Cutting your own hair can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance, you can achieve a professional-looking result. Short side-swept bangs are a versatile and stylish option that can complement various face shapes and hair textures. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to cut short side-swept bangs at home, along with tips to ensure the best outcome.
Understanding Your Face Shape & Hair Type
Before you start cutting, it’s essential to understand your face shape and hair type. This knowledge will help you determine the most suitable length and style for your bangs.
Face Shapes
Oval: Considered the ideal face shape, oval faces can pull off almost any bang style.
Round: Longer bangs that add height can help elongate the face.
Square: Soft, rounded bangs can soften the angular features of a square face.
Heart: Side-swept bangs that cover the forehead can balance out a wider forehead and narrower chin.
Diamond: Bangs that add width at the temples can complement the narrow forehead and chin of a diamond face.
Hair Types
Straight: Straight hair tends to lay flat, so shorter bangs may work better to avoid looking too heavy.
Wavy: Wavy hair can add texture and volume to bangs, but you may need to style them to maintain the desired shape.
Curly: Curly hair can create a lot of volume, so shorter bangs may be more manageable.
Thick: Thick hair can hold a style well, but you may need to thin out the bangs to prevent them from looking too bulky.
Thin: Thin hair may benefit from layering or texturizing to add volume to the bangs.
Gathering Your Tools
To cut short side-swept bangs, you’ll need the following tools:
Sharp Hair Scissors: Avoid using regular household scissors, as they can cause split ends and uneven cuts.
Fine-Tooth Comb: This will help you section your hair and create a clean, straight line.
Hair Clips: To hold sections of hair in place while you work.
Water Spray Bottle: To dampen your hair for easier cutting.
Mirror: A large, well-lit mirror will allow you to see the back of your head clearly.
Optional: Hair Dryer & Round Brush: For styling the bangs after cutting.
Preparing Your Hair
Before you start cutting, it’s important to prepare your hair properly:
Wash & Dry Your Hair: Start with clean, dry hair. If your hair is wet, it may shrink as it dries, leading to shorter bangs than intended.
Section Your Hair: Use a fine-tooth comb to section off the area where you want your bangs to sit. Typically, this will be a triangular section from the top of your head to the temples.
Secure the Rest of Your Hair: Use hair clips to secure the rest of your hair out of the way, so you can focus on cutting the bangs.
Cutting the Bangs
Now that your hair is prepared, it’s time to start cutting:
Step 1: Determine the Length
Hold the Scissors Vertically: Place the scissors vertically in your hand, with the blades pointing upwards. This will help you create a soft, natural-looking edge.
Start Longer: It’s always better to start with longer bangs and gradually trim them shorter if needed. You can always cut more, but you can’t put it back once it’s gone.
Consider Your Eye Level: The bangs should end around your eyebrow level or slightly above, depending on your preference.
Step 2: Cut the Initial Section
Take a Small Section: Start by taking a small section of hair from the center of your bangs. Hold the hair between your fingers and pull it down towards your face.
Cut at a 45-Degree Angle: Holding the scissors vertically, cut the hair at a 45-degree angle. This will create a soft, feathered edge.
Repeat on the Other Side: Cut the other side of the bangs in the same way, ensuring both sides are even.
Step 3: Create the Side-Swept Effect
Choose the Side: Decide which side you want your bangs to sweep to. This will be the longer side of your bangs.
Cut the Longer Side: Take a slightly larger section of hair from the side you’ve chosen and cut it slightly longer than the center section. This will create the side-swept effect.
Blend the Sides: Use the scissors to blend the shorter center section with the longer side section. Cut small amounts of hair at a time, moving from the center to the side.
Step 4: Check for Evenness
Step Back & Look: Stand back from the mirror and check if both sides of your bangs are even. You can also ask a friend or family member to help you check from different angles.
Make Adjustments: If you notice any unevenness, use the scissors to trim the longer side until both sides match.
Texturizing & Thinning the Bangs
To create a more natural and textured look, you can texturize or thin out your bangs:
Texturizing Shears: If you have texturizing shears, use them to add texture to the ends of your bangs. This will prevent them from looking too blunt and heavy.
Point Cutting: If you don’t have texturizing shears, you can use regular scissors to make small, vertical cuts into the ends of your bangs. This will create a similar textured effect.
Thinning Out: If your bangs are too thick, you can use thinning shears to remove some of the bulk. Hold the thinning shears vertically and make small cuts into the hair, focusing on the areas that need thinning.
Styling the Bangs
Once you’ve cut your bangs, it’s time to style them:
Dampen the Bangs: Spray a small amount of water on your bangs to make them easier to style.
Blow-Dry: Use a hair dryer and a round brush to blow-dry your bangs. Start at the roots and brush the hair towards the side you’ve chosen for the side-swept effect.
Set with Hairspray: Once your bangs are dry, use a light hairspray to set them in place. This will help them stay in shape throughout the day.
Tips for Maintaining Your Bangs
To keep your short side-swept bangs looking their best, follow these tips:
- Regular Trims: Schedule regular trims every 4-6 weeks to maintain the shape and length of your bangs.
- Use the Right Products: Choose hair products that are suitable for your hair type and style. For example, if you have curly hair, use a curl-defining cream to enhance the texture of your bangs.
- Protect from Heat: If you use heat styling tools, always use a heat protectant spray to prevent damage to your hair.
- Embrace the Grow-Out Phase: When your bangs start to grow out, don’t panic. You can style them in different ways, such as pinning them back or wearing a headband, until it’s time for your next trim.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When cutting your own bangs, it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common ones to avoid:
Cutting Too Short: As mentioned earlier, it’s always better to start with longer bangs and gradually trim them shorter.
Cutting in a Straight Line: Cutting your bangs in a straight line can create a blunt, unnatural look. Instead, use a 45-degree angle to create a soft, feathered edge.
Neglecting to Check for Evenness: Always check both sides of your bangs for evenness before finishing the cut.
Using the Wrong Tools: Using regular household scissors can cause split ends and uneven cuts. Invest in a pair of sharp hair scissors for the best results.
Conclusion
Cutting short side-swept bangs at home can be a rewarding experience if you follow the right steps and use the proper tools. By understanding your face shape and hair type, gathering the necessary tools, and following the cutting and styling instructions outlined in this article, you can achieve a professional-looking result. Remember to take your time, be patient, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments as needed. With practice, you’ll become more confident in cutting your own bangs and can enjoy the convenience and cost savings of doing it yourself.
Related topics:
- How to Cut Side Swept Bangs for Short Hair
- How to Style Short Hair to Look Feminine
- 8 Cute Hairstyles with Curtain Bangs That Will Steal the Show
