Bangs can be a fun way to change up your hairstyle and add some flair to your look. One of the most popular types of bangs is side long bangs, which frame your face and can complement a variety of haircuts and styles. But, cutting your own bangs can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before. Read on for a step-by-step breakdown of how to cut side long bangs at home.
Gather Your Supplies
- Sharp scissors: Use hair-cutting scissors, not regular household scissors, to ensure a clean cut.
- Comb: Choose a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair and section off your bangs.
- Hair clips: Have hair clips to keep the rest of your hair out of the way while you work.
- Spray bottle: Mist your hair with water to make it easier to cut and style.
- Mirror: Make sure you have a mirror in front of you to see what you’re doing.
How to Cut Your Side Long Bangs: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare Your Hair
Begin the process by giving your hair a quick shampoo, conditioning, and blow-dry before you start cutting. Slightly damp hair is easier to handle during the cutting process, as wet hair tends to clump together, making it challenging to achieve clean and even lines without any flyaways.
Keep in mind that hair tends to shrink as it dries, especially for those with wavy or curly hair types. When making the initial cut, err on the side of caution and leave your bangs slightly longer than your desired length. This precaution allows you to make further adjustments later if needed, as it can be difficult to fix bangs that are too short.
Step 2: Eliminate Tangles
Use a wide-tooth comb to gently brush your hair and remove any knots or tangles. Ensuring your hair is tangle-free will facilitate an even and smooth cutting process.
Step 3: Section Your Hair
Once your hair is smooth and free of tangles, comb it to the front and create a center part down your head. Next, establish the triangular parting for your bangs. Locate the point on your forehead where it starts to slope downward. For individuals with a high forehead, begin the part at least 1 inch from the hairline. Create diagonal parts on each side of your forehead, using the top of your eyebrow’s arch as the endpoint. The resulting triangular section of hair will be designated as your future bangs. Secure this area with a hair tie, keeping the rest of your hair out of the way.
Step 4: Position Yourself
Decide which side of your face you want the bangs to fall on and pull the hair to the opposite side accordingly. If you prefer your bangs to slope toward the left, brush them to the right. Twist the hair toward the back of your head and secure it with an alligator clip, ensuring it aligns parallel to the side part on the opposite side of your head. The clip will serve as a guide during the cutting process.
Step 5: Begin the Cut
Determine which facial feature you want to highlight. If it’s your eyes, start cutting parallel to the alligator clip, beginning at the bottom of your pupil. Use your fingers to keep the hair secure during the cut. For accentuating cheekbones, commence the cut at their lower edge. Remember to leave more hair than your desired length and then trim back gradually to achieve the intended look. It’s easier to correct longer hair than to fix overly short bangs.
Step 6: Tidy Up
Unclip your hair and gently comb your freshly cut bangs to assess the evenness of the edge. Trim off any stray or wispy bits to achieve a clean and uniform appearance. Flip your bangs back to their original side to check if they’re at the desired length. If they still seem too long, secure them back with the clip and make additional trims, checking after each cut.
Step 7: Style Your Bangs
Once you’re satisfied with the length and evenness of your face-framing layers, give your hair a final check to ensure there are no uneven ends. You can enhance your newly cut bangs with texturizing products to achieve a volumized and wispy look or use a flat iron for a smooth and polished appearance. With these final styling touches, you’ll have beautifully cut bangs that expertly frame your face and accentuate your features.
Tips to Get The Best Result
- Start with small cuts: You can always cut more, but you can’t put hair back once it’s cut.
- Check the length frequently: It’s easy to lose track of how much you’ve cut,so be sure to check the length of your bangs frequently as you work.
- Cut straight across: To avoid angled or uneven bangs, make sure you cut straight across with your scissors.
- Use sharp scissors: Dull scissors can damage your hair and make it harder to achieve a clean cut.
- Don’t rush: Take your time and work slowly to get the desired result.
- Consider your face shape: Different bang styles can complement different face shapes, so consider what will look best on you.
The Best Products for Maintaining Side Long Bangs
Once you’ve cut your side long bangs, you’ll want to keep them looking great. Here are some products that can help:
- Dry shampoo: This can help extend the life of your bangs between washes and prevent them from looking greasy.
- Hair spray: Use a light hold hair spray to keep your bangs in place without making them stiff or crunchy.
- Round brush: Go for a round brush if you want to style your bangs and add volume.
- Bobby pins: Use bobby pins to pin your bangs back if they’re getting in your face or if you want to try a different style.
Conclusion
Cutting your own side long bangs can be a fun way to change up your look and add some personality to your hairstyle. Obviously, bangs aren’t one size fits all — while I opted for curtain bangs, you might be leaning toward blunt bangs, or your hair texture might lend itself better to curly bangs. Bangs should be a choose your own adventure activity. Be patient, take your time, and don’t be afraid to seek professional help if you need it.
