How to Grow Out Your Bangs

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Bangs can be very beautiful, but when you're ready for a change they seem to take forever to grow out. Luckily there are a variety of great ways to grow them out gracefully and actually enjoy the process. Learn how to deal with the initial awkward stage, embrace the layered look and cross the finish line without breaking down and cutting your bangs short again.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Dealing With the Awkward Stage

PDF download Download Article
  1. Cute hair accessories serve an important function when it comes to growing out bangs. With a little practice, no one will realize that you're dealing with the awkward grow-out stage.
    • Get bobby pins in color that matches your hair, so you'll be able to pin it back discreetly.
    • Get cut hair barrettes that are tight enough to pull back your bangs without them springing loose.
    • For a stylish look, braid or twist your bangs before you pin them to the side. [1]
  2. When you don't have time for fussy styling and pinning, headbands will become your best friend. Get a variety of headbands so you'll be able to throw one on whenever you need to quickly deal with your bangs. To wear a headband properly, place it several inches back from your forehead, then push it forward slightly to create a pretty quiff. [2]
    • You can use headbands with braids, ponytails and other updos as an alternative to bobby pins.
    • Cloth headbands as well as stiff headbands are convenient to have on hand.
    Advertisement
  3. Braiding your bangs and pinning them to the side to blend with your hair is a pretty way to hide short and long bangs during the growing-out stage. Sweep your bangs to one side and braid them until you reach the end. Pin the end of the braid under a lock of hair on the side of your head, so the hair hides the pin. [3]
  4. These fun updos create the perfect way to hide bangs. Do a ponytail or bun on top of your head, then pin back your bangs right against the hairband so you don't see the bobby pin or the ends of your bangs.
  5. Sweep your bangs to one side of your forehead and use a bobby pin to pin them in place just above your ear. Layer some of your longer hair over the bobby pin to hide the ends of your bangs.
    • Remember to choose bobby pins that match your hair color so that they blend easily into your hair.
    6. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Embracing the Layered Look

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Let your bangs hang low. The shaggy, slightly messy look of long bangs is a trend in its own right. When your bangs are down to your ears or below, you might want to stop pinning them back. At this stage they'll blend more easily with the rest of your hair, and you might actually like the look of having a few different layers to frame your face.
  2. 2
    Part your hair on the side. If you're more interested in hiding your bangs than showcasing them, try parting your hair on one side or the other. Sweep your bangs in the opposite direction of the part and tuck them behind your ear. Use a little hairspray or gel to keep them sideswept if you'd like. Your bangs should be long enough to stay in place without too much trouble. [4]
  3. 3
    Slick back your bangs. Your bangs are long enough to slick back into a mid-height ponytail or bun, and this beautiful look is perfect for a night out. Comb mousse or gel through your bangs to hold them in place when you put up your hair. It might help to secure a bobby pin or two over the ends of your bangs near the base of your ponytail. [5]
    • To add some height to your look, comb your bangs straight above your head, and backcomb from the tips toward your scalp. Put your hair into a mid-height ponytail. Use a comb to neaten the top layer of hair before pinning back your bangs.
    • Alternatively, you could create a part along the middle or to the side of your head. Then, slick your bangs to the side, using your mousse or gel to hold it in place. If necessary, you can also secure your bangs with a bobby pin.
  4. 4
    Create a winged style. On days when you want to wear your hair down, try embracing your bangs by doing the following: part your hair in the middle, an divide your bangs evenly on both sides. Use a curling iron to curl your bangs with strands of longer hair away from your face, Farrah Fawcett style. This pretty look will make your bangs look more tailored than simply having them hang loose.
  5. 5
    Consider getting a layered cut. To shorten the distance between your bangs and the rest of your hair, you may want to consider a brand new haircut. Have the stylist create gradual layers between your bangs and the end of your hair, so the difference won't look so extreme.
    6. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Making it To the Finish Line

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Resist the temptation to do a home cut. We've all looked in the mirror and made the hasty decision to use a pair of craft or kitchen scissors to take off some of that unruly length. When the urge hits, do your best to resist. Cutting your hair will just set you back, and chances are the cut won't look right so you'll have to fix it by going even shorter. [6]
    • While a home cut is usually not the best idea, it's fine to have a trim now and then while you're growing out your bangs. Just be sure to tell the stylist that you're trying to grow them out, and he or she will be sure to just take off a little bit.
    Jen Atkin, Celebrity Hairstylist

    When growing out bangs, use clips and bobby pins to sweep them off to the side rather than straight across your forehead. Let the fringe graze your brows for a soft look. Add volume at the crown to balance your face. Regular trims will help the transition.

  2. 2
    Steer clear of harsh treatments that damage hair. Any time you're focused on growing hair, it's a good idea to treat your hair with extra care. That means forgoing harsh treatments, tools and techniques you might usually use to create the looks you love. When your hair gets dried out, damaged and broken, it takes longer to grow back in. Avoid the following until your bangs are fully grown out:
    • Excessive use of a hair dryer (limit it to once every few weeks)
    • Excessive straightening or curling (limit it to once every few weeks)
    • Dyeing or bleaching
    • Exposure to chemicals (including chlorine and other pool chemicals)
  3. 3
    Facilitate hair growth with a healthy lifestyle. Healthy hair starts on the inside, so do your best to live a lifestyle that facilitates faster growth. Eating nourishing foods and staying hydrated are two great ways to help your bangs grow out. Focus on the following:
    • Eat plenty of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and b vitamins. These are found in fish, nuts, olive oil, eggs, and leafy greens.
    • Drink plenty of water so your hair doesn't dry out. Dry hair tends to break more easily than hair that is hydrated.
    • Stop smoking, since smoking is tough on hair.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What can I do with my bangs while they're at this length?
    Jenny Tran
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Jenny Tran is a Hair Stylist and the Founder of JT Hair Lab by Jenny Tran based in the Dallas, Texas metro area. With over seven years of professional hair styling experience, Jenny specializes in hair coloring, haircutting, and hair extensions. JT Hair Lab is an authorized carrier of R+Co and of Milbon and is committed to using products with quality ingredients.
    Jenny Tran
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Use bobby pins and barrettes to pin back your bangs and incorporate them into your styled hair.
    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 5 Helpful 4
  • Question
    What will baby hair turn out as when it grows?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Baby hair normally grows out into longer strands of hair that will blend into the rest of your hair. However, some people have baby hairs that don't grow out normally and will remain short.
    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 11 Helpful 26
  • Question
    How do you grow out curtain bangs?
    Jenny Tran
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Jenny Tran is a Hair Stylist and the Founder of JT Hair Lab by Jenny Tran based in the Dallas, Texas metro area. With over seven years of professional hair styling experience, Jenny specializes in hair coloring, haircutting, and hair extensions. JT Hair Lab is an authorized carrier of R+Co and of Milbon and is committed to using products with quality ingredients.
    Jenny Tran
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Just let your hair grow as it normally would. To style growing bangs, you can do a side part, or you can pin them back or to the side with bobby pins. For a stylish look, try braiding your bangs, too!
    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 10 Helpful 10
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Read Video Transcript

      Tips

      • To ensure that you don't get split ends, keep your hair nice and conditioned. You should also get occasional trims.
        Thanks
        Helpful 8 Not Helpful 0
      • If you don't want the typical full bangs, you could grow them out to one side and make a side bang, or a fringe.
        Thanks
        Helpful 9 Not Helpful 4
      • If you want your hair to grow faster, avoid using curlers or straighteners because it can damage your hair and cause it to grow more slowly.
        Thanks
        Helpful 9 Not Helpful 8
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Be patient! Remember that the on average, hair only grows half an inch per month. Hair doesn't grow out overnight.
        Thanks
        Helpful 116 Not Helpful 23
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Clips
      • Bobby-pins
      • Hair gel
      • Comb
      • Headbands

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Trim Your Bangs: Expert Advice for Beginners
      How to
      Cut Good Layered Bangs
      How to
      Decide if You Should Get Bangs or Not
      How to
      Cut Your Own Curtain Bangs at Home: A Guide for Beginners
      3 Techniques for Cutting Your Own Side Bangs
      How to
      Cut Bangs for Men
      All You Need to Know about French-Girl Bangs (Including Styling Inspo)
      How to
      Blow Dry Bangs
      How to
      Cut Bangs
      How to
      Cut Your Own Fringe: Step-by-Step Tutorial
      The Ultimate Guide to the Trendy Comma Hairstyle
      How to
      Train Your Bangs & Stop Them from Separating
      How to
      Fake Bangs That Look Real (Without Cutting Your Hair)
      How to
      Keep Bangs from Getting Oily
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ Jenny Tran. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 19 May 2020.
      2. ↑ http://www.seventeen.com/beauty/hair-ideas/how-to-grow-out-your-bangs#slide-1
      3. ↑ Jenny Tran. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 19 May 2020.
      4. ↑ Jenny Tran. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 19 May 2020.
      5. ↑ http://www.popsugar.com/beauty/Tips-Grow-Out-Bangs-1576494
      6. ↑ http://www.elle.com/beauty/hair/growing-out-bangs#slide-4
      7. Videos provided by Belle Michelle

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To grow out your bangs, try styles and accessories that keep them out of the way during the awkward stage. For example, clip your bangs back with barrettes or pins or push them back with a headband. As they get longer, you can pull them back into a high bun or ponytail, blend them into your hair with a mini-braid, or tuck them behind your ears. Another option is to curl them away from your face with a curling iron to create bouncy “wings.” Or, you can incorporate them into a shaggy, layered cut. As your bangs grow, eat a healthy diet and stay away from harsh hair treatments to keep your hair strong and healthy. This will help your bangs grow out faster. For more suggestions on growing out your bangs, including how to highlight your layers rather than hide them, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 621,309 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Addison

        Jun 17, 2021

        "How to grow bangs faster."
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement