Here's Exactly How To Cut Or Trim Your Own Bangs At Home
Look, I get it. Things can be very, ahem, boring when you're sitting inside all day long day after day. If you're like me, then you're probably scrolling through your Insta feed (for too many hours) planning your next beauty moves once self-distancing is over. After a while you're basically convinced that you need bangs, like, ASAP. And if you already have them, the fact that they've had weeks to grow out makes you think that you can risk giving them a trim on your own.
Now hold up! Before you start going crazy with the scissors, I want you to take a minute and consider the following: Do you absolutely *need* to do this right now? Can you wait a little bit longer to make an official appointment with your hairstylist? No? Okay, fine. Keep reading for everything you need to know about your DIY bangs situation, according to a pro.
You'll Need The Proper Tools
According to celebrity hairstylist and colorist Cody Smith of ROIL salon in Beverly Hills, you want to make sure you've got all the right tools before you start. (He's cut the tresses of everyone from Gwyneth Paltrow to Sofia Richie, so he's kind of a big deal). The choice is yours for whether you're going to work with shears (if you want a more controlled, clean look) or a razor (if you want to a more freehand finish). You're also going to need a comb to part your hair and some no-crease clips to make sure the rest of your locks are out of the way while you're snipping.
Prepping Makes Perfect
Smith says that you'll want your hair to be dry before you do any cutting, since bangs tends to bounce up and look shorter after they're no longer wet (especially if you've got curly hair). You'll also want to make sure your hair is placed at its natural part. Use your comb to brush out your strands and make the proper line down your scalp. Once you're ready to start making moves, Smith says to create a triangle section with the point being in the center, at your natural part, and the base of the triangle at either side of your eyebrows. Then tuck the leftover strands (that you don't want to cut) behind your ears and fasten with clips so they're out of the way. Now it's time to grab your scissors.
Know Your Technique
If you're not going to get cut by a pro, it's always smart to take it slow when it comes to any kind of DIY hair cutting. See below for stylist-approved baby steps.
Step One: "Comb the free section of hair forward in front of your eyes and point cut with shears or use a razor," explains Smith. FYI: A "point cut" is when your hairstylist brings your hair upwards and makes vertical cuts into (rather than across) the ends of your hair, taking off most of the ends and giving the hair some texture.
Step Two: Smith recommends that you either start at the edge of the free section and work your way in, or at the middle and work your way out when making your first bang snips. Always stand in front of a mirror, too, so that you have multiple vantage points when cutting.
Step Three: Most importantly, remember to go *at least* a half inch longer than you think you actually want your bangs. You can always trim again if you're unsatisfied with your look when there's extra length, but you can't get back what you cut off!
Step Four: Once you're finished, let the bangs drop down and *chef's kiss* gaze at your beautiful masterpiece. Add some light texture or hairspray to keep them from falling flat for allll the selfies you're about to take.
Watch Hair Type-Specific Tutorials
So now you know the basic how-to's for trimming your own locks. That being said, we've all been blessed with different hair types, which means that there's a few things you should know when it comes to cutting your specific mane. That's why I've rounded up the best bang cutting tutorials for you to have at your convenience. Keep scrolling to see which one will be the best fit for you!
Trimming Your Bangs For Straight Hair
Mallory uses the point cut method Smith mentioned above to add texture and take some length off of her long, straight bangs. At the end, she shakes out her bangs so that they fall naturally and then does touch ups where needed.
Trimming Your Bangs For Curly Or Wavy Hair
If you've got curly or wavy hair, you need to take a few extra notes when it comes to trimming your own bangs. In this video Mell says to start by stretching the curl out so that you can see each spiral forming. Then, she says to make sure you're cutting "one curl below" the length that you want your bangs to actually be, since the curl will coil back up after you make a trim.
Trimming Your Bangs For Natural Hair
Kitana cuts each of her curls individually (which is somewhat time consuming) to trim her natural bang look. She also applies product in the middle of her process to make sure that her hair is retaining its typical style shape.
Cutting Your Bangs For The First Time
So you've decided to be the more ~ambitious type~ and make big cuts on your own (which should only be done if you're absolutely desperate for bangs!). Stella emphasizes starting long then working your way up to shorter cuts as needed. Note that she's a pro, so make sure you're watching closely.
And now that you've got all the deets... Happy snipping!
You Might Also Like