10 Hairstyles to Try When You’re Growing Out Your Bangs
1/12Bangs are awesome. They instantly upgrade any hairstyle, they’re seemingly always on trend, and they’re a great way to feel like you’ve done something with your hair, without doing all that much. But all good things must come to an end and — as anyone with bangs can attest — once you’re over them, you’re really over them.
But contrary to popular belief, the grow-out process doesn’t have to be brutal. With the right tricks and a little hairspray, you can skip that dreaded awkward phase and move into all-one-length territory with ease. To help you out in your quest for success, we asked celeb stylist Mark Townsend (AKA the man behind Dakota Johnson and the Olsens’ legendary styles and a bangs aficionado) to spill his very best tips and tricks, and pulled together the most stylish solutions. Click through for all the best new styles to try right now, along with Mark’s expertise, and learn how to camouflage your growing fringe once and for all.
Photo: Samir Hussein/WireImage2/12The Side-Swipe
Wondering where to begin when you first start growing out your bangs? “Switch to a side part right away,” Mark suggests. “Then you can blend them in with the rest of your hair.” It may take a bit of training to get them to lay correctly at first, so apply a product with a little hold, like Dove Style+Care Nourishing Amplifier Mousse and dry with a round brush.
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images3/12Go Au Naturale
“Don’t blow them dry — it’ll shrink them,” he explains. “Plus, I’m obsessed with wavy bangs right now!” Keep frizz in check with John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Styling Foam and use a diffuser if you must use heat.
Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for Sports Illustrated4/12Face Framers
This style is so chic, you’ll want to keep doing it even when your bangs are ancient history. Start by parting your hair in the middle, then braiding your bangs into the strands around them. Once you’ve blended your bangs into the rest of your hair, keep braiding all the way down. Spritz on a little Amika Touchable Hairspray to keep the strays in place and you’re good to go.
Photo: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic5/12Clip Tricks
There’s no denying the ‘90s are back — and just in time for you to grow out your bangs. Few things capture the spirit of the decade better than these classic metal barrettes. Add two to each side for clipped-back bang bliss and prepare to embrace your inner Spice Girl.
Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage6/12The Dakota
“Straight-across bangs are the hardest to grow out,” Mark notes. “If you like your hair in the middle, only trim on the bridge of your nose so you can get the sides longer and longer.” The result will be an entirely new hairstyle — we’re talking zero awkward grow-out phase here — à la Mark’s client Dakota Johnson.
Photo: J. Countess/Getty Images7/12Half-Up Update
One of the hardest parts of growing out your bangs is figuring out how to wear — and keep — your hair pulled back. Part your hair on the side, then French braid your bangs into your hair. Once you get to the crown of your head, pull your hair into a low bun or ponytail. You can also leave the rest of your hair down for a romantic look that doesn’t fall in your face.
Photo: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic8/12Long and Lean
There will be a point when your bangs are too long to wear down, but too short to fit in a ponytail — go with it! The too-long fringe has worked for stars like Taylor Swift and Kristen Stewart and it can be a fun weekend look for you, too. Add volume to your roots with a little mousse and some Dove Dry Shampoo; it’ll give your look an extra oomph and (major key) keep your hair out of your eyes.
Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images9/12The Old-Fashioned
Did the classic French braid ever go out of style? (No.) Enlist a friend to help fit your fringe into your braid, then add hairspray and SPF for a jog around the block or a cool smoky eye for a night out with friends.
Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage10/12Crowning Achievement
Once you’ve mastered the French braid, it’s time to take it to the next level. Start with a side part and braid from the top of your head in a circle around your head. Insert bobby pins where needed and you’re good to go. The best part about this ‘do? It looks even better just a little messed up, so no need to worry about keeping your strands super secure.
Photo: Tommaso Boddi/WireImage11/12Keep on Cutting
Just as you would if you were growing out your entire hairstyle, Mark suggests getting regular trims to keep hair healthy. “You can still look chic and stylish as they grow out!” he says.
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