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Bangs, The Straight Scoop! Geena Davis Image 6911

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Most people prefer to wear their bangs super sleek, smooth and straight. There's nothing worse than having bangs "do their own" thing by forming fat waves, crazy curls or wings.

I know better than anyone since I have naturally curly and wavy hair. Before I learned how to successfully straighten my bangs I struggled with taping them to my forehead. I even tried setting them on large rollers to smooth out the waves.

Eventually I got the hang of it and now I always have wave-free bangs.

Of course there are a lot of other bang problems I can think of ranging from when they are unevenly cut, too short or too limp.

While it is always a great idea to address all the known bang problems in the universe, the idea of this article is to discuss getting bangs straight.

If you have naturally curly or wavy hair it doesn't mean that you have to forego bangs. To the contrary. It just means that you have to plan for perfection.

Oscar and Golden Globe winner Geena Davis has naturally curly hair. This does not prevent her from wearing bangs on a regular basis. She loves side swept bangs (as shown above) that enhance her beautiful eyes and facial features.

Start With A Good Cut

The first part of the perfectly straight bang equation is getting a great cut from your hairdresser. 

Of course you can try cutting your own bangs yourself but if you have heavily textured hair (natural curls, waves or combo) or cowlicks and swirls, I'd recommend you entrust your challenging fringe hair to a hair expert. Maybe you can get some good tips from your hairdresser about how to maintain your bangs long term, but initially start with a professional trim.

More Info: Hair Tips: Trim Your Own Bangs

For curly and/or wavy hair it's important to remember that the bangs must be cut long enough to allow for curl and wave shrinkage. This is true for the entire hairstyle but even more true for the bang area. Remember hair does shrink, even more so when the texture is naturally curly or wavy.

If bang hair decides to ultimately curl or wave it can make the bang area look out of kilter. 

Once you decide whether you're opting for straight bangs, baby bangs, side-swept bangs or some other variation, you're on your way to styling them straight.

If you have natural cowlicks, be sure to explain this to your hairdresser so they can maneuver their scissors properly to weigh down the swirls with top hair. If that's not possible, don't dispair there are more tricks to come.

Styling Bangs For Stick Straight Results

Once you have a great haircut to naturally control your texture complete the following steps to achieve stick straight bang results:

1.  Shampoo Appropriately

Cleanse your detangled hair in lukewarm water with your normal product designed for your hair type, texture, current condition or other conditions. 

If your hair is chemically treated, damaged or excessively dry, select a product to address these conditions. If you prefer, use a dilution or conditioner only method of washing.

Shampoo products to try: Phyto - Phytojoba Hydrating Shampoo

2.  Conditioning Treatments

Rinse shampoo products completely from your strands. If your hair is fine or thin, apply a diluted version of a rinse-out conditioner to your bang area. 

If your hair is medium to thick in texture, you may either apply a diluted rinse-out conditioner or go with a full strength formulation. 

3.  Rinse Well

Rinse all leave-in conditioners from your hair. Make sure that no product remains which can makehair limp or flat.

4.  Cool/Cold Water Blast

Whether you rinse your entire head with cool/cold water or not, try to do so for your bang area which will help to close the cuticle and seal the conditioning properties. It also helps to build in shine.

5.  Towel Blot

Once you have completed your finishing rinse, blot hair with a water absorbent towel.

6.  Bang Product Cocktail

Once you have towel blotted completely, apply an appropriate hair product cocktail that might consist of a light leave-in conditioner and detangler and/or a straightening balm or defrisant product.

7.  Separate Bang Strands

Blowdry the bang area first before working on the rest of the hair. Use a wide tooth comb to separate the bang hair into 1 1/2 to 2 inch sections.

Starting at the roots, use fingers to pull strands straight. Direct blowdryer air down the hair shaft from the roots to the ends of the bang. 

If desired use a small 100% boar's head flat paddle or natural round brush to help straighten.  For extra volume at the roots, apply a volume enhancing styling product before you begin to blowdry.

8.  Continue Until Finished

Working from side to side of the bang area, continue to blowdry until the bangs are 100% dry. 

9.  To The Finish Line

Once bangs are completely dry and stick straight, blowdry the rest of your hair. Apply a light hairspray to the bangs and the rest of the hair. Use only a small amount of styling products on the bang area which may tend to easily attract oil and grease.

If you decide you wish to add a slight shine to your bang area, add a dab of shine spray or similar to the palms of your hands. Rub it in well and then lightly swipe the palms of your hands over the top of your bang area. 

Remember some gloss products can attract dirt and oil if too much is used. So only use a teeny amount.

Other Bang Straightening Tips

Bangs cut to enhance your face shape and in harmony with your hair's type, texture and condition, can be wonderful. However, there can be drawbacks in other areas.

If you wish to accentuate your eyes, wear bangs which are cut just to the brow line in order to draw instant attention to your peepers.

If you wish to accentuate your nose have then cut into super thick bangs which aren't too long.

Nothing is worse than bangs that take-off with wings, flips, dips, massive curls, frizz or similar bang nightmares. Summary

To get stick straight bangs which look sleek and elegant, start with a great hair cut, the right styling products, a blowdry and some practice. You'll get the straight scoop in no time. 

If you would like to learn about a specific beauty trend, email AskKaren@HairBoutique.com
If you would like to consult with Karen personally about any of your health and beauty questions, please see our Ask Karen page.

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