Should You Get Bangs? A Comprehensive Guide to Making the Right Decision
Bangs! They can frame your face, add a touch of mystery, and completely transform your look. But the decision to get bangs is a big one. They require styling, regular trims, and a certain level of commitment. Are you ready for bangs? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to decide whether or not they’re right for you.
## Step 1: Understand Your Hair Type and Texture
Before you even start browsing inspiration photos, it’s crucial to understand your hair type and texture. Not all bangs work equally well with all hair types.
* **Straight Hair:** Straight hair is generally the easiest to style into bangs. You can achieve a variety of looks, from blunt and bold to soft and wispy. However, if your straight hair is very fine, bangs might appear thin and sparse.
* **Wavy Hair:** Wavy hair can look fantastic with bangs, but it requires more styling effort. Waves tend to have a mind of their own, so you’ll need to be prepared to use heat styling tools or styling products to keep your bangs in place and prevent them from looking frizzy. Consider curtain bangs or longer, layered bangs that blend seamlessly with your waves.
* **Curly Hair:** Curly hair and bangs can be a stunning combination, but it’s the most challenging hair type to manage with bangs. Expect daily styling to define the curls and prevent them from looking unruly. Opt for longer, textured bangs that complement your curl pattern. It’s highly recommended to consult with a stylist experienced in cutting curly hair before making the chop.
* **Coily Hair:** Similar to curly hair, coily hair requires extra care when it comes to bangs. Shrinkage is a significant factor to consider. What looks like a reasonable length when your hair is wet can shrink dramatically when dry. Seek out a stylist who specializes in cutting coily hair and can account for shrinkage to create a bang style that works with your natural texture. Fringes may be best achieved by styling and manipulating the hair rather than permanently cutting a fringe.
* **Fine Hair:** Fine hair can sometimes struggle to hold bangs, especially if they are thick and heavy. Opt for lighter, wispier bangs or side-swept bangs to avoid weighing your hair down. Using volumizing products and backcombing can add extra body.
* **Thick Hair:** Thick hair is ideal for creating full, voluminous bangs. You can rock blunt bangs, layered bangs, or even side-swept bangs with ease. However, be prepared for some extra styling time, as thick hair can take longer to dry and style.
* **Oily Hair:** Oily hair can make bangs look greasy and weighed down. You’ll need to wash your bangs frequently, possibly even daily. Consider using dry shampoo to absorb excess oil and maintain a fresh look.
* **Dry Hair:** Dry hair can become frizzy and brittle, especially with frequent washing. Focus on moisturizing your bangs with leave-in conditioners and oils to keep them healthy and hydrated.
## Step 2: Analyze Your Face Shape
Bangs can dramatically alter the appearance of your face shape. Choosing the right style can enhance your features and create a more balanced look.
* **Oval Face:** An oval face is considered the most versatile shape for bangs. You can experiment with almost any style, from blunt and straight across to side-swept and wispy. Consider your other features, such as your eyes and eyebrows, when making your decision.
* **Round Face:** If you have a round face, avoid blunt, heavy bangs that can make your face appear even rounder. Instead, opt for longer, side-swept bangs or curtain bangs that create angles and elongate your face. Asymmetrical styles work well.
* **Square Face:** A square face has a strong jawline. Soft, wispy bangs or side-swept bangs can help to soften the angles of your face. Avoid blunt, straight-across bangs that will accentuate your jawline.
* **Heart-Shaped Face:** A heart-shaped face is wider at the forehead and tapers down to a pointed chin. Side-swept bangs or long, textured bangs can help to balance the proportions of your face. Avoid short, blunt bangs that can make your forehead appear even wider.
* **Long Face:** Bangs can help to shorten a long face. Straight-across bangs, curtain bangs, or even shorter, choppy bangs can add width and create a more balanced look.
* **Diamond Face:** Diamond faces have a narrow forehead and chin with wide cheekbones. Bangs that add width to the forehead, such as side-swept bangs or textured bangs, can create a more balanced appearance.
To determine your face shape, stand in front of a mirror and use a non-permanent marker or lipstick to trace the outline of your face. Then, compare the outline to the descriptions above to identify your shape.
## Step 3: Consider Your Lifestyle and Styling Habits
Bangs require daily styling and maintenance. Before committing to a fringe, consider your lifestyle and how much time you’re willing to dedicate to styling your hair.
* **Styling Time:** Are you willing to spend 10-15 minutes each day styling your bangs? Some styles, like blunt bangs, require more effort to keep them looking sleek and polished. Others, like curtain bangs, are more low-maintenance.
* **Washing Frequency:** Do you wash your hair every day, every other day, or less frequently? Bangs tend to get oily faster than the rest of your hair, so you might need to wash them more often if you have an oily scalp. Consider using dry shampoo to extend the time between washes.
* **Activity Level:** Are you active and do you sweat frequently? If so, your bangs might become oily and matted throughout the day. Consider wearing a headband to keep your bangs off your face during workouts.
* **Hair Accessories:** Do you enjoy wearing hair accessories? Headbands, clips, and scarves can be a lifesaver on days when you don’t have time to style your bangs or when you just want to switch up your look.
* **Hair Products:** Are you willing to invest in hair products like styling creams, serums, and hairsprays? These products can help to tame frizz, add shine, and keep your bangs in place.
## Step 4: Gather Inspiration and Visualize the Look
Once you understand your hair type, face shape, and lifestyle, it’s time to gather inspiration and visualize the look you want to achieve. Here are some tips:
* **Browse Online:** Pinterest, Instagram, and hairstyle websites are great resources for finding inspiration photos. Search for bangs that are similar to your hair type and face shape.
* **Consult Magazines:** Flip through fashion magazines to see how stylists are incorporating bangs into current trends.
* **Use a Hairstyle App:** Many hairstyle apps allow you to upload a photo of yourself and try on different hairstyles, including bangs. This can be a helpful way to visualize how bangs will look on you.
* **Consider Celebrities:** Look to celebrities with similar hair types and face shapes for inspiration. Pay attention to the styles that you find most appealing.
* **Create a Mood Board:** Collect your favorite inspiration photos and create a mood board. This will help you to solidify your vision and communicate it to your stylist.
## Step 5: Consult with a Professional Stylist
Before making the chop, it’s essential to consult with a professional stylist. A stylist can assess your hair type, face shape, and lifestyle and recommend the best bang style for you. They can also provide valuable tips on styling and maintenance.
* **Choose a Stylist Carefully:** Look for a stylist who has experience cutting bangs and who understands your hair type and texture. Read online reviews and ask for recommendations from friends.
* **Bring Inspiration Photos:** Bring your mood board or a few inspiration photos to your appointment. This will help your stylist understand the look you’re trying to achieve.
* **Be Open to Suggestions:** Your stylist might have suggestions that differ from your initial vision. Be open to their expertise and trust their judgment.
* **Ask Questions:** Don’t hesitate to ask your stylist questions about styling, maintenance, and the best products to use.
* **Consider a Trial Run:** If you’re unsure about committing to bangs, ask your stylist to cut a few face-framing layers first. This will give you a taste of what it’s like to have hair around your face without the full commitment of bangs.
## Step 6: The Cut – Communication is Key!
During the haircut itself, clear and open communication with your stylist is crucial. Make sure you are both on the same page about the desired length, shape, and overall style of the bangs.
* **Start Longer:** It’s always easier to cut more hair off than to add it back. Ask your stylist to start with a slightly longer length and gradually shorten them if needed.
* **Check the Length:** Periodically check the length of your bangs in the mirror to ensure they are being cut to your desired length.
* **Consider the Part:** Discuss your preferred part with your stylist. The way you part your hair can affect how your bangs lay.
* **Dry Cut:** Ask for a dry cut, especially if you have curly or wavy hair. This allows the stylist to see how your hair will naturally fall and ensures that the bangs are cut to the correct length.
* **Ask for Styling Tips:** Take advantage of this time to ask your stylist for specific styling tips and tricks for your new bangs.
## Step 7: Learn to Style Your Bangs
Once you have your bangs, the real work begins! Learning to style them is essential for maintaining their appearance and preventing them from looking unruly.
* **Blow-Drying Technique:** Use a round brush to blow-dry your bangs, directing the airflow downwards and slightly to the side. This will help to smooth the hair and create a polished look.
* **Flat Ironing:** If you have wavy or curly hair, you might need to use a flat iron to straighten your bangs. Use a heat protectant spray to prevent damage.
* **Curling Iron:** A curling iron can be used to create soft, face-framing waves or to add volume to your bangs.
* **Dry Shampoo:** Keep dry shampoo on hand to absorb excess oil and refresh your bangs between washes.
* **Styling Products:** Experiment with different styling products to find what works best for your hair type and desired look. Some popular options include styling creams, serums, and hairsprays.
* **Practice:** Don’t be discouraged if your bangs don’t look perfect right away. It takes practice to master the art of styling bangs. Keep experimenting until you find a technique that works for you.
## Step 8: Regular Trims are a Must
Bangs grow quickly, so regular trims are essential for maintaining their shape and length. Plan to visit your stylist every 2-4 weeks for a trim. This will prevent your bangs from becoming too long and unruly.
* **DIY Trims:** If you’re comfortable trimming your own bangs, you can do so at home. However, be very careful and only trim a small amount at a time. It’s always better to err on the side of caution.
* **Invest in Quality Scissors:** If you plan to trim your own bangs, invest in a pair of sharp, high-quality hair-cutting scissors. Dull scissors can cause split ends and damage your hair.
* **Seek Professional Help:** When in doubt, it’s always best to visit your stylist for a trim. They can ensure that your bangs are cut evenly and that they maintain their shape.
## Step 9: Be Patient and Adaptable
Even with careful planning, your bangs might not turn out exactly as you envisioned. Be patient and willing to adapt your styling techniques and product choices as needed. It might take some time to find the perfect look for you.
* **Experiment with Different Styles:** Try different parting styles, styling techniques, and product combinations to find what works best for your bangs.
* **Embrace Imperfection:** Don’t strive for perfection. Bangs are meant to be a little bit messy and effortless. Embrace the imperfections and have fun with your new look.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Change:** If you’re not happy with your bangs, don’t be afraid to change them. You can grow them out, style them differently, or even get them cut into a different style. The most important thing is to feel confident and comfortable with your hair.
## Step 10: Alternatives to Cutting Bangs (The “Test Drive”)
If you’re still hesitant to commit to cutting bangs, there are several alternatives you can try to get a feel for the look without making a permanent change.
* **Clip-In Bangs:** Clip-in bangs are a great way to experiment with different styles and lengths without cutting your hair. They are easy to attach and remove, and they can be styled to blend seamlessly with your natural hair.
* **Faux Bangs:** You can create faux bangs by styling your hair in a way that mimics the look of bangs. This can be achieved by pulling a section of hair forward and pinning it in place, or by using a headband to create the illusion of bangs.
* **Headband with Bangs:** Some headbands come with pre-attached bangs. These are a quick and easy way to add bangs to your look without any commitment.
* **Try a Wig:** A wig with bangs can give you a completely different look and allow you to experiment with various styles and colors.
## Conclusion: Bangs or No Bangs?
Deciding whether or not to get bangs is a personal decision that requires careful consideration. By following these steps, you can make an informed choice that will leave you feeling confident and happy with your hair. Remember to consider your hair type, face shape, lifestyle, and styling habits. Consult with a professional stylist and don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles until you find the perfect look for you. And if you’re still unsure, try one of the alternatives to cutting bangs to get a feel for the look before making a permanent change. Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a style that makes you feel good about yourself!