bangs · hair styling
How to Cut Your Own Bangs WithoutRegretting It
How to cut your own bangs safely at home, including the tools you need, step-by-step instructions for trims and curtain bangs, and how to fix common mistakes.
Hairover Team
To cut your own bangs safely, cut dry hair, use sharp hair scissors, and take off far less than you think. Point the scissors upward into the ends rather than cutting straight across, then check and repeat. A trim on existing bangs is a reasonable home job. Creating a brand-new fringe from nothing is much riskier, and a stylist is the better choice.
Before you start
Should you do this at all? Trimming your existing bangs is fine. For a first-time fringe, go to a salon, or at least try on the look first. Many salons also offer free or cheap fringe trims between visits, so it’s worth asking.
What you need:
- Sharp hair-cutting scissors
- A fine comb
- Clips or hair ties, for the rest of your hair
- A good mirror and bright light
Style your hair as usual, and make sure it’s dry and clean. Avoid doing this when you’re rushed or upset.
How to trim existing bangs
- Isolate the bangs. Comb them forward, and clip everything else back.
- Pick your length. Aim long. Bangs lift slightly once released, so start at least a little below your target.
- Hold them loosely. Pinch a small section between your fingers, without pulling.
- Point cut. Hold the scissors vertically, and snip upward into the ends in small bites. Avoid cutting across in a straight line.
- Work in sections. Go from the center outward, a small piece at a time.
- Check. Let go, shake your hair, and look. Repeat only if needed.
Take off a little, then stop. You can always take off more tomorrow.
How to trim curtain bangs
- Part your hair in the center, and clip the rest back.
- Comb one side forward and down.
- Hold it out from your face at a slight angle, then point cut the ends so that the front is shorter and it gets longer toward the outside.
- Repeat on the other side, matching the first.
- Let them fall and check that they match.
Curtain bangs are forgiving. See curtain bangs vs. side-swept bangs for how to choose.
Mistakes to avoid
- Cutting wet hair. It will spring up shorter than you expect.
- Pulling the hair tight. Tension means it bounces up after you let go.
- Cutting straight across. Any error will show as a hard line.
- Taking too wide a section. Going too far back brings in hair from the top of your head, making a heavy fringe that is hard to fix.
- Evening it up repeatedly. This is how bangs get too short.
Special cases
Curly bangs. Cut these in their natural, dry shape, one curl at a time, since they shrink a lot. A specialist is the best choice if you have any doubts. See how to find a curly hair stylist.
Fine hair. A narrow, light section works best. See full vs. wispy bangs.
Cowlicks. Heavy fringes split over cowlicks, so a side-swept shape is often easier to manage.
If it goes wrong
Stop cutting, and give it a day. Sweep your bangs aside, use clips or a headband, or add a soft bend. If it’s still bad, a stylist can usually help, and our bad haircut guide offers more ideas.
Related guides
- Micro Bangs: Who Suits Baby Bangs and How to Wear Them
- How to Trim Your Own Hair at Home (Long and Medium Hair)
Check the look before the first snip
If you are thinking about a new fringe, try it on first. Upload a clear photo to Hairover, get a hair analysis, and try hairstyles on your own face in Style Studio.
FAQ
Should you cut bangs wet or dry?
Dry is safer at home. Wet hair stretches, so bangs jump up shorter as they dry. Style your hair the way you usually wear it, and then cut.
What scissors should I use for bangs?
Use sharp hair-cutting scissors. Kitchen or paper scissors can bend the hair and leave a rough edge. A small, inexpensive pair of hair shears is enough.
How do I fix bangs that are too short?
Don't keep cutting. Sweep them sideways, pin them back, or use a headband until they grow. They grow about half an inch per month, and a stylist can often reshape them after a few weeks.
