To Bang Or Not To Bang?
Tyra Banks
“Bold/Straight Full Bang”
Having trouble deciding whether or not to get bangs at your next hair appointment?
You’d be surprised at just how many women out there are pondering the question day and night like it’s life or death.
I consider bangs to be one of the most highly fretted choices that woman face in the salon.
Why, you say?
It sounds like a silly thing that hardly matters….but it does.
Should I get bangs?
Choosing to get bangs or not get bangs means several months of suffering while you wait for them to grow out. It means changing your entire look and not knowing whether you will like it or not…then being stuck with it for better or worse!
That’s why I’m giving you the lowdown on bangs, and hopefully it’ll be a breeze!
Things to Consider…
Before you go crazy thinking about bangs and clipping pictures out of magazines there are a few things you need to know. Your hair characteristics can tell you whether or not you should get bangs and what type of bang you should get.
Carrie Underwood
“Dramatic/Swept Side Bang”
I know that some of you may be thinking, “What’s that got to do with it? I either cut them or I don’t.”….while others are anxiously contemplating the decision.
Some of you are torn, nervous, and acting as if this will be one of the biggest decisions of your life.
If you’re not a teenager…there’s no excuse for getting dramatic about it!
Hair is not always as simple as you may think.
The texture of your hair, your cut, and those funny cowlicks can tell you a lot.
Texture
Is your hair curly, wavy, or straight?
Do you let it air dry or do you blow dry and flat iron?
All of these things can make a huge difference on which way you go with the bangs.
- Curly– The curlier your hair is, the more weary you should be of getting bangs. If you’re willing to straighten them everyday it might work out, if not you will look like a poodle. I feel that full bangs with curls just don’t mix….why straighten only one part of your hair…hello 7th grade!
- Wavy– This type of hair is a little easier, you can straighten them if you want, or let them flow(I would only suggest a side bang here!).
- Straight– Then we have straight hair….I’m more fond of full bangs in this situation. If your hair is too straight side bangs may look awkward.
Your Part
Sometimes we can work with a stubborn part line, sometimes we can’t.
It all depends on how flexible your hair can be. Believe me, if you get the wrong bangs for your part…you will regret it!
- In the Middle -If you have a definitive middle part…side bangs may be a difficult option. Your hair has been going the same way all it’s life, don’t confuse it!
- No Part– If you wear your hair on ONE side or the OTHER and change it with the wind…you may want to skip the bangs. Go for a long side bang or nothing at all, they are more flexible and anything else will probably be a pain.
- Side Part– If your hair is always parted on the same side…get the side bang! I love side bangs! The best part is you’ll barely notice it if you want to grow it out!
Cowlicks
Everyone has them, but some of us are less fortunate than others. If you have a cowlick right smack in the middle of your front hairline please don’t get full bangs! I can’t even say how much this annoys me!
I learned this lesson in the 3rd grade and I can’t stand seeing someone deciding it’s a good idea at 20! They will never lay straight and you will suffer while growing them out! Sometimes a cowlick like that can make side bangs look awesome, it’s what I stick with and it works.
Full Bang vs. Side Bang
Taylor Swift
“Romantic Side Bang”
The first question I always ask when someone is contemplating bangs is whether they want it to the side or full & straight across. I’m often surprised because most people have no idea what they want.
I consider full and side bangs to be complete opposites.
I can usually look as someone and tell which one they would look best with, so there must be something to it!
We are all unique and what we want may not be what we need!
Hopefully after reading this section on the pros and cons to each type of bang you will know exactly what to go for!
If you’re still unsure about which way to go feel free to contact me for advice!
Full Bangs
- Require regular trims, usually every 3 to 4 weeks.
- Are much harder to grow out than side bangs.
- Will change your look more drastically than side bangs.
- Looks great with more simple, straight styles.
Side Bangs
- Don’t have to be trimmed as often, sometimes I go as long as a few months.
- Can be easily grown out if you decide you don’t like them
- Will change your look slightly but sometimes a little goes a long way!
- Are easily incorporated into a wide variety of styles.
NEVER try to cut your own bangs!
It’s not going to work….it’s just not.
Things to Remember…
- If you can’t stand hair around your face, bangs are probably a bad idea.
- If you’re not willing to come in and get them trimmed regularly, full bangs may not be the best option. When people trim their own bangs it just doesn’t work!
- If you’re having a mini life crisis make the decision after your emotions have calmed down….breakup bangs or haircuts are usually an impulsive mistake!
Just another friendly reminder….
Please don’t attempt to cut your own bangs!
As always, feel free to contact me via e-mail if you have any questions or just can’t make the decision!
If you attach a photo I will gladly give you a mini consultation on what’s best for you!
Check out these posts for more tips:
Spread The Word!
54 Responses to To Bang Or Not To Bang?
What do you think? Comment here:
What’s Your Style? Take the Quiz!
Loading ...
Hi i have wanted a front fringe for a long time now but i have a cowlick, its not very big, but i am very insecure about my forehead and i was just wondering if it was possible to have a front fringe? Thanks
When your hair is wet…try combing it down (about a half inch of hair, or more if you want a thicker fringe).
What does the hair do? Does it pucker where your cowlick is, or does it somewhat stay combed down?
Hello I was wondering if bangs would look okay on me, I have a round face shape but curly wavey hair. Some days it’s curly but sometimes it goes into loose waves. I had full bangs when I was 10 but due to a cowlick my bangs seperated and I never had much time to style them so I let my bangs grow. I’ve now started wearing glasses so I don’t know if it would hide my face too much?
It sounds like you had the same issues with bangs when you were younger as I did. My wavy hair didn’t come out until teen years(I tried full bangs again then and it was horrible). When I was in elementary school the full bangs were fine.
So, I think you should try a side bang if you part your hair on the side, or at least off-center. Your glasses won’t make a difference. I think glasses with side bangs are great! Side bangs will lay perfectly on the edge of your frames…keeping them from falling into your eyes
.
[…] you’re not sure if bangs are for you…check out my post, “To Bang Or Not To Bang?”. I compare full bangs and side bangs, explain cowlicks and help you decide which bangs(or no bangs) […]
Hi! I was wondering if you could help me decide. I have an oval face and a thin super straight hair that falls below my shoulders. Also, I kinda have a wide forehead and my hair’s side swept. Should I get bangs?? And if I can, what type of bangs?? Pls help my dilemma :((
It sounds like you would look great with a side bang! If you’d like to send me a photo of how you normally wear your hair please message me from the contact page or e-mail me at infoconfessionsofacosmetologist.com !
[…] so ask your stylist for their opinion if you’re not sure. You can also read my post… To Bang or Not to Bang …to help you decide which way to […]
Hi.. I am wondering, I have very think straight across bangs that are barely bangs at all.. I would like to get “fringe bangs” the ones that start far up instead of at the base of your forehead. Will the fringe bangs just over them up? Thank you!
Very thin*
If your hair is thick enough elsewhere, then you can get bangs that come from a little father back. It really depends on your hair and your hairstyle. There are certain points on the head that bangs should begin at….as well as points where they should not go past!
Ask your stylist for suggestions and make sure you feel confident about the answers you are given before you proceed.
Hi so I’ve never gotten my hair done at a salon before and have always had my mom cut my hair straight at home. I have thick medium length hair with slight waves to it and can pretty much part my hair on the side or in the middle. I would part my hair more in the middle but because my hair is kind of flat at the top, it always looks weird. I also have a slight cowlick in the front but I’m able to manage it. I want to get bangs but I would like bangs that I can wear both on the side and across my forehead. I don’t want them to be super thick bangs but almost thinned out bangs. I want to go to the salon but I don’t know how to ask for it or if it’ll even look good on me. I even want to get layers. I’ve seen pictures of how I want it done but still nervous the salon won’t get what I’m trying to say. Please help!
I also have what I believe in to be an oval face if that helps.
With your face shape any bangs should work, but in this case your hair texture and part are more of the deciding factor. Good luck!
If you decide to do it you should definitely bring the photos with you! I think that a lot of stylists struggle with cutting the type of bangs you want properly. That’s because it’s difficult with all of the variations in your part, the cowlick, and your hair texture.
You’ll need a longer length bang, and possibly one that is cut unevenly (in a good way). I think you should play with your part and the hair that would be bangs. While it’s wet move it around and if it pops up funny in one spot or won’t lay right, then you’ll know that it won’t work.
Here is a more detailed explanation on how to test out your bang area: Bangs
When you say a longer length do you mean pass or at my eyebrows? I don’t want the thick straight across bangs but bangs that I can wear with both a side and middle part but still be able to kind of blend it in with my normal hair when I don’t want a really noticeable bang look. I wish there was so way to show you the pictures of what I hope to have. There’s this Korean idol who has hair the exact way I’m talking about.
Longer bangs are at the edge of your eyebrow(smallest point) or longer…in my opinion. You can send photos via my Facebook page or via e-mail: infoconfessionsofacosmetologist.com
[…] sure to read “To Bang or Not to Bang” for more tips & let me know how it […]
[…] Should I get bangs? […]
I think I have an oval face. I have light wavy hair and have had side bangs all my life. I love them but have been wanting to try front bangs for a long time. I have a middle part!! can u suggest ?
Here’s a little test to help you decide:
When your hair is wet…
Take a comb and section off about a half inch of hair (that would be your bangs), then comb it straight down in front of your face. Does it quickly separate in the middle where your part is, or does your hair nicely comb down and somewhat stay in place?
If it’s hard to keep down and un-parted, then full bangs might be difficult for you to style. In your case, that would be the only reason to not get bangs. This can sometimes be considered a “cowlick”.
Hello! I’ve thicker, slightly wavy hair, with a natural middle part. I’m kind of a low maintenance person when it comes to hair, but I’m 15 and had long layers all my life, and really wish to change it up a bit and get bangs. I read in many places that for starters and low maintenance, it’s best that I get a side bang. But when I shift my part to the right, I have a small cowlick. Do you suggest I go for it?
Also, is it necessary to blow dry it? My hair is thick, but kind of versatile, I always air dry. I don’t wash my hair daily either. If I get it cut long enough to tuck it behind my ear if need be, will it look awkward when I tie a pony (and don’t tuck it)? My guess is yes haha. Helpful post btw
I forgot to mention, I’ve a round face, but I can imagine bangs and I know they would suit me, yet I have some questions without which I wouldn’t dare to get them!
Hi, I’m in the process of growing out full bangs, I have a cow’s lick but because the hair was taken so far back on my head it works but after for years of a fringe I’m ready to move on. My hair naturally has a side part and I don’t know how to get my hair to behave or work in a side part because of the huge cows lick, any tips?
It depends on how long your bangs are and how you style your hair. You can pull your bangs back with a bobby pin and that looks really cute by itself or with a ponytail. I do it when my bangs get too long and I don’t feel like cutting them
I love, love the look of full bangs. But I have a cowlick. I know my face shape could really pull off full bangs and I know they would really suit my personality and style. Isn’t there anything I can do? Is there a way to train/tame my cowlick. I’d even be willing to put in the work for a while before getting the cut so it would look okay. Any suggestions?
Your cowlick will pretty much always be there….not much you can do besides styling it (and it must be cut specifically to the cowlick for it to work when styled). In my opinion, a cowlick is with you for life. Think of a boys head of hair…most have a cowlick at the crown, which causes a “swirling” effect. This is somewhat like the cowlick in your bang area. It will never go away and can’t really be “trained” permanently to go one way or the other.
Where is your cowlick located? I think you should use your cowlick to your advantage to great a beautiful style! Even if it isn’t the trend you desire….you can still use it to your advantage to have awesome hair!
Hi! I need serious help! I have slightly wavy hair and I LOVE fringes and I want to get one really badly! I’m not sure which one I should get… Can u help? Also I have a front parting so do u think I should change my parting to a side one a couple of weeks before I get a side parting ( if I get one) thanks and I hope u can help!
Also I have quite thin hair!!
Sophia,
What type of bang do you like/want to get?
Wavy hair with a fringe will require a few extra minutes of styling in the morning, but that’s okay! There are things you can do to make it quick and easy. The type of bang you get will be determined by- 1)If you’re okay with having to style it everyday 2)They type-full or side 3)Your part and whether or not you are able to move it around.
Some people can train their part. People like me can’t! That’s why I ask that you try it or if you have always had the same part. My part looks ridiculous on the other side or in the middle…I just won’t do it….it’s that bad! I may post some photos for an example so you can see the difference…..changing my part makes me look like a different person…and it’s not pretty! Something like a part may not seem like a big deal to some, but your hair thickness/texture can make all the difference!
Can you send me an example photo of what you want in a bang? Also, I would like a photo of you (how you normally wear your hair and one with a middle and opposite part from your norm). It’s hard for me to give you great advice without seeing your hair and the bangs you desire (full and side bangs can be cut/styled 100’s of ways!)
Please send your photos to info< @>confessionsofacosmetologist.com
*Don’t forget to omit the “< " and ">” symbols in me e-mail address! I put those there to prevent spam
You can also send me an e-mail via the Contact tab on the Menu bar and I will reply so you can send the photos!
That thats it im asking my mom tonight and if she says I dont know im gonna tell her why cant you cut it at home and if she says im not an expert I’ll say it doesnt matter I found a video with the bangs I want and the person cutting her own bangs didnt look like an expert AND she ended up with some cute bangs sooo yeah and If she STILL says no I’ll say well you can take me to sport clips because my best friend’s mom works there and she is an EXPERT with bangs sooo and if she leaves I’ll say MAKE IT SOON I HATE WAITING THIS LONG and yeah I’ll do it so I can get it cut the next day or sooner
Hi I have tried a fringe before and remember telling myself a couple of years ago when growing it out NEVER to have a fringe again! I was not comfyit being on my face although I absolutely loved the way it looked, but I have wavy/curly hair and thinning on top so thinking it may be a good idea to have another side fringe cut soon. I ideally want my furrowed brow to be covered but don’t think a full bang will work. I can always pin it back when exercising right? Help!! Can’t believe this can be such a traumatic experience with what goes on in the world! :-((
Bangs are traumatic….I’ve seen lots of people cry while getting their bangs cut…not just kids. I even had a 20-something cry after I cut her bangs when I asked her several times if she was sure and let her think about it for 15 minutes.
They’re just bangs I would say! Lol….if you’re really conflicted about it then wait and make a change elsewhere. The big deal for me with full bangs is styling them in the morning.
Will it be easy for you….or a challenge before leave for work everyday? If it’s challenging, then get a different kind of bangs or a new cut. Don’t do anything that will frustrate you in the morning.
If you send me a pic of your hair I am happy to help you decide. Here’s my e-mail:
info< @>confessionsofacosmetologist.com
*Omit the < and >….I have to add that so I won’t get spammed
Thanks now I’ve decided to get bangs…..WISH ME LUCK!!!!:)
Don’t forget to come back and tell us how it went! Good Luck!
O.O why in the world is this taking so long! I’m only a kid and I have 2 wait for an appiontment and my mom hasnt brung up anything about getting bangs -_- I EVEN HAD A DREAM ABOUT IT!!!! now im anxious to get a haircut like whenever we go out im always hoping mom stops by the salon but no hasnt happened. -_-
Sorry, I just got back from a conference in D.C.! Didn’t have time for e-mails unfortunately!
Have you thought about tagging along when she has an appointment? Maybe you could get bangs when she gets her hair cut, and you know she won’t cancel or miss her appointment
What kind of look are you going for?
Well, about that we usually never get haircuts so I dont know and I want to keep it a secret from my dad and when we go out he’s usually with us and every night when my mom tucks me into bed I ask: when are you going to take me to the salon? And my mom replies I dont know. And we used to go get our hair cut at Fantastic Sams but now we dont because they never cut it the way my parents want it cut and we have to find a salon with that so I really dont know and WHY CANT SHE CUT IT AT HOME I mean she’s not a hair professional and I found a video with the bangs I want (straight across) and if she doesn’t cut it at home I could just tell her to go to sport clips because my BEST friend’s mom works their and she is an EXPERT with bangs (and my friend has some pretty nice side bangs) so yeah either one but..I never found the time to tell her because my dad is ALWAYS around and I try at bedtime but when she tucks me in she leaves straight away and I dont have enough time to tell her so yeah…..THANKS FOR THE TIPS ON BANGS!
1. Never try to hide things from your parents. They already know everything and tell each other everything…they are a TEAM. Be honest and truthful always and life will be so much more simple.
2. Listen to your mom. Sometimes we don’t know why our parents say NO, but there is a reason. So….just let it go….maybe she will surprise you one day.
3. I don’t care what video you watched, nothing on Youtube can replace real skills. I will not even share my tutorials with the general public…they are meant for students and cosmetology professionals only. The girl in the video probably looked okay, but what you don’t see is how she looks when she realized she jacked up her bangs and has to pin them back with a bobby pin every morning.
4. No one at Sports Clips is an expert unless it’s in Men’s cuts. No offense to those of you that work there, but it’s called Sports Clips! If a stylist is doing clipper cuts all day, she is probably good ad it. Seek a stylist that has an appointment book filled with women that are particular about their cut & color…that’s a better bet if you’re looking for an “expert”.
5. “Straight Across” bangs are not simply cut straight across. Try it if you don’t believe me….they’ll turn out crooked…and you’ll have to keep trying to straighten them up…..until they get too short. My mom did that to me several times as a child….I have photos to prove it
.
1. I want it to be a SUPRISE for my dad
yay!
2.i messed up on straight across I actually meant full bangs
3.i just asked my mom last night and she said she thought I didnt want bangs anymore
4.she said she’ll set up an appointment this week so
5.do you live in mississippi because im talking about the sport clips their
6.the video was a TEST in case my mom wanted to see it
7.i WAS expecting a surprise but no still she thought I didnt want bangs soo im glad I asked
8.:( im only a child ; (
P.S your a cosmetologist or how ever you spell it and im only a child I dont know these things! Next im about to give up on this website because yeah I HATE comment sections because I just comment stuff and then something goes wrong you know and still im only a child and yeah I dont know these things and stuff and
next I dont want to start conflict with you because yeah you helped me make my decision on bangs and yeah ; ( 
Yes, that’s why I gave you advice. The more you know and apply…rather than having to learn the hard way…the better :).
There is a difference between conflicts arising and someone being up front with you. As you grow up you will appreciate that even more because few people in this world are straight-forward.
You should do something cute like this- write “Mom, I want bangs. <3 Gracie”…on lots of post-it notes. Some of them could say- “Mom, I really want bangs :).”, for example. Then…stick them in all kinds of places…like in her coffee mug, the silverware drawer, her makeup bag, the shower, etc. LOL….she will not forget!
Thanks! But I already asked my mom and she said she’ll set up an appointment THIS WEEK so yay! 😀 next if I didnt ask her I probably would’ve went with your idea and yeah im PRAYING that I get good bangs that I dont have to pin up or something so yeah and YAY IM GETTING MY BANGS CUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😀 and now im going back to my very first comment WISH ME LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’ll tell you how it went ok bye! 
😀
Hi! I know you posted this a few years back now, but I wondered if you could give me some advice considering which bangs to go for. I have fairly thick hair, except at the front, so I’m worried bangs wouldn’t look as good as I like. Also, I’ve got quite a large forehead, a “four-finger-forehead” I guess you could say. I would really like to have a full bang, but… yeah, I’m just not sure it would fit me. What do you think?
Greetings from Sweden
How do you normally part your hair? If you can move it around as you please and don’t have a stubborn cowlick, then you can probably do either type of bang. That’s the first thing that I think about because if you have trouble controlling your hairline/part then full bangs will be a huge pain every morning!
Your hair thickness will only matter if you are going for a specific look. There are tons of ways to cut a full bang and I bet there is one that will flatter your face and work with your hair type :).
As for your forehead….I’ve never heard of the “four-finger-forehead”….naturally, I just looked in the mirror and tried it after reading your comment! I can fit four fingers on mine and I’ve never felt that mine is unusually large.
Everyone thinks they have a big forehead, and those that don’t usually have a very tiny forehead area (which is even worse for trying to do bangs at times). My bangs are pulled back at the moment and if I stare at my forehead long enough….yes I start to think that it’s big. My point is that you probably have a lovely face with or without bangs!
I can’t tell you to definitely go for it or not without seeing a photo of you the way you normally wear your hair. If you usually wear a side part, I would go with the side bang. If you want more detailed advice feel free to send me your photo via e-mail: info@confessionsofacosmetologist.com
Thank you very much for the great tips! I just sent you an email with a picture, it would be great if you’d take a look!
/Emma
HelloI was wondering if side bangs would look on my face shape. Any tips or comments on how to find out?
Thank you so much for all the help!
Hi Courtney!
Do you have a definitive part or can you part it any way you like? What is your hair texture like and is your hair “easy to tame”?
[…] To Bang or Not to Bang? […]
Hello, loved your article but still dont know if bangs would look good on me because i just cant imagine. I do know i would’n work with side sweep bangs because my hair is as straight as it can be , however i wear glasses everyday and the combination of blunt bangs and glasses might hide my face 2much? pls reply
That’s pretty common when you’re going for full bangs! Can you send me a photo? In my opinion it depends on the look you’re going for and your facial shape/characteristics. I know a 20-something year old girl that went from no bangs to full bangs….the cut looks good, but it made her look like a little girl because of her facial shape and the softness of her features. I will know when I see your head shot. If you can, send me one that shows how you normally wear your hair! You can send it to me on Facebook. Thanks for reading and I hope to hear from you soon!
[…] strands. If you’re looking for more advice, your stylist knows best. I also found this blog, ConfessionsofaCosmetologist.com to be very helpful. Good luck! View Comments blog comments powered by Disqus […]
Such a small thing isn’t it? Yet it boggles the minds of so many women…
[…] you need a little help with making a decision you may want to read To Bang Or Not To Bang? ….In this post I give you the skinny on bangs and how I determine whether or not they will […]