This past year, we’ve been celebrating the art of being impulsive. Making big changes to our looks and style to cope with the dreadful boredom of the pandemic. If you’re hesitant towards a drastic change, but want to add a bit of edge, bangs are the cut for you!
VALLEY consulted NYC hairstylist Kennedy Trisler to get VALLEY’s readers the best bang secrets.
Before You Get Bangs: Styling and Upkeep
You must know that bangs, like any new hairstyle, require quite the upkeep. Trimming them every 1-2 weeks and preventing oil buildup is necessary to keep your bangs in great shape.
When it’s the day before your wash day (or even several days before, and your bangs have gotten oily, dry shampoo is your best friend. A couple of sprays at your roots will keep your bangs looking wispy and blown out.
According to Trisler, you should never add any product to your wet bangs from the time you get out of the shower until they dry.
Velcro rollers are an important tool for bang placement and are very inexpensive — your hair will thank you. When your bangs are going in every direction, rollers will hold them still and give them that perfect volume.
Hairstylists cut bangs for a small price, but just using the “point-cut” technique when you notice your bangs are overgrown can do the trick.
Wispy Bangs DIY
You should keep in mind that when in doubt, a professional knows best. However, if you want to save some cash and cut wispy bangs yourself, this is what you’ll need to know before getting those scissors out.
Always trim your hair when it’s wet rather than completely dry. If you haven’t washed your hair prior to trimming, use a spray bottle to get your hair damp.
Before you trim any part of your hair, run a comb through to get out any last knots.
Section your hair into a triangle at the front of your head, taking all the hair to the front from the end of each eyebrow. It is here when you can evenly trim the section hair straight across at the end of your cheeks (this is the only time you should trim straight across), thus making it easier to later trim the bangs to their proper length.
When it’s bang time, always remember to point-cut — it’s what removes bulk from the ends of the hair and gives bangs that perfect movement and dimension. You may see hairstylists use this technique at the salon; it simply means to delicately trim into your hair rather than straight across.
If you’re going for wispy bangs, you must remember to trim the ends below the eyebrow and right above the eyelid to give it that dimensional look. Trisler says it’s always best to have your bangs be too long instead of too short — naturally, the hair will rise up on your forehead instead of fall flat.
Curtain Bangs DIY
Cutting curtain bangs aren’t too different from wispy bangs.
Section your hair the same way as you would cut wispy bangs, trimming evenly and straight across by the end of your cheekbones.
Once you go to trim your curtain bangs, direct the section of hair to the opposite side of the part, keeping your fingers parallel to the section above. Trim the excess hair below your fingers, remembering to running a comb through before making any cuts.
After you’ve trimmed and blow-dried, point-cut your bangs again, only slightly for dimension.
To make the full head of hair more dynamic with your bangs, section the next half-inch of hair from the front on both sides of your part, then carefully slide down with scissors, making slanted micro-cuts from where the bangs end on those new sections.
Curly Bang Care
Trisler says the most important technique for curly bangs is to finger curl the strands of hair, curling in the direction away from the face. When it comes to curly bangs, shape is everything.
Using a diffuser is always a good idea — it keeps your bangs looking stunning all week long. Diffusers leave your curls fuller and bouncier while removing excess moisture that can make your bangs oily quicker.
Bangs on curly hair can be very difficult to style yourself. Based on Trisler’s advice, VALLEY suggests consulting your hairstylist before making any changes on your own.
Bangs’ versatility makes the style a timeless hit. No matter the decade, bangs will always be around, just changing with the tides. Whether it be the classic Brigette Bardot blunt bangs, the ’70s inspired Farrah Fawcett curtain bangs, wispy bangs or baby bangs — you’ve got options.
Choose whatever best fits your face and your personal flair and rock it! Bangs can’t disappoint. Trisler says her favorite part about cutting bangs is seeing the look of confidence on her clients’ faces when their new look is complete.
VALLEY wants to see how you rock your bangs! Tag us on Instagram, @Valleymag, with your best looks.
