This method works best if your hair color is consistent. If you have highlights or balayage, the faux bangs might not blend as seamlessly.
* **Bobby Pin Placement is Key:** Use bobby pins that match your hair color as closely as possible. Place them strategically to hide them and provide maximum hold.
* **Practice Makes Perfect:** Don’t get discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect. Practice makes perfect! Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for your hair type and face shape.
* **Texture is Your Friend:** Use texturizing spray or dry shampoo to add grip and volume to your hair. This will help the faux bangs stay in place and look more natural.
* **Consider Your Face Shape:** Different bang styles flatter different face shapes. Research which bang styles are best suited for your face shape before you start.
Method 2: The Headband Hack
This method utilizes a headband to create the illusion of bangs. It’s a quick and easy option for those with longer hair.
**You’ll Need:**
* A thin headband (preferably one that matches your hair color or is easily hidden)
* Bobby pins
* Hairspray (optional)
* A comb or brush
**Step-by-Step Instructions:**
1. **Position the Headband:** Place the headband around your head, positioning it where you want the base of your bangs to be. It should sit a few inches back from your hairline.
2. **Pull Hair Forward:** Gently pull strands of hair from the front of your head forward, over the headband. The amount of hair you pull forward will determine the thickness of your faux bangs.
3. **Adjust the Length:** Adjust the length of the faux bangs by pushing the headband forward or backward. Experiment with different lengths to see what looks best on your face.
4. **Secure the Hair:** Use bobby pins to secure the hair to the headband. Place the bobby pins along the headband, hiding them beneath the hair. Focus on securing the hair at the sides of the faux bangs to prevent them from falling out of place.
5. **Blend and Style:** Blend the faux bangs with the rest of your hair. You can use a comb or your fingers to create a smooth and seamless transition. Style the rest of your hair as desired. You can wear it up or down, depending on your preference.
6. **Finishing Touches:** Use hairspray to set the faux bangs in place. This will help to keep them from falling out of place and maintain their shape throughout the day. A light misting of hairspray is usually sufficient.
**Tips for Success:**
* **Choose the Right Headband:** Select a headband that is thin and comfortable to wear. Avoid headbands that are too wide or bulky, as they can be difficult to conceal.
* **Blend, Blend, Blend:** The key to making this method look realistic is to blend the faux bangs seamlessly with the rest of your hair. Take your time and pay attention to the details.
* **Experiment with Styles:** Try different styles of faux bangs using this method. You can create blunt bangs, side-swept bangs, or even choppy bangs by adjusting the length and shape of the hair.
Method 3: Clip-In Bangs
Clip-in bangs are the most straightforward way to achieve faux bangs. They are readily available online and in beauty supply stores in various colors, lengths, and styles.
**You’ll Need:**
* Clip-in bangs (matching your hair color as closely as possible)
* A comb or brush
* Scissors (optional, for trimming)
* Hairspray (optional)
**Step-by-Step Instructions:**
1. **Choose the Right Bangs:** When purchasing clip-in bangs, pay close attention to the color and texture. Try to find bangs that match your natural hair as closely as possible. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to go slightly darker than lighter, as darker shades tend to blend more easily. Human hair clip-ins offer the best versatility as you can style them with heat, and even dye them.
2. **Part Your Hair:** Part your hair where you would normally wear bangs. This will help you position the clip-in bangs correctly.
3. **Clip Them In:** Position the clip-in bangs along your hairline, ensuring they are centered and aligned with your part. Secure the clips to your hair, making sure they are firmly attached. Most clip-in bangs have multiple clips for a secure hold. Start with the center clip and then attach the side clips.
4. **Blend and Style:** Blend the clip-in bangs with your natural hair. Use a comb or brush to smooth the transition between the bangs and your hair. You can also use styling tools like a curling iron or flat iron to blend the textures. If the clip-in bangs are too shiny, you can lightly dust them with dry shampoo to reduce the shine and make them look more natural.
5. **Trimming (If Needed):** If the clip-in bangs are too long, you can carefully trim them. However, it’s best to have them professionally trimmed by a hairstylist to ensure a natural-looking result. If you choose to trim them yourself, do it in small increments and angle the scissors slightly upwards.
6. **Finishing Touches:** Use hairspray to set the clip-in bangs in place. This will help to keep them from falling out of place and maintain their style throughout the day.
**Tips for Success:**
* **Color Matching is Crucial:** The most important factor in making clip-in bangs look natural is to find a perfect color match. Consider ordering a few different shades to compare.
* **Experiment with Placement:** Try clipping the bangs in different positions to see what looks best on your face. You can position them higher or lower on your forehead to create different effects.
* **Style with Heat (If Human Hair):** If you purchased human hair clip-in bangs, you can use heat styling tools to blend them seamlessly with your natural hair. Curl, straighten, or wave them to match your existing hairstyle.
* **Secure the Clips Properly:** Make sure the clips are securely attached to your hair to prevent the bangs from slipping or falling out of place.
Choosing the Right Faux Bang Style for Your Face Shape
Just like real bangs, certain faux bang styles will complement your face shape better than others. Here’s a quick guide:
* **Oval Face:** Lucky you! Most bang styles work well with oval faces. Experiment with blunt bangs, side-swept bangs, or wispy bangs.
* **Round Face:** Opt for side-swept bangs or long, layered bangs that help to elongate the face. Avoid blunt, heavy bangs that can make your face appear wider.
* **Square Face:** Soft, feathered bangs or side-swept bangs can help to soften the angles of a square face. Avoid blunt, straight bangs that can accentuate the jawline.
* **Heart-Shaped Face:** Long, side-swept bangs or wispy bangs that are slightly longer on the sides can help to balance a heart-shaped face. Avoid short, blunt bangs that can make the forehead appear wider.
* **Long Face:** Fuller, thicker bangs that reach your eyebrows can help to make a long face appear shorter. Avoid wispy or too-thin bangs that can make your face appear even longer.
Maintaining Your Faux Bangs
While faux bangs require less maintenance than real bangs, there are a few things you can do to keep them looking their best:
* **Store Them Properly:** When you’re not wearing your faux bangs, store them in a clean, dry place. For clip-in bangs, you can store them in a resealable bag or a wig stand to prevent them from tangling or losing their shape.
* **Clean Them Regularly:** Clean your faux bangs regularly to remove dirt, oil, and product buildup. For clip-in bangs made of synthetic hair, you can use a mild shampoo and lukewarm water. For human hair clip-in bangs, you can use a regular shampoo and conditioner.
* **Avoid Over-Styling:** Avoid over-styling your faux bangs, as this can damage the hair and make them look unnatural. Use heat styling tools sparingly and always use a heat protectant spray.
* **Replace Them When Necessary:** Faux bangs, especially clip-in bangs, will eventually wear out over time. When they start to look frayed, tangled, or discolored, it’s time to replace them.
Troubleshooting Common Faux Bang Problems
* **Bangs Look Unnatural:** This is often due to a poor color match or improper blending. Make sure your faux bangs match your hair color as closely as possible and blend them seamlessly with your natural hair.
* **Bangs Fall Out of Place:** This can be caused by insufficient bobby pins or improper placement. Use plenty of bobby pins and make sure they are securely attached to your hair. If you’re using clip-in bangs, make sure the clips are firmly attached.
* **Bangs Look Too Shiny:** This is a common problem with synthetic hair clip-in bangs. Lightly dust them with dry shampoo to reduce the shine and make them look more natural.
* **Bangs Are Too Long:** Trim your faux bangs carefully, using sharp scissors and cutting in small increments. Angle the scissors slightly upwards for a more natural effect.
* **Bangs Don’t Blend with My Hair Texture:** If you have curly or textured hair, you may need to style your faux bangs to match. Use a curling iron or flat iron to create a similar texture.
Faux Bangs: The Verdict
Faux bangs are a fun, versatile, and commitment-free way to experiment with different hairstyles. Whether you choose to use your own hair, a headband, or clip-in extensions, there’s a faux bang method that will work for you. With a little practice and attention to detail, you can create believable and stylish faux bangs that will transform your look in minutes. So go ahead, fake it ’til you make it – your perfect bangs are just a few steps away!