What to Consider Before Getting Bangs


Hello, everybody!

Today, I thought I would do a little post talking about bangs - what to take into account if you're considering getting them for yourself, and if they're worth it in the long run! I've had my bangs now for some time, about a year and a half, so I'd say I've got a pretty good idea of what it's like to live with them!

Why I got bangs...

I had bangs for most of my life growing up. I had them all up to grade three when I finally decided to grow them out. I mulled over the pros and cons of cutting my bangs for what seemed like ages before I actually did it. I started playing with the idea back in 2014 but didn't actually do it until the end of 2016. There were a few concerns I had going into it, particularly that the bangs would be ridiculous on my very short forehead but I ended up getting them for two main reasons: 1) I wanted to do something different to my appearance going into uni, and 2) I have a lot of baby hairs that I hate so getting bangs would hide that, haha.

But, of course, there are a lot of different things I didn't actually expect going into it, that I wish I'd have known before I got my bangs...

You will have to get them trimmed often

This is probably the most crucial thing to having a polish bang look, but it's also something that you really should be aware of before getting bangs. If you're not willing to or don't have the time for getting regular bang trims, then you may want to reconsider. Hair grows fast, and bangs grow even faster (okay so maybe that's not a fact, but I swear it seems like it). At least every 3 or 4 weeks, you'll probably find yourself at the salon, especially if you have a small forehead like moi. You can always cut your own bangs at home, with the proper hair-cutting scissors which you can pick up at your local Ulta. But luckily, bang trims only cost $5 at most salons. 

It's a serious commitment

Bangs do not grow out nicely or easily. They are very uncooperative. Take this from someone who spent the entire third grade with a dozen bobby pins creating ridges in her skull. Once you cut those bangs in the front of your face, that's the way they want to grow, and they are not easily persuaded. So growing them out and pushing them to the side of your face is no easy feat. So, it probably wouldn't be worth it to get bangs if you only want them for a little while. I mean, look at Zooey Deschanel. She's had those bad boys for like two decades. 

Even if your skin is clear now, you'll probably break out anyway

This was something I'd heard many warnings about prior to cutting my hair and I wish I'd taken them more seriously. If you, like me, are reading this and thinking, "I don't typically break out/I have very manageable skin, so it won't be any problem", don't be fooled. Having hair plastered to your forehead 24/7, especially in the humid summer months, is acne's bff. Your forehead will probably break out in little bumps. Of course, there are ways to manage the breakouts and even prevent them sometimes, but it's definitely annoying.

Air-drying is essentially impossible

If you're a fan of air-drying your hair or if you use heatless tools/methods to style your hair, bangs might not be for you. Letting your bangs air-dry is a hot mess. They will end up sitting wonky on your head, drying in whichever direction they please, and do not even get me started on if you have curly hair (like me). And in the end, bangs look best when they've been straightened at least a smidge - it just helps them sit nicely. So if you're not into using heat, or if you just can't be bothered to blow dry and straighten your hair after every wash (first of all, I feel you girl), then you probably should steer away from the #banglife!

They get greasy FAST

No one can prepare you for how quickly your bangs get greasy. It's unreal. Sometimes I feel like in the morning, they're fresh and beautiful, but by mid-day, I look like I haven't showered in a week. This is especially worse if you have a habit of playing with your bangs, which is what I've unfortunately taken to in the past year. Either you have to wash your hair way more often or you wash your bangs in the sink. You gotta do whatcha gotta go. 

So, are they worth it?

Obviously, this isn't a one-size-fits-all sort of thing at all. If you've read all of these things and think that it sounds like your own personal hell, then I'd strongly urge against it. These bad boys are super high maintenance and once you make the chop, there's no going back. Well, at least, not for some time. Ultimately, if you're looking for a cute, classic hairstyle and you're up for trying something risky, then I'd definitely recommend getting bangs! One thing I'd recommend though is asking your stylist what she thinks, as she'll know what suits your face shape and such. But in the end, hair is hair. It will grow back, so why not switch it up a little? 

Do you have bangs? What do you think of them?

Felicia x