How to Trim Bangs
Whether a particular hairstyle includes bangs (known professionally as "fringe") largely depends on the preference of the person wearing the style.
Throughout the decades of modern fashion, bangs have been an "on-again, off-again" trend, and many people like to follow the trends. Your stylist, however, will generally have a different opinion on whether to include bangs in your hairstyle. This decision is based on what will make you look your best.
If you want bangs, that's good enough, but you need to know some simple rules about bangs, how to avoid cutting them too short, and about hair in general before you grab those scissors.
The Golden Rule of Bangs:
"Once you cut it, it's gone." Always remember that you can cut more off, but you can't add it back, so you must be sure of where you're cutting. It's always recommended to cut your hair when it's damp because cutting dry hair causes it to fly everywhere and can result in frayed ends in some cases. However, if you have curly hair, it can shrink up to 4 inches when it dries. Even straight hair can shrink up to one-and-a-half inches.
This means that if you (with wet, curly hair) cut your bangs to the mid-length of your nose, you could easily end up with a puffy little patch of curls on your brow instead of the bangs you were hoping for. Even straight hair can shrink enough to leave you looking less than ideal if you aren't careful.
Generally, the bangs area should extend to a point near the outer corners of the eyes. There are also several shapes the bangs area can take, which you'll need to consider when you're preparing to make the cut.
Half-Moon/Crescent Bangs:
The half-moon shape curves toward the face, is about one inch deep in the center of the forehead, and tapers to points on the outer edges. It's the most common shape for the bangs area.
To mark out the half-moon bangs area, comb your wet hair straight back from the face, starting in the center of the forehead about one inch back from the hairline. Slice out a small section of hair and comb it forward. Carefully carve the crescent shape to the left and then to the right.
Once the crescent shape has been established, comb the bangs straight down onto the face and determine the desired length for your bangs. Snip a small section to serve as a guide in the center of the bangs. Next, comb the bangs upward and hold them between the index and middle fingers of the non-cutting hand, gathering them together towards the center of the forehead.
The bangs section should measure approximately one to one-and-a-half inches between the fingers and should fan out towards the scalp. Once you have the bangs combed together, cut them off in a straight, horizontal line. This will result in a smooth, gently curving bangs line with a slight taper.
Continue reading ... (Rectangle & Triangle Bangs)