Styling short hair with short bangs can be a creative and versatile experience. Short bangs, often referred to as “baby bangs,” are a bold and stylish choice that can add character to any short hairstyle. They draw attention to the eyes and can give your overall look a fresh, youthful appearance. However, finding the right way to style short hair with short bangs requires a good understanding of both your hair type and the look you want to achieve. This article will provide you with detailed suggestions on how to style short hair with short bangs, including various techniques, tools, and products, as well as an analysis of why these methods work.
Understanding Hair Types and Face Shapes
Hair Types
Before diving into specific styling techniques, it’s important to understand your hair type. Hair can be straight, wavy, curly, or coily, and each type will respond differently to styling methods.
Straight Hair: Straight hair is usually smooth and shiny, but it can sometimes lack volume. Short bangs on straight hair can give a clean and sharp look, but they may require frequent trims to maintain their shape.
Wavy Hair: Wavy hair has a natural texture that can add volume and movement to short hairstyles. Short bangs on wavy hair can create a soft and romantic look.
Curly Hair: Curly hair can add a lot of personality to short bangs, giving them a bouncy and playful appearance. However, curly hair can be more challenging to manage and may require more effort to maintain the shape of the bangs.
Coily Hair: Coily hair has tight curls that can create a very bold and textured look with short bangs. This hair type may require specific products to keep the curls defined and prevent frizz.
Face Shapes
Face shape is another important factor to consider when styling short hair with short bangs. Different styles can accentuate or soften certain features, depending on the shape of your face.
Oval Face: An oval face is well-balanced, so most styles of short bangs will work well. You can experiment with different lengths and textures.
Round Face: If you have a round face, short bangs that are slightly longer on the sides can help elongate your face and create a more balanced look.
Square Face: For square faces, soft, wispy bangs can soften the angular features. Avoid blunt, straight-across bangs, as they may emphasize the squareness of your face.
Heart-Shaped Face: Heart-shaped faces can benefit from short bangs that are slightly longer in the center and taper off towards the sides. This can help balance a wider forehead and a narrower chin.
Long Face: Short bangs can help shorten the appearance of a long face. Opt for fuller bangs that cover more of your forehead.
Styling Techniques for Short Hair with Short Bangs
1. The Sleek and Polished Look
How to Achieve It:
- Start by applying a heat protectant spray to your hair to prevent damage from heat styling tools.
- Use a flat iron to straighten your hair, including your bangs. Run the flat iron slowly through your hair to ensure it is smooth and sleek.
- Once your hair is straightened, apply a smoothing serum or a light-hold hairspray to keep the hair in place and prevent flyaways.
Reasons and Analysis: This style works well for those with straight or wavy hair and creates a sophisticated and polished look. The sleek and polished style is perfect for professional settings or formal occasions. It emphasizes the structure of the bangs and the clean lines of the haircut, making it ideal for oval and long face shapes.
2. The Textured and Tousled Look
How to Achieve It:
- Apply a texturizing spray or mousse to damp hair to add volume and texture.
- Use a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment to dry your hair, scrunching it with your fingers as you go to enhance natural waves or curls.
- For added texture, you can use a curling iron or a flat iron to create loose waves in your hair.
- Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the texture in place without making the hair stiff.
Reasons and Analysis: This style is great for wavy or curly hair types, as it enhances the natural texture and creates a casual, beachy look. The textured and tousled look is versatile and can be dressed up or down, making it suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions. It works well with round and heart-shaped faces, as the added volume can help balance facial features.
3. The Edgy and Spiky Look
How to Achieve It:
- Start with clean, dry hair. Apply a small amount of styling gel or pomade to your hands and work it through your hair, focusing on the ends.
- Use your fingers to create spikes or a tousled, edgy look by pulling small sections of hair upwards and outwards.
- If your bangs are long enough, you can also spike them slightly for a more dramatic effect.
- Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to keep the spikes in place.
Reasons and Analysis: The edgy and spiky look is bold and daring, making it perfect for those who want to make a statement with their hairstyle. It works well with straight or wavy hair and is ideal for square or round face shapes. The spiky texture can add height and dimension to your hair, making it a great choice for those with fine or thin hair.
4. The Soft and Romantic Look
How to Achieve It:
- Apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow dry using a round brush to create soft curls or waves.
- Use a curling iron to curl small sections of your hair, including your bangs. Hold the curling iron vertically and wrap the hair around it to create loose, soft curls.
- Once all the hair is curled, gently brush through the curls with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to soften them.
- Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the curls in place without weighing them down.
Reasons and Analysis: The soft and romantic look is perfect for those with wavy or curly hair. It creates a feminine and elegant style that is ideal for special occasions such as weddings or date nights. The soft curls add volume and movement to the hair, making it a great choice for those with fine or flat hair. This style works well with heart-shaped and oval faces, as the curls can help balance facial features.
5. The Vintage Pin-Up Look
How to Achieve It:
- Start by applying a setting lotion or mousse to damp hair to help set the curls.
- Use a small-barrel curling iron to create tight curls all over your hair, including your bangs.
- Once the curls are set, use bobby pins to pin back the sides of your hair, creating a faux bob or a victory roll.
- For the bangs, you can either curl them under for a vintage-inspired fringe or sweep them to the side for a more modern twist.
- Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to keep the style in place.
Reasons and Analysis: The vintage pin-up look is a fun and retro style that is perfect for themed parties or anyone who loves classic fashion. This style works well with straight or wavy hair and can be adapted to suit different face shapes. The tight curls and pinned-back sides create a structured and polished look that is both glamorous and playful.
6. The Messy Bun with Short Bangs
How to Achieve It:
- Gather your hair into a loose bun at the crown of your head, leaving your bangs out.
- Secure the bun with bobby pins or a hair tie, allowing some pieces to fall out naturally for a messy, undone look.
- If you have short bangs, you can style them as you like—either straightened, curled, or left natural.
- For added texture, you can pull out a few strands around your face to frame it.
- Finish with a texturizing spray to enhance the messy look.
Reasons and Analysis: The messy bun with short bangs is a casual and effortless style that is perfect for everyday wear. It works well with all hair types and face shapes, making it a versatile option for those with short hair. The messy bun adds volume and texture to the hair, while the short bangs add a touch of personality to the overall look.
See Also: How To Wear A Short Bob
Tools and Products for Styling Short Hair with Short Bangs
1. Flat Iron
A flat iron is essential for creating sleek and polished styles. It can be used to straighten hair or create loose waves, depending on the look you want to achieve. For short hair with short bangs, a flat iron with a smaller plate size (around 1 inch) is ideal for getting close to the roots and styling shorter sections of hair.
2. Curling Iron
A curling iron is perfect for adding curls and waves to short hair. For tight curls, use a small-barrel curling iron (around 1/2 inch), while a larger barrel (around 1 inch) is better for creating loose, beachy waves. A curling iron with adjustable heat settings is recommended to prevent damage to the hair.
3. Blow Dryer with Diffuser
A blow dryer with a diffuser attachment is great for enhancing natural waves or curls. The diffuser helps distribute the heat evenly, reducing frizz and adding volume to the hair. It’s a must-have tool for achieving the textured and tousled look.
4. Texturizing Spray
Texturizing spray adds volume and texture to the hair, making it easier to style. It’s especially useful for creating the messy bun or textured and tousled looks. Look for a spray that adds grip without making the hair feel sticky or heavy.
5. Smoothing Serum
A smoothing serum helps control frizz and adds shine to the hair. It’s ideal for creating sleek and polished styles. Apply a small amount to the hair after styling to keep it smooth and glossy.
6. Hairspray
Hairspray is essential for keeping your style in place. For short hair with short bangs, a light-hold hairspray is usually sufficient, as it allows the hair to move naturally while still providing hold. For more structured styles, a strong-hold hairspray may be necessary.
7. Bobby Pins and Hair Ties
Bobby pins and hair ties are essential for creating updos and securing sections of hair. They’re particularly useful for creating styles like the messy bun or vintage pin-up look. Choose bobby pins and hair ties that match your hair color for a seamless finish.
Maintaining Short Hair with Short Bangs
1. Regular Trims
Short bangs require regular trims to maintain their shape and prevent them from growing out too quickly. Depending on your hair type and how fast it grows, you may need to trim your bangs every 2-4 weeks.
2. Proper Hair Care
Using the right hair care products is essential for keeping your hair healthy and manageable. Choose a shampoo and conditioner that are suitable for your hair type, and avoid products that contain harsh chemicals or sulfates. Regular deep conditioning treatments can also help keep your hair soft and shiny.
3. Heat Protection
If you frequently use heat styling tools, it’s important to protect your hair from damage. Always apply a heat protectant spray before using a flat iron, curling iron, or blow dryer. This will help prevent split ends and keep your hair looking healthy.
4. Avoiding Over-Styling
While it can be tempting to style your hair every day, over-styling can lead to damage and breakage. Give your hair a break by embracing its natural texture and opting for low-maintenance styles when possible. This will help keep your hair healthy and reduce the need for frequent trims.
5. Experimenting with New Styles
One of the best things about short hair with short bangs is the versatility it offers. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new styles and techniques. Whether you’re trying out a new product or playing with a different texture, styling short hair can be a fun and creative process.
Conclusion
Styling short hair with short bangs offers endless possibilities. From sleek and polished looks to textured and tousled styles, there’s something for everyone. By understanding your hair type and face shape, and using the right tools and products, you can create a variety of stylish and flattering looks. Remember to take care of your hair with regular trims and proper hair care, and don’t be afraid to experiment with new styles. With these tips and techniques, you’ll be able to master the art of styling short hair with short bangs and enjoy the versatility and personality that this bold look offers.