We’ve all been there – that moment when you realize your bangs have grown past the point of no return, creating an awkward curtain across your forehead. Growing out bangs can feel like handling through months of bad hair days, but it doesn’t have to be a style nightmare.
The good news? There are countless clever ways to disguise those in-between lengths while your hair transitions back to its natural state. From strategic styling tricks to trendy accessories, we’ll show you how to turn this awkward phase into an opportunity to experiment with fresh looks.
Whether you’re dealing with blunt bangs, side-swept fringe, or wispy layers, the key is working with your hair’s natural growth pattern instead of fighting against it. With the right techniques and a little creativity, you’ll discover that growing out bangs can actually become your most versatile styling period yet.
Style Your Bangs With a Deep Side Part
Deep side parts offer an elegant solution for camouflaging awkward bang lengths during the transition period. This classic technique redirects attention while adding sophisticated flair to your overall look.
Create Dramatic Volume and Movement
Blow dry your bangs away from your face using a round brush to establish the foundation for your deep side part. Start with damp hair and use the brush to lift sections at the root while directing airflow downward along the hair shaft.
Position your part approximately two inches from your natural hairline to achieve the most flattering deep side effect. This placement creates asymmetrical balance that draws the eye away from uneven bang lengths.
Tease the longer side gently at the crown to build height and create visual weight that balances shorter pieces on the opposite side. Use a fine tooth comb to backcomb small sections, working from the mid lengths toward the roots.
Sweep the longer section across your forehead to cover areas where shorter bangs might stick out awkwardly. This technique works particularly well when your bangs have reached that difficult chin skimming length.
Use Texturizing Products for Hold
Apply volumizing mousse to damp roots before blow drying to create lasting lift and body in your deep side part style. Focus the product on the crown area where you need the most support and structure.
Spritz texturizing spray throughout the mid lengths after styling to add grip and prevent pieces from falling flat throughout the day. These products contain polymers that create friction between hair strands for better hold.
Finish with a light hold hairspray misted from 8 to 10 inches away to lock your deep side part in place without creating stiffness. Choose alcohol free formulas that won’t dry out your hair or cause flaking.
Work a small amount of texturing paste through stubborn pieces that refuse to stay in place, particularly around the hairline where shorter bangs tend to rebel. Warm the product between your palms before applying for even distribution.
Sweep Your Bangs Into a Side-Swept Look
Creating a deep side part transforms awkward bang lengths into an effortlessly chic curtain bang effect. This styling approach naturally blends your bangs with the rest of your hair while adding sophisticated movement to your overall look.
Master the Blow-Dry Technique
Grab a round brush and start blow drying your bangs by rolling them to the side. Rolling the brush backward creates volume at the roots while directing the hair away from your face. Heat protectant products shield your strands from damage during this styling process.
Position your blow dryer at a downward angle to smooth the hair cuticle. This technique prevents frizz and creates a sleek finish that looks intentional rather than messy. We recommend using medium heat settings to avoid over drying delicate bang hair.
Train your bangs to lay in the desired direction by repeating the rolling motion several times. Consistency helps reshape the hair’s natural growth pattern, making the side swept look easier to achieve daily. Professional stylists often called this the “Birkin bangs” technique after Jane Birkin’s iconic curtain bang style.
Apply Smoothing Serum for Sleek Finish
Distribute a small amount of smoothing serum through your freshly blown out bangs. Light hair oils work particularly well for taming frizz without weighing down fine hair textures. Start with a dime sized amount and add more if needed.
Focus the product application on the mid lengths and ends of your bangs. Avoiding the roots prevents greasiness while still providing the sleek control you need. Pomade or lightweight gel offers additional hold for stubborn pieces that won’t cooperate.
Seal the style with your fingertips to ensure even distribution. This final step locks in shine and keeps your side swept bangs in place throughout the day. We’ve found that this technique works especially well when transitioning from blunt bangs to longer lengths.
Pin Your Bangs Back With Decorative Hair Accessories
Using bobby pins or barrettes offers one of the simplest answers for managing growing bangs. We can gather bangs on either side of our face, twist them back slightly, and secure with pins for an instantly polished look.
Choose Statement Hair Clips and Barrettes
Larger decorative hair clips transform awkward bang lengths into stylish focal points. We brush our bangs to one side or create a deep side part, then clip them back using statement pieces that complement our outfit. These accessories work effectively for both casual coffee dates and formal dinner parties, adding fashionable touches while keeping hair out of our eyes.
Statement barrettes come in various materials like tortoiseshell, metal, or embellished designs that elevate any hairstyle. We can choose clips that match our personal style, from minimalist gold pieces to bold patterned options. The key lies in selecting accessories that feel authentic to our aesthetic while serving the practical purpose of taming unruly bangs.
Create Elegant Twisted Pin-Back Styles
Twisted pin-back styles offer sophisticated alternatives to basic clipping methods. We start with a deep side part, then twist small sections of bangs back towards our crown or ear before securing with clips or pins. This technique subtly hides awkward lengths while creating youthful, put together appearances that work for professional settings.
Some prefer creating mini twists on each side for balanced symmetry that frames the face beautifully. We can vary the tightness of our twists depending on desired formality, keeping them loose for casual days or tighter for polished occasions. The versatility of this method allows us to refresh our look throughout the day with minimal effort, requiring only a few seconds to achieve salon worthy results.
Blend Your Bangs Into Curtain Bangs
Transforming your growing bangs into curtain bangs creates a seamless transition that works with your hair’s natural growth pattern. This approach allows you to maintain style while strategically disguising those awkward in-between lengths.
Gradually Trim for Face-Framing Shape
Regular maintenance trims become essential when blending bangs into a curtain style. We recommend scheduling appointments every 4-6 weeks to maintain the face-framing shape while allowing controlled growth. Trimming prevents the blunt edge from becoming too heavy and helps create the gradual layering that defines curtain bangs.
Professional stylists can strategically cut the center pieces slightly shorter while leaving the sides longer to frame your face. This technique ensures your bangs blend nicely with the rest of your hair rather than creating harsh lines. Point cutting or texturing shears help soften the edges and create natural movement.
Communicate with your stylist about your growing-out goals to ensure each trim moves you closer to your desired length. Maintaining this face-framing shape prevents the awkward phase from lasting longer than necessary while keeping your style polished throughout the transition.
Style With Round Brush and Heat Protectant
Heat styling tools become your best allies when training curtain bangs to lay in the desired direction. We always apply heat protectant before using any hot tools to prevent damage and maintain hair health during frequent styling. Products with thermal protection help seal the hair cuticle while providing a smooth foundation for styling.
Using a round brush creates the characteristic curved shape that defines curtain bangs. Start by blow-drying your bangs away from the center part, rolling the brush outward to encourage the natural swooping motion. Medium-sized round brushes work best for most bang lengths, providing enough tension to create shape without being too aggressive.
Technique matters when creating the curtain effect – we recommend dividing your bangs down the middle and styling each side separately. Roll the brush under and outward, following through with the blow dryer to set the curve. This method trains your hair to naturally fall into the curtain position even when air-dried.
Finishing with a light mist of flexible hold hairspray helps maintain the shape throughout the day without creating stiffness. The combination of proper heat protection and strategic brushing transforms stubborn growing bangs into effortlessly chic curtain framing that enhances your facial features.
Incorporate Your Bangs Into Braided Hairstyles
Braided styles offer the perfect solution for seamlessly blending growing bangs into your overall look. These versatile techniques transform awkward lengths into intentional design elements.
Try Front Dutch Braids and Crown Braids
Front Dutch braids create stunning texture while effectively concealing overgrown bangs that refuse to cooperate. We recommend starting these braids at your hairline and crossing strands under instead of over to achieve that distinctive raised effect. Dutch braids work particularly well when your bangs have reached that tricky mid forehead length where they’re too long to style normally but too short to tuck behind your ears.
Crown braids deliver a regal appearance that keeps stubborn bangs completely off your face throughout the day. These elegant styles wrap around your head like a natural headband, incorporating even the shortest bang pieces into the braid pattern. We find crown braids especially effective for formal occasions when you need a polished look that won’t require touch ups.
Both techniques require sectioning your bangs into the braid from the very beginning, ensuring no awkward pieces stick out unexpectedly. Start with slightly damp hair and use a light texturizing spray to give your strands better grip for braiding.
Experiment With Boho-Inspired Braid Combinations
Mixing different braiding techniques creates that effortlessly chic bohemian aesthetic while managing growing bangs beautifully. We love combining loose side braids with twisted sections to add visual interest and texture throughout your hairstyle. These combinations work exceptionally well when you incorporate your bangs into multiple small braids rather than one large one.
Fishtail elements mixed with traditional three strand braids create ever-changing movement that draws attention away from uneven bang lengths. We suggest starting with a small dutch braid at your part line, then transitioning into a looser fishtail as you work toward your ear. This technique allows you to catch every piece of your growing bangs while maintaining that relaxed, undone finish.
Textural variety becomes your best friend when creating boho inspired looks with transitioning bangs. Add small accent braids throughout your hairstyle, weaving in ribbons or thin scarves for extra bohemian flair that makes your growing out phase look completely intentional.
Camouflage Your Bangs With Headbands and Scarves
Strategic accessories offer instant answers when growing bangs become unmanageable. We’ll explore two timeless approaches that completely transform your look while hiding awkward lengths.
Select Wide Headbands for Full Coverage
Wide headbands provide complete bang coverage that transforms frustrating growth phases into chic styling opportunities. We recommend choosing headbands that measure at least 2-3 inches in width to ensure your bangs stay completely hidden underneath.
Position the headband slightly forward on your forehead to catch every strand of your growing bangs. Pull your bangs straight back before securing the headband for the smoothest finish. Fabric headbands work exceptionally well because they grip hair without slipping throughout the day.
Velvet and padded headbands add luxurious texture while maintaining comfort during extended wear. We suggest investing in neutral colors like black, navy, or tortoiseshell patterns that complement multiple outfits. Statement headbands featuring embellishments or metallic accents can turn your growing bang dilemma into a fashion forward focal point.
Wrap Silk Scarves for Vintage Appeal
Silk scarves create elegant vintage inspired looks that completely conceal growing bangs while adding sophisticated charm. We fold square scarves into long rectangular strips for the most flattering head wrapping technique.
Position the center of the scarf at your nape and bring both ends forward over your hairline. Cross the scarf ends at your forehead to secure your bangs underneath the fabric. Tie the ends at the top or side of your head depending on your preferred aesthetic.
Vintage floral prints and solid jewel tones complement the retro styling approach perfectly. We recommend silk or satin materials that won’t create friction against your hair strands. This technique works particularly well with pulled back hairstyles like low buns or ponytails that showcase the scarf’s elegant draping.
Create Textured Waves to Disguise Bang Length
Textured waves naturally camouflage uneven bang lengths while adding movement that draws attention away from awkward growth phases. This technique works particularly well because the waves create visual distraction and blend growing bangs seamlessly into your overall hairstyle.
Use Sea Salt Spray for Natural Texture
Apply sea salt spray to damp hair starting from the roots and working through to your bangs for enhanced grip and texture. We recommend spritzing the product evenly across your bangs while they’re still slightly wet to maximize the texturizing effects.
Scrunch your bangs gently with your fingers while the sea salt spray is still active to encourage natural wave formation. Focus on lifting sections away from your scalp to create volume that helps disguise uneven lengths.
Work the product through your entire hair length to ensure your bangs blend naturally with the rest of your textured waves. This creates a cohesive look where growing bangs appear intentional rather than problematic.
Scrunch With Diffuser for Enhanced Volume
Attach a diffuser to your blow dryer and use low heat settings to avoid disrupting the natural wave pattern you’ve created with sea salt spray. Position the diffuser close to your scalp and gently cup sections of your bangs.
Scrunch upward motions while diffusing to encourage lift and curl formation in your growing bangs. This technique adds crucial volume that helps shorter pieces blend with longer sections of your hair.
Pulse the airflow rather than using continuous heat to maintain the textured appearance without creating frizz. We suggest diffusing for 2-3 minutes on each section of your bangs until they’re about 80% dry.
Finish with cool air to set the waves and add shine that makes your styled bangs look polished and intentional. This final step locks in the texture while preventing the waves from falling flat throughout the day.
Style Your Bangs Into a Pompadour or Quiff
Transforming awkward length bangs into a pompadour or quiff creates an instant modern, voluminous look that disguises transition lengths beautifully. This sophisticated styling technique offers a chic solution for managing growing bangs while adding dramatic height and contemporary flair.
Tease for Height and Backward Sweep
Teasing bangs upward at the roots creates the essential volume foundation for a successful pompadour or quiff style. Start by sectioning your bangs and gently backcomb small portions near the root area using a fine-tooth comb. Focus on creating lift without damaging the hair shaft by working in gentle upward motions.
Sweep the teased bangs backward toward your crown once you’ve achieved the desired height at the roots. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to smooth the surface layer while maintaining the volume underneath. This backward motion helps blend growing bangs seamlessly into your overall hairstyle while creating that signature pompadour silhouette.
Set With Strong-Hold Hairspray
Strong-hold hairspray becomes your best ally for maintaining this elevated style throughout the day. Apply the product generously while holding the spray bottle 8-10 inches away from your styled bangs. Mist from multiple angles to ensure complete coverage and maximum hold.
Set the style by allowing the hairspray to dry completely before touching or adjusting your bangs. This crucial step locks in the teased volume and backward sweep, preventing the style from falling flat during daily activities. Carry a travel-sized hairspray for quick touch-ups if needed to maintain that polished pompadour look all day long.
Conclusion
Growing out bangs doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience when you’ve got the right tools and techniques at your disposal. We’ve shown you that this transitional phase can actually become an exciting opportunity to explore new styles you might never have considered before.
From strategic side parts and textured waves to creative braiding and statement accessories there’s always a solution for those awkward in-between lengths. The key is staying patient with the process while experimenting with different approaches until you find what works best for your hair type and lifestyle.
Remember that every hair journey is unique and what we’re experiencing during this growing-out phase is completely temporary. With these styling strategies in your back pocket you’ll never have to hide under a hat again – instead you’ll be confidently rocking looks that make your growing bangs appear completely intentional.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for bangs to grow out completely?
Bangs typically take 3-6 months to grow out to chin length, depending on your hair’s growth rate and desired final length. Hair grows approximately half an inch per month, so patience is key during this transition period.
What’s the easiest way to style growing-out bangs?
Creating a deep side part is the simplest solution. This technique elegantly camouflages awkward lengths by distributing hair unevenly across your forehead. Blow-dry bangs away from your face and use light-hold hairspray to maintain the style.
Can I use hair accessories to hide growing bangs?
Yes! Bobby pins, decorative barrettes, statement clips, wide headbands, and silk scarves are excellent options. These accessories can instantly transform your look while making the growing-out phase appear intentional and fashionable.
Should I trim my bangs while growing them out?
Regular maintenance trims every 4-6 weeks help maintain shape and prevent awkward, uneven growth. A professional stylist can gradually blend growing bangs into layers or curtain bangs for a more polished transition.
How do I create volume when styling growing bangs?
Tease your bangs gently at the roots for lift, then sweep them back into a pompadour or quiff style. Use volumizing mousse on damp hair and finish with strong-hold hairspray to maintain the elevated look throughout the day.
What products work best for managing growing bangs?
Texturizing products, sea salt spray, volumizing mousse, heat protectant, smoothing serum, and light-hold hairspray are essential. These products add grip, enhance natural texture, and help blend growing bangs seamlessly with the rest of your hair.
Can I incorporate growing bangs into braided hairstyles?
Absolutely! Front Dutch braids, crown braids, and boho-inspired combinations effectively conceal overgrown bangs while adding texture and visual interest. These styles work particularly well for longer bang lengths.
How do textured waves help disguise growing bangs?
Textured waves naturally camouflage uneven lengths and create movement that blends growing bangs with your overall hairstyle. Apply sea salt spray to damp hair, scrunch bangs, and use a diffuser on low heat for best results.
