Achieving the perfect bangs might seem like a daunting commitment, but according to industry experts, styling them is the real game-changer. From straight to coily, long to short, hairstylists share their secrets on how to flawlessly style bangs for different textures and cuts.
1. Straight Bangs: Effortless Elegance
For those blessed with straight locks, the key is to avoid weighing down your fringe with unnecessary products. Mara Roszak, renowned hairstylist, suggests a strategic approach to blow-drying. Begin by directing the hair straight down using a flat brush, preferably a boar-bristle Mason Pearson. Once 90 percent dry, switch to a round brush, held vertically, to create that subtle flick in the bangs. This technique imparts volume and movement, ensuring your straight bangs are anything but flat.
Michelle Cleveland, a celebrity hair extension and color expert, emphasizes the importance of avoiding product overload. Since straight bangs lay against the face, natural oils from the skin and hair can easily weigh them down, resulting in a greasy appearance. Instead, she suggests a targeted dry shampoo application for a quick fix between washes. Cleveland recommends Redken’s Deep Clean Dry Shampoo for its ability to refresh and revitalize straight bangs without the need for a full wash and restyle.
2. Wavy Bangs: Embrace the Waves
Wavy hair offers a unique canvas for achieving an effortlessly chic look. Vernon François, the mastermind behind Amandla Stenberg’s ultra-blunt curtain of fringe, advocates for embracing the natural waves. For a wash-and-go style, François recommends air-drying, allowing the hair’s relaxed waves to take center stage. To preserve these natural bends, Mara Roszak encourages her wavy-haired clients to use their fingers instead of a brush. A featherlight mist of Oribe Après Beach Spray adds texture and holds the shape, creating that carefree beachy vibe.
When aiming for a ’70s-inspired curtain bangs look, François suggests using a round brush held horizontally or a hot brush to sweep the fringe down and away from the face. This technique creates a fanned-out effect, adding a touch of retro glamour to wavy bangs. To maintain the style between washes, Roszak recommends a spritz of dry shampoo for a quick refresh. Redken’s Deep Clean Dry Shampoo proves to be an effective choice for absorbing excess oil and giving wavy bangs a renewed bounce.
3. Curly Bangs: Embrace the Curls
Curly bangs come with their unique set of rules for optimal styling. According to Vernon François, a hairstylist celebrated for his work with Amandla Stenberg, the key is to minimize handling to maintain the natural shape and bounce of curls. For those opting to air-dry, François recommends waiting until the hair is 80% dry before twisting small sections of the curly bangs. This twist-and-dry method allows curls to set beautifully, ensuring a well-defined and voluminous appearance.
When it comes to preserving the integrity of curls between washes, François swears by Kérastase Curl Manifesto Refresh Absolu. This product acts as a styling primer and refresher, rehydrating curls and providing that much-needed bounce. For a quick pick-me-up, a mist of water or leave-in conditioner does wonders in re-enhancing the curls’ natural beauty. To maximize definition and volume, hairstylist Lacy Redway advocates for the use of a diffuser on a low air setting. By gently cupping curls with the diffuser attachment, curls retain their shape and lift at the roots, achieving a perfect balance between technique and hair health.
4. Coily Bangs: Define and Shine
For those with coily hair, styling bangs requires a delicate touch to showcase the lush cascade of natural curls. Vernon François recommends a gentle approach to drying coily bangs after showering. Using a microfiber towel, gently pat the coils to dry them without disrupting their natural shape and texture. Once dried, a controlled amount of a rich yet lightweight hydrating smoother, like Vernon’s Styling Cream, enhances the natural coils and provides additional moisture to the ends.
To breathe life into coily bangs between washes, misting with a spray water bottle or applying a leave-in conditioner proves to be effective. These revitalizing steps, combined with the use of a diffuser if necessary, help re-enhance and redefine coily bangs, maintaining their exquisite natural pattern. Emphasizing the importance of a minimalist approach, Mara Roszak recommends using a drop of hair oil while finger-twisting coily bangs. This quick and simple method defines and shines coily hair, ensuring a head-turning and effortlessly beautiful look.
5. Long Bangs: Elevate with Rollers
Achieving a lift with long bangs involves a combination of volumizing techniques. According to Lacy Redway, using rollers on wet hair is a game-changer. To kickstart the process, apply a volumizing mousse, such as Nexxus Volumizing Foam Hair Mousse, on wet hair to add body and bounce to the bangs. Dry the bangs with a round brush, preferably one with the same width as the bangs, to ensure they maintain their intended shape.
Once dry, the next step involves using velcro rollers to cool and set the bangs in place. This method not only adds volume but also helps in achieving a polished look. When it’s time to unveil the final result, a flexible hairspray becomes essential to ensure the style holds throughout the day. This combination of strategic product use and styling tools guarantees that long bangs become a standout feature rather than an afterthought.
6. Short Bangs: Wet Styling Magic
Short bangs, while chic, require careful handling during the styling process. Andrew Fitzsimons recommends a wet styling approach to prevent them from setting too quickly. The process begins with the application of a styling spray, such as the Andrew Fitzsimons AF1 Virgin Repair 10-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner, on wet hair. This creates the foundation for styling, allowing the bangs to be brushed into the desired shape.
To achieve a bouncy and defined look, use a flat iron after blow-drying. Redway advises using a Mason Pearson flat brush to assist in styling short bangs. The flat iron comes into play to straighten the sections of the bangs and fold them inward gradually. This technique adds bounce and movement, creating a dynamic and lively appearance for those sporting short and sassy bangs.
7. Curtain Bangs: Bigger is Better
Curtain bangs, with their timeless appeal, demand volume and careful styling. Andrew Fitzsimons recommends a voluminous approach using hot rollers on dry hair. Dividing the hair into two sections, roll the bangs away from the face, leaving them in for approximately 30 minutes to set the style.
For those who prefer the convenience of a hairdryer, Lacy Redway suggests achieving curtain bangs with a large round brush. This tool allows you to wrap the bangs around it, creating a curled effect. To ensure the style stays in place, a touch of hairspray becomes the final step. Using fingers to separate the ends of the bangs adds the finishing touch, creating the distinctive curtain effect that has stood the test of time.
8. Blunt Bangs: Sleek Perfection
Styling blunt bangs requires precision and attention to detail. According to Andrew Fitzsimons, the key is to blow-dry them downward as soon as your hair is towel-dried. This technique helps to maintain the intended shape of the blunt cut, ensuring a sleek and polished appearance.
For those craving added volume, Fitzsimons suggests using a barrel brush during the blowout. The brush adds lift to the roots and imparts a fuller look to the bangs. On the other hand, Lacy Redway opts for the Harry Josh Pro Tools Flat Iron to achieve a smooth and glossy finish. This tool provides the necessary sleekness while maintaining the precision of the blunt cut, resulting in bangs that are the epitome of sleek perfection.
9. Grown Out Bangs: Style in Transition
Navigating the awkward stage of growing out bangs involves finding creative ways to maintain a polished look. Andrew Fitzsimons and Lacy Redway agree that it’s more about maintenance than styling during this transitional phase. Fitzsimons recommends pinning the bangs back as they grow longer, creating a side-swept or middle-parted look.
As the bangs continue to grow, consider transforming them into a different style, such as curtain bangs or face-framing layers. This adaptability ensures a seamless transition and allows for experimentation with various styles as the bangs evolve. While the focus shifts from styling to maintenance, this stage offers an opportunity to explore different looks and embrace the versatility that comes with evolving hair lengths.
Whether you’re going for elegant straight strands or embracing your natural curls, these expert tips ensure your bangs are always on point, no matter your hair texture or cut.