Growing out bangs doesn’t have to feel awkward. You have several solid options to work with during this transition period.
Curtain bangs frame your face naturally and blend seamlessly with longer lengths. A Dutch braid adds texture and hold for days when your bangs feel uncooperative. Messy buns with pinned bangs work well for everyday wear, while side twists offer a polished appearance. Small poofs suit day-two hair without requiring a full wash. Slick-back styles deliver sleek finishes for more formal occasions. Clips and headbands blend uneven lengths with ease.
Each technique serves a specific purpose, turning what could feel like an in-between phase into intentional styling choices. The following sections walk through exactly how each one works so you can select the method that fits your schedule and hair type.
Grow Them Out With Curtain Bangs
One of the smartest ways to manage growing-out bangs is switching to curtain bangs, which naturally frame your face as they lengthen. Curtain bangs grow toward the sides rather than straight into your eyes, creating that effortless center-part separation.
Curtain bangs naturally frame your face as they lengthen, growing toward the sides rather than straight into your eyes.
To train the look, blow-dry your bangs with a round brush, directing them outward. Finish with soft hold hairspray for a touchable shape that won’t feel stiff.
Over time, your growing-out bangs blend seamlessly into face-framing layers within 4 to 6 months, creating one cohesive frame. Schedule trims every eight weeks to maintain the curtain shape and keep outer corners blended.
This transition feels intentional, not awkward, which is exactly what you want.
Dutch Braid Your Bangs for Texture and Hold
If you’re ready to move beyond the curtain bang look, dutch braiding your growing-out bangs offers a stylish way to keep them contained while adding texture. Start with a deep side part to guide your braid direction naturally. Braid as tightly as possible from the bangs, creating the voluminous hold you’re after.
This technique works best on second or third day wavy hair, which provides grip for your braid. Tight braiding keeps everything secure throughout your day without constant adjustments.
For extra polish, apply finish spray to maintain your braid’s shape and prevent flyaways. Want something dressier? Add a pearl barrette alongside your braid for subtle elegance. Your growing-out bangs are officially styled.
Side Twists While Growing Out Bangs
Learn how to master side twists that work beautifully with growing-out bangs, creating a polished and intentional style. This guide covers the fundamental technique for executing the perfect twist, explores styling variations for different occasions, and identifies accessories that complement this look effectively.
Creating The Perfect Twist
When your bangs are awkwardly in-between lengths, side twists offer a stylish solution that works with your hair’s natural texture. I start by sectioning two strands from one side, then twist them together while gradually adding hair toward my crown. This creates that coveted wrap-like effect that pulls my growing-out bangs away from my face.
Here’s what makes it work:
The technique: Repeat the twist on the opposite side for symmetry and balance.
The hold: I apply a lightweight styling product to keep everything in place without stiffness, then finish with hairspray for lasting power.
The final touch: Small pins or a fun headband enhance the pulled-back effect beautifully.
Side-swept twists blend textured hair seamlessly while maintaining movement and dimension throughout your style.
Styling For Maximum Impact
How can you polish awkward, in-between bangs? Side twists elevate your growing-out bangs from messy to intentional.
Here’s what makes this technique work:
The Power of Pairing
Your side-swept twists benefit from a finishing touch. Add a fun headband to anchor the look and enhance the pulled-back effect. This combination turns curtain bangs into a curated style that feels effortless.
Securing Your Success
Use lightweight product and a touch of hairspray. You’ll maintain movement while keeping twists in place throughout the day.
Why This Works
Textured or wavy hair takes beautifully to this approach. Your middle part becomes a canvas for these polished twists. The headband adds that extra dimension that shows you’re intentionally styling, not just managing, your growing-out bangs.
Pairing With Accessories
Accessories transform your side twists from simple to styled. The right hair accessories elevate your look while you’re growing out curtain bangs.
A pearl barrette positioned on your side-part twist adds polish and sophistication. I secure mine gently with bobby pins to keep everything in place throughout the day. A fun headband works beautifully too; it enhances that pulled-back effect while your bangs grow longer.
The beauty of accessorizing is flexibility. You can swap pieces based on your mood or occasion. A delicate clip feels perfect for class, while a statement headband works for weekends.
These finishing touches help your twists blend seamlessly as your hair grows. They’re practical solutions that make you feel put-together and confident in your styling choices.
Messy Bun With Pinned Bangs for Everyday Ease
If you’re tired of your growing-out bangs falling into your face, this style offers a practical solution. This look works well during that awkward first week post-wash when hair has natural texture and grip.
Here’s what I do: gather your hair into a loose, casual messy bun. Then secure those stubborn bangs with bobby pins, tucking them directly into the bun. Apply light-hold hairspray and dry shampoo beforehand; both provide excellent hold without stiffness.
The benefit is that you’re maintaining flexibility as your bangs grow out. Want extra flair? Add a Dutch braid wrapping around your bun for dimension. This messy bun styling approach keeps growing-out bangs under control while looking intentional and polished.
Small Poof for Day-Two Hair
Want your growing-out bangs to look intentional on day two? A small poof works well for this purpose. This technique is effective when your bangs have textured, waves and natural volume.
Here’s how to style it: pull the front section of bangs upward and secure it with two bobby pins for subtle lift. The key is keeping the poof discreet, not teased, so your fringe doesn’t look heavy during growth.
Pair this with a half top knot to balance the overall look. It’s an easy option that keeps everything in place. For side parts, this style looks especially polished.
Use a light-hold product to maintain shape without weighing down your texture. This approach keeps day-two hair looking fresh and intentional.
Slick Bangs Back for a Sleek Finish
I’ll show you how to master this polished look using the right technique and products. Grab a strong-hold gel and a fine-tooth comb. You’ll apply the gel with a bristle brush to guide your bangs away from your face for that gravity-defying sweep. Once you’ve secured the slick finish with bobby pins as needed, pair it with a sleek ponytail or updo to really make those glossy bangs stand out.
Product Application Technique
Mastering the slick-back style converts growing-out bangs into a polished, intentional look. Start with a strong-hold gel that matches your hair type; this serves as your foundation. Apply the gel with a bristle brush, working from your bangs outward and smoothing everything against your head for that sleek finish.
Use enough product to control flyaways without oversaturating your hair. Work in sections, brushing firmly to create tension. This keeps your bangs secured throughout the day.
Once you’ve shaped your updos, whether that’s a high bun or low braid-ponytail, lock everything with a light hairspray mist. You’re not going for crunchy; you’re going for hold. This final step protects your style during movement and wind without sacrificing comfort.
Styling Hold and Finish
How do you keep growing-out bangs smooth and polished all day long? The answer lies in your finishing products and technique.
After applying styling product to your bangs and slicking them back, apply a light hairspray layer. This keeps your slick-back look intact without weighing everything down. Bobby pins become essential as bangs grow; they’ll catch those stubborn pieces threatening to escape.
For maximum styling hold, work strategically. Apply hairspray in short bursts rather than heavy coats. This maintains that sleek finish while keeping your bangs flexible enough to move naturally.
The goal is a polished look that lasts throughout your day. Your growing-out bangs deserve that professional touch that makes you feel confident and put-together.
Accessorize With Clips and Headbands
When you’re stuck in that awkward growing-out phase, accessories become your best friend. I’ve found that strategic fringe management shifts your look instantly. Decorative clips work wonders for blending shorter bangs with face-framing layers while keeping everything secure and polished.
Headbands offer dual benefits: they conceal uneven lengths and add style simultaneously. Lightweight bobby pins let you test different placements as your hair grows. I recommend experimenting with various positions to discover what flatters your face shape best.
A deep side part combined with accessories directs attention away from the transition phase. This combination creates a cohesive silhouette that feels intentional rather than messy. Choose clips and headbands that complement your personal style, making the growing-out journey feel purposeful and put-together.
