Bangs require some serious maintenance and it’s not something you should decide on a whim. Professional salons like Great Clips often talk about the pros and cons of getting backs with clients who may be interested in changing their overall look, but it’s really something one must weigh carefully.
Hair grows approximately ½ of an inch per month which means you don’t have a lot of wiggle room when it comes to your bangs. Moreover, if you don’t get them trimmed regularly, they could eventually irritate your eyes (and you!).
Another downside to having a fringe is that unlike in the movies, they won’t always look great unless you go to great lengths to style them. You’ll need to run a flat iron over your bangs every day to keep them in place.
That being said, bangs do have their advantages.
Advantages of Bangs
1. They’re cute and chic. Side swept, short or straight across, bangs can make a woman look cute and stylish at the same time. Just look at Taylor Swift and Zooey Deschanel. When done correctly bangs can frame the face and give it a more softer look.
2. They can cover up imperfections. Whether you have a high forehead, a receding hairline or messy brows, bangs are the ultimate coverup.
3. They’re versatile. You can move your bangs to the side or pin them back on days you don’t want to show them off.
4. Having bangs will make you look more sophisticated. Not only does a fringe frame your face, it also makes you appear like you’ve done more with your hair even if you just pull your hair back.
5. Bangs make you look younger and more youthful, if styled and maintained properly of course.
Different Bang Styles
Disadvantages of Bangs
1. Bangs can be quite stubborn. There will be times when they don’t behave the way you want them to. For example, they may part at the center instead of the side.
2. You need to style it every single day. You’ll need to blow dry your hair and use a flat iron to make it look the way you want it to.
3. If you tend to sweat you’ll need a fair amount of time keeping your forehead dry all the time.
4. You’ll need to get it trimmed every 4-5 weeks. As mentioned earlier in this article, your hair grows about an inch every month. So getting your bangs trimmed regularly will be a must.
I’ve had bangs for a few years now and I do love them. For one, I often get complimented of how young I look. (I can’t believe you’re 41. You don’t look a day over 30!) I attribute this not only to my Asian heritage but also my bangs. If you have made the decision to get bangs, I strongly recommend you start with shaggier bangs that are shorter in the middle and longer on the edges so that you can grow them out in case you decide (after) that bangs are not really for you.
Another thing to consider is your hair texture. Your bangs have to match the texture of your hair otherwise it will end up a disaster. If you have wavy hair, go for longer side bangs. If you have curly hair, get a dry cut.
Finally, just be ready to style your hair with a flat iron regularly but give your hair some extra TLC because using heat too often can eventually damage it. Perhaps get a hot oil treatment every month and deep condition your hair every week or so to keep it from becoming dry and brittle.