How to Cut Your Bangs Without Regretting It

Thinking about cutting bangs at home? Read this how-to guide first to avoid mistakes that may end up haunting you.

By: All Things Beauty

June 2, 2024

Read Time: 4 Minutes

Beauty Defined by You

Time

{time} Minutes

Skill

{skillLevel}

Hair

Scissors

Hair

Loose Comb

A portrait of woman touching her cheeks while looking at her reflection in the mirror.

Step 1: Make Up Your Mind

There are a zillion options in the field of fringe, from curtain style to side-swept bangs. Since getting one is a commitment, don’t rush into a decision. Consider your face shape and hair texture when choosing the perfect fringe cut. Looking at celebrities who have features similar to you can also help narrow things down.For example, if you have chubby cheeks and wavy hair, you may take your cues from Selena Gomez who has rocked wispy bangs. If you have prominent features and a long face, Dua Lipa and her mall bangs can be your muse. There’s no harm in being a little delulu – go find your famous doppelganger.

A portrait of a hairdresser cutting a woman’s hair with hair shears.

Step 2: Set Up Your “Salon”

Hold off on cutting bangs until you have a good pair of hair shears. Don’t worry – most e-commerce sites have solid and affordable options. While you’re at it, you may also want to add alligator clips and a rat-tail comb to your cart for sectioning off your locks. These can help you get a precise cut.

A portrait of woman rinsing her long hair with water in the shower.

Step 3: Get Your Hair Ready

Should you cut your bangs when your hair is dry or wet? If you have curly hair, you should do the dry-cut method. But if you have straight hair and you’re going from zero bangs to full fringe, you should 100% be snipping when your strands are wet.Wet hair is more manageable and easier to control, so you’ll have no problem cutting your bangs evenly. However, keep in mind that hair stretches when soaked, so make sure to allot allowance for that.Wash and condition your hair before starting your DIY haircut project – just like how a professional hairdresser would do at the salon. Use Sunsilk Smooth & Manageable Shampoo with five flower essences that will make your hair five times smoother and more fragrant.

A portrait of woman with long, brown hair cutting bangs at home.

Step 4: Decide Where Your Bangs Should Be

Use the pointy tip of your rat-tail comb to create a triangle-shaped section of hair where your bangs should be. The width of the triangle will determine the thickness of your bangs, so adjust accordingly. Once you’ve made the section, use hair clips to keep the rest of your hair out of the way.

A portrait of woman cutting her bangs in front of the mirror.

Step 5: Make the Cut

It’s the big moment. You may have seen tutorials where people twist their hair to get a more layered cut, but this can result in too-short or uneven bangs. You should be cutting bangs at a vertical angle to prevent harsh lines and achieve a soft, feathered look that blends seamlessly into the rest of your hair. Hold the scissors at a 7 o’clock position and trim until you reach your desired length.

A portrait of woman with side bangs looking at the mirror.

Step 6: Frame Your Face

Now it’s time to layer. Working your way one side at a time, hold the scissors upwards at a 45-degree angle and slowly cut about an inch (2.5 centimeters) from the tips of your hair. The outermost edges should be slightly longer than the center. Repeat this process on the other side and check your progress in the mirror as you go. Make sure that both sides are symmetrical.

A portrait of woman blow-drying her bangs.

Step 7: Style Your New Bangs

The hardest part of cutting bangs is over (phew!). If you’re happy with your handiwork, it’s time to make them shine. Brush them with a comb and apply TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum to smooth down flyaways, tame frizz, and add a glossy finish. Next, blow dry your bangs and brush the hair from left to right. To give your bangs that nice swoopy effect, roll them toward your face with a Velcro roller.Give yourself a pat on the back for cutting bangs at home successfully. All there’s left to do is showing off your bang-tastic work with a bomb selfie.

Share
Tips on Cutting Bangs Properly

Sign up for our newsletter and receive exclusive hair care tips from the experts at All Things Beauty