“Should I get bangs?” is the hair question that plagues us all at one point. Mainly because there are so many factors to think about, such as: Can I take on the commitment? Does my face shape even suit bangs? And so much more.
If you currently find yourself in this dilemma, look no further than the expert advice of these celebrity hairstylists who gave us the lowdown on exactly what you need to know first.
Your Face Shape
First things first, Marshall Lin, celebrity and editorial fashion hairstylist, says to consult your hairstylist. “They can create the best bang style based on your facial bone structure and eye bone shape,” he shares.
Another factor to consider is the style of bangs to best accentuate your favorite features.
“For example, if you have a round face shape, you might be hesitant about how bangs will make your face appear,” explains Andrew Fitzsimons, celebrity hair stylist and NatureLab TOKYO brand ambassador, to Lively. “But thick, side-swept bangs will highlight all the features you'd like to highlight and they have a ton of styling versatility (unlike some other bangs styles).”
Again, this is where your stylist can help you determine which options are best for you.
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Your Hair Texture
Great news! Bangs can work on every hair type. The bad news? Certain hair types do have it easier (looking at you, straight-haired gals!).
When heading to your appointment, make sure your hair is in its natural state. “Your hair's natural texture dictates where the hair falls, so this is definitely something you want to discuss with your stylist up front,” explains Fitzsimons.
“For instance, you want to be careful not to cut curly bangs too short, since when your hair is in its natural curl, it will already appear shorter in length.”
He also advises against getting a bang that requires a lot of styling to upkeep (i.e. having to straighten it every day). “It's a lot more hassle and manipulating your hair every single day can put a lot of wear and tear on the strands.”
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Figure Out the Kind of Bangs You Want
“People should have an idea of what style – straight, soft, edgy – bangs they are going for,” says Lin.
“They should definitely make sure that the hairstylist understands what they want very clearly and to make sure that style matches what will work best for framing your face, eyes and works with your bone structure.”
Bringing in a picture of what you want is always a good idea!
Try a “Warm-Up Bang”
Before you let your stylist get scissor-happy, test the waters with a “warm-up bang.” You can do so using a bang clip or even a wig.
Side bangs are another great option. “A side bang or shorter pieces around the face are a great way to get a feel for how bangs will look on you with a little less of the maintenance,” explains Jana Rago, owner of Jana Rago Studios in Boston.
Hair Maintenance
When it comes to bang maintenance, regular trims are a must. “I recommend scheduling a trim at least every six weeks if you have bangs,” says Fitzsimons. “This keeps them looking fresh and helps prevents split ends.”
While many salons do offer complimentary bang trims for their clients, that’s not always guaranteed. Without it, you’re looking at an extra $10-15 a month, depending on the salon. Don’t forget: Hair grows, on average, half an inch per month, according to Lin. So make sure you’re prepared for the extra time and financial commitment if you want to keep your bangs looking their best.
The Additional Styling Time
Bangs can make a person look super put-together and sophisticated, but it does take some time and effort getting them that way.
Fitzsimons says that you may have to wash your hair a little differently by washing your bangs more frequently than the rest of your hair. This is especially the case if you are a dry shampoo fanatic!
“Because your bangs are always on your face, they can tend to get oilier than the rest of your hair, so wash them with a little more frequency to keep them clean.”
The Products You Need
After getting bangs, don’t head home without these must-have products – we’re talking dry shampoo, texture spray and a round bristle brush.
These celebrity hairstylists all agree: Dry shampoo is amazing for helping with oily bangs; texture spray can add definition into your locks; and a round bristle brush is perfect for shaping your bangs to perfection during your next blowout.
Lastly, make sure Vital Proteins products are part of your beauty routine – bangs or no bangs. Our Collagen Peptides are a fantastic place to start, especially if you’re new to collagen. Or try this Lavender Lemon Beauty Collagen, which can be added to your morning tea or smoothie.