How to Cut Choppy Bangs

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Choppy bangs are often paired with pixie cuts, but they also look great with other styles, including bobs. They are great for making short foreheads look longer, and round faces appear thinner. [1] While most stylists caution against cutting bangs at home, choppy bangs are an exception. Their texture and layers make them very forgiving.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Cutting by Twisting

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  1. This method works the best with pixie cuts, which are already cut randomly to begin with. It is a great beginners method, or for those who are pressed for time.
    • Tame flyaways and frizz with smoothing cream, hair oil, or a hair serum. This will help keep the hairs from shifting when you cut them. [2]
  2. Use the handle of a rat-tail comb to create two angled side parts. Have them span from the arch of one eyebrow to the arch of the other, and meet in a V about 2 inches (5.1 cm) behind your hairline. [3] Clip the rest of your hair out of the way or pull back into a ponytail.
    • Skip this step if you already have bangs; you can use your existing bangs as a cutting guide.
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  3. You should do this whether you are starting with or without bangs. Simply cut straight across your bangs (or sectioned-off hair) with a pair of hairdressing scissors until they are about nose or cheekbone length.
  4. Twirl the strand between your fingers until it is a rope. Pinch it close to the ends, and keep it pointed straight down. [4]
    • The section should be between the thickness of a pencil and your finger.
    • If you need to have some system to your cutting, grab a section from the center of your hairline.
  5. Get out a pair of hairdressing scissors. Angle them down to the left or right by about 45 degrees. Open and close the scissors while moving across the strands, above your fingers. This combination of twisting and cutting at a downward angle will give you a nice, choppy texture. [5]
    • Cut the strand so that it is just past your eyebrows, or even a little longer.
    • Cut with the very tip of your scissors. Don't use more than 1 ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm).
  6. Keep plucking strands at random and cutting them until your bangs are roughly the same length across. If you want to make them more even, use a strand that’s already been cut as a guide by holding it next to an uncut strand. [6]
    • If you want to work more systematically, work your way from center to the right, then center to the left.
  7. Take a close look at your bangs. If you notice any strands that are significantly longer than the rest, snip them down with your scissors. If you feel that your bangs are too long, you can trim them shorter using the same method. [7]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Cutting at an Angle

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  1. This method works best for pixie cuts, but it is also great for other cuts, including bobs. It takes a little bit more time to do, but it will give you a more even cut. [8]
    • Alternatively, you can cut your bangs while they’re wet. Just remember to clean up any mistakes or inconsistencies once your hair is completely dry.
  2. Create two angled side parts using the handle of a rat-tail comb. Start each one above the arch of your left and right eyebrow, and have them come to a point about 2 inches (5.1 cm) from your hairline. Pull the rest of your hair into a ponytail, or secure it with clips. [9]
    • If you already have bangs, skip. You can use them as a cutting guide.
  3. Comb your bangs or sectioned-off hair straight first. If you notice any frizz or flyaways, tame them with some smoothing cream or oil. Finally, part your bangs or hair down the center.
    • You'll be starting with the left side of your bangs. If you need to, secure the right side with a hair clip.
  4. Make a V shape with your index and middle fingers. Close them against the entire left side of your bangs, then slide them don until they reach the top of your eyebrow.
    • Pull the section away from your forehead by about 1 inch (2.5 cm).
    • Your can keep your fingers straight and parallel to the floor, or you can angle them downward to create face-framing bangs.
  5. Get out a pair of hairdressing scissors. Starting with the inside edge of the section (the one closest to the middle of your forehead), begin to cut your hair below your fingers. Angle the scissors up by about 45 degrees, and cut in short snips using the very tip of your scissors.
    • If you are having trouble cutting at an angle, switch to a pair of thinning or chunking shears, and cut straight across, without angling.
  6. Start on the side closest to the middle of your forehead, and work your way out to the outside edge. Pinch your hair between your fingers where you want to cut, and cut everything below them using little snips.
    • If you angled your fingers in the previous step, be sure to angle them in the opposite direction.
  7. Gently shake and loosen your bangs with your fingers. Take a look at your bangs. If they are too long, trim them shorter using the same process.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Why do I always cut my bangs too short?
    Yan Kandkhorov
    Hair Stylist
    Yan Kandkhorov is a Hair Stylist and Owner of K&S Salon, a hair salon based in New York City's Meatpacking District. Yan has over 20 years of experience in the hair industry, is best known for paving the way for iconic hair trends in the industry, and has operated his salon since 2017. His hair salon has been voted one of the Best Hair Salons in New York City in 2019 by Expertise. Yan and K&S Salon has collaborated with leading fashion magazines and celebrities such as Marie Clair USA, Lucy Magazine, and Resident Magazine.
    Yan Kandkhorov
    Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    I think people tend to get too close to the bangs when they cut, meaning that they lean in super close to focus. That makes it really difficult to get a sense for how the bangs look in reference to the hair around it. Try cutting from a little further back next time.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    How do I prep my hair to cut the bangs?
    Yan Kandkhorov
    Hair Stylist
    Yan Kandkhorov is a Hair Stylist and Owner of K&S Salon, a hair salon based in New York City's Meatpacking District. Yan has over 20 years of experience in the hair industry, is best known for paving the way for iconic hair trends in the industry, and has operated his salon since 2017. His hair salon has been voted one of the Best Hair Salons in New York City in 2019 by Expertise. Yan and K&S Salon has collaborated with leading fashion magazines and celebrities such as Marie Clair USA, Lucy Magazine, and Resident Magazine.
    Yan Kandkhorov
    Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Blow dry it thoroughly from above to prevent any loose strands of hair from sticking out. If there are any cowlicks or creases in your bangs, it's going to dramatically alter the quality of your look.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 0
  • Question
    Is my face good for bangs?
    Gina Almona
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Gina Almona is the Owner of Blo It Out, a New York City-based hair salon. With over 20 years of beauty training experience, Gina's work has been featured in People Magazine, Time Out New York, and Queens Scene. She has been able to keep a fresh perspective in the industry by demonstrating and participating in trade shows and workshops like the International Beauty Show. She received her cosmetology training from the Long Island Beauty School, Astoria.
    Gina Almona
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Well, that depends! Faces with elongated foreheads always should have a bang, as it will make the face look shorter. On the other hand, round faces don't really look good with bangs, as they make the face look too large.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 1
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      Tips

      • Choppy bangs are textured, so you will most likely need to use some pomade or wax when styling them. [10]
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      • Cut your bangs 1 ⁄ 2 to 3 ⁄ 4 inch (1.3 to 1.9 cm) longer than you think you need. You can always cut more off later.
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      • Cut with the very tip of your scissors. About 1 ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm) will be enough.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Hairdressing scissors
      • Comb
      • Hair clips
      • Smoothing cream or oil

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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.prettydesigns.com/short-haircuts-with-bangs-side-swept-choppy-straight-across-bangs/
      2. ↑ http://www.youbeauty.com/beauty/how-to-cut-bangs/
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPlOWMB6fAI&feature=youtu.be&t=1m50s
      4. ↑ http://www.youbeauty.com/beauty/how-to-cut-bangs/
      5. ↑ http://www.youbeauty.com/beauty/how-to-cut-bangs/
      6. ↑ http://www.youbeauty.com/beauty/how-to-cut-bangs/
      7. ↑ Yan Kandkhorov. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 28 January 2020.
      8. ↑ Yan Kandkhorov. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 28 January 2020.
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPlOWMB6fAI&feature=youtu.be&t=1m50s
      1. ↑ http://www.prettydesigns.com/short-haircuts-with-bangs-side-swept-choppy-straight-across-bangs/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Cutting choppy bangs yourself isn't actually that hard, and they're pretty forgiving if you make a mistake because of their texture and layers. Start with dry hair and comb your bangs straight. Then, part them down the center. Use the end of a comb to separate your bangs from the rest of your hair and pull the rest of your hair back into a ponytail so it’s out of the way. Pinch the left side of your hair between your fingers and slide them down to where you want to cut it. Use the very tip of a pair of scissors to cut your hair at a 45-degree angle, starting on the inside of the left section. Make short, upward snips to create the choppy look. Then, repeat the process on the right side of your bangs cutting in the opposite direction. Use your fingers to gently shake and loosen your bangs and inspect them. If they’re still too long, trim them a little more using the same process. To learn how to twist and cut your hair to get choppy bangs, keep reading!

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