How to Grow Out Bangs Gracefully (No Awkward Stage!)
You did it. You took the plunge into bangs, and for a glorious moment, you felt like a French film star or a chic, modern icon. But now, the maintenance has lost its charm. The constant trimming, the oily forehead situation, the commitment—it’s time for a change. So, you’ve decided to grow them out. Cue the ominous music and the memory of that one awkward photo from the last time you attempted this. We’ve all been there: that frustrating in-between phase where your bangs are too long to be bangs but too short to blend seamlessly with the rest of your hair. It feels like a style purgatory.
Mindset First: Reframing the Grow-Out Phase
Before you reach for the scissors in a moment of frustration, let’s shift your perspective. Instead of viewing this as a “grow-out,” think of it as a period of hair evolution. You are not stuck with a bad haircut; you are dynamically moving toward a new length with endless styling possibilities. Each week will bring a new millimeter of growth and, with it, a new opportunity to try something different. Embrace the experimentation! This is the perfect time to play with accessories, textures, and partings you might never have tried with your full fringe. Patience is key, but so is a sense of adventure.
The Strategic Trim: Your Secret Weapon
This sounds counterintuitive, but hear us out: trimming is not the enemy of growth. The goal isn’t to cut your bangs shorter, but to shape the surrounding hair to facilitate a smoother blend. As your bangs grow, they will start to hit at different, sometimes unflattering, points on your face—like the middle of your eyelid or the tip of your nose. A skilled stylist can give subtle, strategic trims to the longest layers of your hair, particularly around the face, to help the bangs integrate more naturally.
Ask for “blending trims” or “shape-up trims” every 8-10 weeks. The focus should be on softening the hard line of the growing fringe and creating a cascading layer effect. This prevents the dreaded “shelf” look and makes styling infinitely easier. It’s about managing the shape as it grows, not stopping the growth itself.
Styling Heroes: Products and Tools You’ll Need
Your toolkit will be your best friend during this transition. A few key items can make the difference between a hair disaster and a curated look.
Texture is Your Best Friend: A good texturizing spray or dry shampoo adds grit and volume, making slippery, awkward-length hair easier to manipulate and hold a style.
Strong Hold, Gently: A flexible-hold hairspray or a light-hold styling cream can tame flyaways without making your hair look stiff or helmet-like.
Heat Tools for Direction: A small, 1/2-inch to 1-inch curling iron or a flat iron is perfect for training your bangs to sweep to the side or curl under. A round brush and blow dryer are classic for creating volume and shape.
Accessory Arsenal: Start collecting chic claw clips, decorative bobby pins, thin headbands, and silk scarves. These will be your styling saviors.
Go-To Hairstyles for Every Length Stage
Here is your phase-by-phase playbook for stylishly navigating the grow-out journey.
Stage 1: The “Eye-Poker” Phase (Bangs at Eyebrows to Eyelids)
At this shortest stage, focus on keeping them looking intentional. Use a flat iron to smooth them and direct them slightly to one side. Secure the longer piece with a bobby pin crossed with a decorative pin for a cute, polished look. Alternatively, mix them with the front section of your hair and create a mini side-swept effect, pinned just above your ear.
Stage 2: The “Awkward Middle” Phase (Bangs at Cheekbone)
This is where accessories shine. The Half-Up Twist: Take the front section of your hair (including your bangs), twist it gently back, and secure it with a small clip at the crown. This creates a beautiful, face-framing effect. The Headband Hero: A thin, fabric headband or scarf can elegantly hold back your bangs while adding a boho or retro touch to your outfit.
Stage 3: The “Blending” Phase (Bangs at Jawline)
You’re almost there! Now you can start incorporating your bangs into fuller styles. The Face-Framing Layers: Use a curling iron to add soft waves to your bangs and the hair around your face, blending them together. Curl them away from your face for a seamless look. The Low Ponytail or Bun: Pull all your hair back, but leave out your bangs and the pieces immediately around your face. Curl these pieces to create a soft, romantic frame.
Mastering the Art of the Part
Changing your part is one of the most powerful tricks in this process. A deep side part can instantly transform stubborn, forward-falling bangs into a stylish, side-swept layer. It helps redistribute the volume and trains the hair to grow in a new direction. Don’t be afraid to experiment with a middle part as they get longer, using a few strategic bobby pins to hold any shorter pieces in place until they catch up. Play with wet-setting your part or using a blow dryer to set the hair in its new direction for longer-lasting results.
What to Avoid During the Grow-Out Process
Just as important as knowing what to do is knowing what not to do. Steer clear of these common pitfalls:
Cutting Them Yourself: In a moment of weakness, step away from the kitchen scissors. Uneven, DIY cuts will only prolong the awkward stage and make professional blending harder.
Overloading with Product: Applying too much gel, wax, or heavy cream can weigh down your fine bangs, making them look greasy and separate from the rest of your hair. Less is more.
Forgetting About Hair Health: Growing hair is vulnerable hair. Incorporate a weekly nourishing hair mask and use a heat protectant spray religiously. Healthy hair grows better and styles more easily.
Hiding Under Hats 24/7: While hats and beanies are great temporary solutions, constant friction can lead to breakage. If you do wear one, opt for silk-lined styles or use a silk scarf underneath.
Celebrate the Milestones and Have Fun!
Finally, remember to celebrate the small victories. The first time you can tuck your bangs fully behind your ear, the day they seamlessly stay in a ponytail, the moment they blend perfectly with your longest layers—these are all causes for a mini celebration. Take progress pictures! Not only do they help you see how far you’ve come on days when you feel stuck, but they also document a fun chapter in your personal style journey.
Growing out your bangs is a lesson in patience, creativity, and adaptability. With these strategies, you’re not just waiting for your hair to grow; you’re actively styling your way through one of the most creative hair periods you’ll ever have. So, stock up on bobby pins, book those blending trims, and wear your evolving style with confidence. The other side—a full, glorious head of one-length hair or beautiful long layers—is absolutely worth it, and the journey there can be surprisingly stylish.
