How to Cut or Trim Your Own Bangs

Introduction

Wispy, jagged or straight bangs are great for providing shape to your face. They're also the perfect disguise for a high or narrow forehead. It's a good idea to have your bangs professionally cut and then opt for self-maintenance with the following tips. This way, you won't need to determine the best shape, balance and length yourself. Check out the steps below to learn how to cut your own hair.

By: eHow Fashion, Style & Personal Care Editor

Length: 1:42

Comments: 14

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Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Tips & Warnings:

Invest in a pair of sharp, high-quality hair scissors. Utility scissors that have been used to cut paper or cloth are too dull for cutting hair.
Be careful with the sharp tips of the scissors. Avoid accidentally poking your eyes or cutting your fingers.
Don't cut wet hair.

Step1

Get the right tools. Professional hair dressing shears and a comb are a must. It's important not use craft scissors or nail clippers because they won't give you the desired result. Invest in a good pair of shears to help get you a professionally looking bang trim.

Step2

Make sure your hair is styled as you normally would wear it. If your hair grows a certain direction keep it that way. Changing the direction of a sweeping bang right before you cut it may give you unexpected results. This way you can really see what you’re doing and not cutting something that doesn't belong. Remember, never cut your bangs wet! The water weighs it down and you'll end up cutting too much.

Step3

Gather your bangs, separating the front pieces you want to trim from the back. Make sure you’re not grabbing any unnecessary pieces. Consider the thickness and length of the bangs you desire before you make the first cut. Then comb your hair smooth and make sure the rest of your hair is out of the way to avoid making accidental cuts.

Step4

Using your index and middle fingers, pull your bangs gently and hold at a slight distance from your face (make sure you can see them with your eyes!). Take your shears and begin to trim in upward snips. Keep your hands steady and remember that you only need to cut a small amount.

Comments

Anonymous said

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on 9/25/2006 I actually use a piece of masking tape to run the length of my forehead, over the brows, just to make sure nothing comes out too lopsided. Use a ruler, or just eyeball it.

Anonymous said

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on 6/30/2006 It seems like I always cut my bangs way too short right before a big event. It's a disaster. When cutting your bangs, don't rely on looking at them with just your eyes. Make sure you are using a mirror and relying more on the mirror than your eyes. Otherwise, your bangs will be much shorter than you want them.

Anonymous said

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on 4/4/2006 When cutting your own bangs, it is best to start long - make your first cut just below your nose. Let them dry or style them so you can see what options you'll have with your new look. If they are too long, trim a bit more. I recommend no shorter than your eye. They will still be long enough if you want to pull them to the side with a clip.

Anonymous said

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on 2/22/2006 I've tried to cut my own bangs several times, and failed. I highly recommend you to go see a stylist and ask them if bangs are right for you. If they say it isn't right for you, then forget it. But if they do, then tell them how you want it to be cut. They are much better bang cutters than us.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 When I want to have an edgy look, I cut layered bangs. First, split the bangs in half (right down the middle). Then, take the right side of bangs, pull directly to the left side and snip the tip off. This way, if you want it shorter, you can always try again. Take the left side of bangs and pull to the right side. Then snip the tip off. This gives a really edgy look and is perfect for anyone.

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