It all started when I was looking at pictures of Brigitte Bardot for my last Halloween costume: her bangs = ultimate perfection.
“I want them. Right now,” I told myself.
I know what you’re thinking. Our hair don’t have anything in common, except the color, kind of. Regardless, it made me want to dig deeper into the bangs thematic. After all, other girls with thinner hair have sported them beautifully, think of Alexa Chung or Sienna Miller (circa the Jude Law drama era). However, the idea of doing it and regretting it haunts me.
Slice of life: I had bangs back in high school. They used to fly around as I was dancing my life away on Try Honesty by Billy Talent. I truly believed they looked amazing… Trust me, they did not. My bangs were so blunt and my face so round – I looked like an emo soccer ball with a fringe.
BUT, just like soulmates, I believe that there’s a fringe for every woman out there. Still, there are things you should consider before taking the big plunge, because, let’s be honest, just like soulmates, it’s quite a commitment.
1. Do you trust your hairdresser?
If you hesitated answering that question, I advise you to do a bit of research, even if that means paying a couple extra bucks. You need expert hands for bangs, especially if you’re a fringe virgin. Stalk your prospect hairdresser’s Instagram account and keep your eyes open for any fringe he may have cut in the past. It should make your decision process much easier.
2. It’s high maintenance
Unless you’ve been blessed with some bangs goddess superpowers, you will not wake up in the morning looking like Freja Beha Erichsen. You will need time, skills and products to achieve that naturally wavy fringe. Moreover, because it sits on the greasiest part of your face, you will often find yourself washing it separately from the rest of your hair in the kitchen sink. Oh and don’t forget, a monthly trim will become part of your beauty routine.
3. Patience is a prerequisite
Like any haircuts, bangs take some time to get used to. Right after you leave the hair salon, you might experience a week or two of “what the hell have I done?” Calm down, it’s (most likely) temporary. Experiment with your hair until you find YOUR vibe. Only then, you’ll really know if you like it or not.
If you don’t, well, be patient. It will grow out.
4. You wear glasses
If you do, you may have to switch frames or adapt your bangs length to the size of your glasses. Those can be quite costly, so talk it out with your hairdresser before snipping those strands away.
5. Working out will never be the same
There are plenty of ways to get bangs out of the way when you’re working out, but they all require a bit more efforts than a simple ponytail. Headbands or sideway braids, it’s an extra step in your sweating routine that should be taken into consideration.
6. Your hair type is crucial
Example, I dream of Zooey Deschanel bangs at night. The chance of having them looking the same on me? None. Whether you like it or not, your hair texture will define your fringe options. If you want thick and blunt bangs but you’re stuck with fine hair, you may have to take half of your mane to make it look the way you want. Unluckily though, there will be none left in the back.
Personally, I’m still unsure if I’m going to do the big move or not. Yes, there’s a lot of hassle associated with bangs, but they look soooo good. Maybe they’re worth all that trouble… What do you think?
More pretty bangs
More about hair:
How To Get Wavy Hair Without Heat
5 Tricks To Make Fine Hair Look More Voluminous
4 Beauty Connoisseurs Reveal The Most Amazing Hair Products
Don’t do it. I did a few months ago and am in the process of growing them out again. It is so mich easier without “the fringe”. It may look good, but the maintenance and the inability to put all my hair up is not worth it. Those are my thoughts. Hope it helps. 😉