To Bangs Or Not To Bangs, That Is The Question!

The last time I tried bangs was in September 2010 and I absolutely hated it. I went to the hairdresser and asked for something that would make my face seem shorter and my hair more volumized, so she cut straight bangs, which I think don't suit my face shape at all. I don't know if it's just me, but it looked weird, maybe too "perfect" for my taste - I had in mind more dishevelled and textured bangs.

This time, after watching too many movies and TV shows featuring Zooey Deschanel (Our Idiot Brother and New Girl), I got an intense craving for thick, dishevelled and effortless bangs like her - have you notice how her bangs look different yet  in every picture of her? Isn't it amazing?

(source: Google Images)

I must say I've been getting more and more bored of my hair recently but I wasn't ready to commit to a new hair color or anything so I figured out an easy way to update my look was bangs - I told myself that if I didn't like the results, I could always just swipe the bangs aside in a frange and let it grow, but I actually really like it!

I didn't go to the hairdresser for this - who goes to the hairdresser just to get bangs anyway? - and cut it myself. WARNING: If you plan to cut your own bangs, be sure your hair is dry! Wet hair stretches and because of that, you are more likely to cut your bangs shorter than you had planned - thrust me on that, I did this mistake once.

I personally think it's easier to start to cut your bangs in the center and work your way out, but it may be the other way around for you. I make sure to comb my hair down and I cut a little longer than where I want them because it's always better to cut longer then take more off. Because I was aiming for textured bangs, I used the scissors pointing at the hair and cut straight into it, that way my bangs are slightly uneven and they look more voluminous.

L - R: before and after

I will admit that I was very hesitant to get bangs at first for various reasons - here they are:

Bangs can get greasy really fast. I personally have dry skin but my t-zone often gets oily when it's hot outside so naturally, bangs suck up all the oil, which cause them to be greasy and limp. On top of that, my hair already gets oily pretty fast, so to counteract this, I have realized it's necessary to carry dry shampoo or baby powder in my bag at all time. If you have time, you can also wash only your bangs in the shower or in the sink. Also be sure to clip your bangs away from your face when you apply your face cream and allow it to properly dry, otherwise your hair will soak it all up! I like to use this hair pad thingy to keep my bangs away from my face.

Bangs need to be trimmed regularly. I cut mine so they fall slightly under my eyebrows so it doesn't take much time before they grow and fall in my eyes, which is insanely annoying. Bangs have to be trimmed every month but it personally takes me only around five minutes so I really don't mind.

Bangs can be super annoying and take some times to get used to. In 2010, when I chose to get bangs, I swept them aside after two days because the minute I got hot, they would make my forehead itch and trigger eczema flare-ups. Also, if you aren't used to bangs and usually part your hair on the side for example, you will maybe have the reflex to always try to swipe them on the side, but you will get use to it.

Bangs don't suit everybody. If you have a round face, don't go for bangs because they will only emphasize your roundness. Bangs can also make you look younger - I have a friend with a baby face who sports bangs and it only makes her look like a 7 years old, which is not cute - but you will have to experiment with them to know.

(source: weheartit 1 2 3)

But there's also a positive side to bangs, which won me over!

Bangs are relatively low maintenance. OK, this seems to contradict the second point above but what I mean is that my bangs fall in place by themselves when I wake up in the morning and because I don't want them to look too perfect, I don't flat iron them everyday, that way they look more volumized, textured and natural. I couldn't do that with my fringe because it would always look strange if I didn't flat iron it.

Bangs can conceal a huge forehead and makes your face appear shorter. This is the main reason why I finally decided to go for bangs! I'm really craving long hair but with my super long face, straight long hair doesn't really suit me and because I'm too lazy to blow dry it or curl it everyday to infuse some volume in it, this is the only other solution for me.

Bangs emphasize your eyes. Eye grazing bangs will bring out the color of your eyes!

Bangs instantly update your haircut. As I said above, I went for it because it was the easiest solution to beat hair dorebom. If I don't like them, I can also grow them out, which you can't do if your hair color is a disaster, for example.

Bangs allow you to sport a simple haircut because the spotlight is on your bangs. I don't feel the need to layer my hair as much as before because I think my bangs add enough texture and volume by themselves.

Bangs can be styled how you like. The possibilities are endless! If you get bored of straight bangs, just swipe them aside in a side fringe, do a center part, clip them back, braid them, etc.

Bangs allow you to wear less makeup. Because your bangs conceal your forehead, you don't even need to bother with concealing that humongous zit anymore! Also, there's no need for foundation or bronzer up there. Personally, I don't even bother filling in my brows anymore because they are covered by my bangs anyway.

I'm still not sure I'm getting used to bangs but I want to allow myself more time before giving up on them - that's how bored I am! I want to experience with different hairstyle and all - I have found that a ponytail with thick bangs suit me way better than before, for example.