Growing Out Bangs: How to Avoid The Awkward Stage
Growing out bangs? These styles will see you through this difficult time!
We all know the power of a great haircut. It can highlight your features, open up your face, and dramatically change your overall appearance – and no cut does this more than bangs. But getting a fringe is not only a big step to take, it’s also one that comes with a lot of maintenance. This means regular trims, extra styling time and, if you’re not feeling them anymore, growing out bangs…
We know that growing out your bangs in style can seem like mission impossible. Luckily for you, though, we’re here to save you from any awkward post-cut moments with our full guide to rocking a fringe at every stage of re-growth. From handy hair hacks to speedy style tips, you’ll never have post-fringe drama ever again!
The 4 Stages of Growing Out Your Bangs
Wondering what the process of growing out a fringe actually looks like? Here are the 4 stages you’ll go through during the journey…
1. Post Cut
So you’ve walked out of the salon with your fresh new bangs. They look great, exactly what you asked for, and can’t wait to show them off to everyone you meet. In this euphoric stage, maintenance is minimal and can be kept in check with a bit of hairspray or dry shampoo.
2. One Month After
Now that post-salon high is starting to fade, you’ll start to see your bangs grow out – this is where most people find their frustration. If you had blunt bangs cut in then this will be more apparent, so a slight trim may be necessary to keep it looking on point.
If a sweeping or side fringe was your style of choice, however, you’ll notice the re-growth less but it may require you to pin it back for extra security.
Editor’s tip: If you’ve got type of fringe then you’ll know how quickly things can turn from fresh to greasy. To ensure your look isn’t ruined by oily strands, make sure you have a dry shampoo in your beauty arsenal.
The TRESemmé Day 2 Volumising Dry Shampoo is a good all-rounder, as it will instantly refresh your bangs and won’t leave any tell-tale white residue, making it a great one even for dark tresses!
3. Two Months After
At around two months after getting bangs cut in the hair has grown out a fair bit, meaning you’ll probably discover hair of different lengths and flyaways taking over. But this is also where you’ll discover your bangs are at a length that can be worked into other styles, so it’s not all doom and gloom.
4. Three Months After
You can now breathe a sigh of relief, as you’ve made it through the hardest parts. At this stage, your bangs should have substantially grown out and can be styled in a multitude of ways, be it in braids, waves, or simply parted. Hallelujah!
Growing Out Your Bangs: Tips From a Hairstylist
Be open to creative accessorizing. Visible bobby pins/grips have made a comeback as a way of making styling more interesting. Coloured bobby pins can also add a bit of a twist to this trend. – Elena Diaz, ATH Global Hairstylist.
Feel like you know which stage you’re at with your bangs? Great! Now it’s time to get some inside tips from an expert. We grilled Elena Diaz, ATH Global Hairstylist, on how to deal with growing out bangs and she has some interesting hair hacks you should try…
Using accessories is one of Elena’s top tips for making sure that your bangs are easily dealt with in those difficult stages. With a multitude of different styles to try, be it a glitzy hairslide, statement headbands or even the humble bobby pin, you can get creative and work them to your advantage!
Try Messy Styles
As your bangs grow out, the length isn’t likely to be even. To combat this, opt for messy, undone looks to intentionally incorporate these lengths into your look.
“Texturizing products or dry shampoo can be your best ally in creating messy bangs that can help hide the fact that you’re in that in-between stage” suggests Elena. “These products will help to give texture and grip especially if you’re wanting to style your bangs.”.
Practice Your Braiding Skills
If you’re not one for jazzy accessories, don’t worry, as you can also refine your braiding skills by weaving bangs into a plait. Try styles such as halo braids or crown braids that will pull the bangs in from around the front of your hairline.
Bangs not long enough for this? Not a problem. “If your hair length is not long enough to do a full braided style, then you can just braid your bangs and sweep them away from the forehead,” says Elena, explaining that “loose bits that hang out can be hidden easier with the rest of the hair”.
Get Regular Trims
Finally, the number 1 tip to growing out bangs successfully? Trim off any split ends or damaged hair.
But surely this is counter-intuitive to growing out your bangs we hear you say? “While trimming in the short term makes bangs shorter, it’s better for the overall health of your hair” says Elena, going on to say that trimming will also help to incorporate them into the rest of the hair as it grows.
8 Hairstyles for Growing Out Bangs
Now that you know which stage you’re at with your bangs, and have the lowdown from an expert, it’s time to learn how to deal with them. Below we’ve pulled together a few neat hairstyles that will ensure you and your fringe stay looking cool!
Parted
Did you choose blunt bangs but now find the amount of upkeep that comes with them is too much? Well, while all may seem lost, there is a simple solution: part them.
Unless you went for micro bangs, most fringe styles will be long enough to part to the side. Turn yours into wispy curtain bangs or more piece-y Birkin bangs for an instant update.
Twisted Braid
We love this twisted version of a headband braid for those growing out side bangs. Curl the rest of your hair for an ethereal finish that’s perfect for a wedding and use a bobby pin to secure your fringe.
Braided
In the awkward stage of almost grown out but not fully there? Well, when growing out bangs, hairstyles like braids will be your saviour.
We suggest trying this cornrow style as seen on Sienna Miller to incorporate all of your hair into a neat plait, leaving no room for any annoying flyaways.
Editor’s tip: Using a sea salt spray like the TONI&GUY Sea Salt Texturising Spray is a really good hack to try when doing any braided hairstyle. It helps to give your hair more grit, which helps your braids to stay in place while also giving them cool-girl texture.
Curly
Once your bangs have grown past the second month, they should be long enough to style into curls or waves. This will disguise any mismatched length and give you a more styled look overall, so no one knows you skipped out on your fringe trim!
Clips
When your bangs just won’t play ball, it’s time to bring out the big guns – and by that we mean accessories.
Whether you arm yourself with bobby pins you found at the bottom of your bag or a cute fastener/barrette, using accessories that will physically secure your bangs in place can turn a bad hair day into an ultra-chic one.
Slick Back Updos
When in doubt, slick it down!
We know all too well that sometimes our hair just won’t listen. You can wash, brush, straighten and it still won’t be doing as it’s told. Luckily, though, the wet-look hair trend is still going strong, so in cases of extreme aggravation, reach for the gel!
Editor’s tip: The VO5 Mega Hold Spray Gel is out wet-look styler of choice. It gives the ultimate hold of a gel with the convenience of a spray, plus it’s will tame frizz all day and leave no sticky residue. Seriously, what’s not to love?
Quiffed
Reach for the hairspray and give your grown out bangs a revamp with a quiffed fringe. Wear the rest of your hair in an updo for ultimate rock chic vibes.
Headbands
Headbands are everywhere right now and for those growing out bangs, they can be a real godsend. Practical and pretty – what’s not to love.
