How to Cut a Straight Fringe

Cut hair with sharp, high quality scissors.

A straight fringe, also known as bangs, can be a flattering style for many face shapes and hair textures. They can refresh your look and add character without completely changing your hairstyle. Blunt bangs are cut straight across slightly above or below the eyebrows. They draw attention to your eyes and can do wonders for a long or narrow face shape.

Things You'll Need

• Sharp hair cutting scissors
• Comb
• Razor comb (optional)
• Hair clip (optional)

Instructions

1. Start with clean, dry hair. Take your comb and separate the hair you wish to cut from the rest of the hair. Clip back the rest to avoid interference. The bangs should extend no further than the outer edges of the eyebrows. You can take hair from as far back as you wish, but consider the way it naturally falls. The more hair you use, the thicker the fringe will be.

2. Determine how long the fringe should be. Comb the hair straight down and use the comb as a guide to consider length. Cutting just above the eyebrow draws attention up toward the eyes. Straight-across fringe is usually cut just below the eyebrows.

3. Take your scissors, and cut the hair horizontally in small, slow snips. Work one section at a time, and check the length frequently. Comb the bangs down, and cut very short snips vertically--about a quarter of an inch--into the ends of the hair. This creates movement and texture. When you're satisfied with the length, you can stop there or choose to soften the ends with a razor comb.

4. Take your bangs and pull them taut with your fingers. Run your fingers down to the ends. Holding bangs in place start one-third of the way down and use the razor comb to shave down to the ends. You don't want to slice through the length, just soften the edges. Comb the hair out and inspect it. If you're happy with the fringe, you're all done.

Tips & Warnings

• Hair can be cut wet or dry, but many stylists agree that dry cutting results in a better fringe.

References

• How to Cut Your Bangs/Fringe
• How to Cut Hair - Bangs and End Trim