Curly hair is beautiful, but styling curly bangs can be a bit tricky for many. With their natural texture, curls can easily become unruly, which might make curly bangs feel hard to manage. However, when done right, curly bangs can add a fresh, youthful look and bring out the natural beauty of your curls. This guide provides detailed instructions on how to style curly hair bangs, whether you’re considering a full fringe, curtain bangs, or something in between. You’ll learn the best techniques, tools, and products to create smooth, defined, and flattering curly bangs.
Understanding Curly Bangs
Why Curly Bangs Are Different
Curly hair naturally has volume and texture, which can make styling bangs more challenging than straight hair. Curly bangs require a bit more attention and patience, as the curls have a tendency to spring up and lose shape if not styled properly. Unlike straight or wavy hair, curly hair tends to shrink when dry, so the length of your bangs may appear different after styling than it did when wet.
Curly bangs are not only a fun way to change up your look but also a great way to embrace your natural texture while adding shape to your face. From voluminous curls to soft waves, curly bangs can work with various types of curls and hair lengths, giving you a look that is uniquely yours.
Types of Curly Bangs
There are several variations of curly bangs that you can try, depending on your face shape, curl type, and personal preference:
- Full Curly Bangs: These are thick, full bangs that cover the forehead. They can be styled to frame the face and highlight your curls’ natural bounce.
- Curtain Bangs: These bangs are parted down the middle and fall softly around the face. They are great for curly hair because they allow the curls to flow naturally while still framing your face.
- Side-Swept Curly Bangs: These bangs are longer and swept to the side. They blend well with the rest of the curly hair, giving a relaxed, voluminous look.
- Layered Curly Bangs: Adding layers to curly bangs can help reduce bulk and shape the curls for a more defined and manageable style.
How to Style Curly Hair Bangs
Step 1: Start with Clean, Damp Hair
For the best results, begin with freshly washed hair. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner that is designed for curly hair to keep your locks hydrated and healthy. Curly hair tends to be dry, so keeping it moisturized is key to ensuring the curls remain soft and manageable.
Once your hair is washed, gently towel-dry it. Avoid rough towel-drying, as this can cause frizz. Instead, gently blot your hair to remove excess water, leaving it damp but not soaking wet. Applying products to damp hair allows them to distribute more evenly and helps define your curls as they dry.
Step 2: Apply Curl-Enhancing Products
Before you begin styling, it’s important to apply the right products to enhance your natural curl pattern. A curl cream, mousse, or gel designed for curly hair will provide the necessary hold and definition. Be sure to distribute the product evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the bangs and the areas where you want extra volume.
If you want a softer, more natural look, a curl cream is a great choice as it provides light hold and enhances the texture of the curls without making them crunchy. For more defined curls, a gel or mousse may provide stronger hold, which is especially important for curly bangs.
Step 3: Choose the Right Tool
While you can allow your curly bangs to air dry naturally, using a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment can give you more control over the shape and volume of your bangs. Alternatively, a flat iron can also be used to smooth out the bangs if you’re going for a more sleek, controlled look.
Using a Blow Dryer and Diffuser:
A blow dryer with a diffuser is one of the best tools for drying curly bangs. The diffuser helps distribute the air evenly, preventing frizz and preserving the curl definition. Here’s how to do it:
- Attach the diffuser to your blow dryer.
- Flip your head upside down and dry your bangs by cupping them in the diffuser, moving the dryer gently in a circular motion.
- Once your bangs are about 80% dry, flip your head back up and continue drying the bangs by gently lifting the curls with your fingers.
Using a Flat Iron:
If you want a more polished, sleek look for your curly bangs, a flat iron can help smooth out curls and create a defined shape. To avoid damaging your curls, always use a heat protectant spray before applying the flat iron.
- Divide your bangs into small sections and run the flat iron gently over each section, smoothing it out.
- Be careful not to overuse the flat iron on your bangs, as it can flatten the curls too much. The goal is to maintain some volume while controlling frizz and flyaways.
Step 4: Create Your Desired Bang Shape
Curly bangs come in many shapes, and the way you cut and style them will depend on the look you’re going for. Here are some common techniques for shaping curly bangs:
Full Curly Bangs:
For full, rounded curly bangs, start by cutting your bangs to the desired length. Keep in mind that curly hair shrinks, so cut the bangs slightly longer than you want them to be when dry. Once cut, apply some curl cream or mousse and use a blow dryer or diffuser to encourage the curls to form in a rounded shape. You can also use a curling iron to shape the curls if necessary.
Curtain Bangs:
Curtain bangs are a great option for curly hair because they naturally blend with the rest of your curls while framing your face. To create curtain bangs, part your hair in the middle or slightly off-center. Use a round brush to lift the roots while blow-drying to create volume, then use your fingers to separate the curls and give them a soft, flowing appearance.
Side-Swept Curly Bangs:
For a side-swept look, start by cutting your bangs slightly longer than usual, so they can easily be swept to the side. Apply a texturizing product to your bangs to create separation, then use a blow dryer with a nozzle attachment to direct airflow toward your bangs, blowing them to one side.
Step 5: Dry Your Bangs with Care
Drying curly bangs properly is essential for achieving the perfect shape and minimizing frizz. Here are some tips for drying your bangs with curly hair:
- Avoid Touching Wet Bangs Too Much: While drying, try not to touch your bangs too much, as it can disrupt the curl pattern and create frizz. Instead, let the product do its work by defining the curls naturally.
- Dry Your Bangs First: Since bangs are usually the first part of your hair to dry, it’s essential to focus on them early in the styling process. Drying them before the rest of your hair will ensure they hold their shape and texture.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Once your bangs are dry, it’s time for the finishing touches. Gently tousle your bangs with your fingers to loosen the curls and add volume. You can also apply a light-hold hairspray or a curl defining gel to help set your bangs in place.
If you have any flyaways or areas that need extra definition, use a small curling iron to touch up specific sections. Just be sure to keep the curls soft and natural, as the goal is to maintain the carefree, tousled look of curly bangs.
Maintaining Curly Bangs
Regular Trims
Curly bangs grow out differently than straight bangs, so it’s important to maintain them with regular trims. You may need to cut your bangs every 4-6 weeks to keep them in shape and prevent them from getting too long or losing their curl definition.
Hydration and Moisture
Curly hair tends to be on the drier side, so keep your bangs hydrated by using a deep conditioning treatment once a week. Moisturizing your curls helps maintain their elasticity and prevents frizz, which is key for keeping your bangs looking smooth and well-defined.
Avoid Over-Washing
Curly hair tends to get dry with frequent washing, so try to avoid washing your hair every day. Instead, wash your hair every 2-3 days or as needed, and use a dry shampoo on the days in between to absorb oil and refresh your bangs.
Nighttime Care for Curly Bangs
At night, protect your curly bangs from frizz and flattening by wrapping them in a satin or silk scarf, or using a satin pillowcase. This prevents the bangs from rubbing against rough fabrics, which can lead to frizz and loss of definition.
Conclusion
Curly bangs are a bold and stylish way to embrace your natural curls while adding a fresh element to your hairstyle. While it may take some time to master the technique, the results are worth the effort. Whether you choose full curly bangs, curtain bangs, or side-swept bangs, the key is to use the right tools, products, and techniques to keep your bangs looking defined and healthy.
By following the steps outlined above and maintaining a regular hair care routine, you can keep your curly bangs looking fresh, voluminous, and beautiful. With a little practice, your curly bangs will become an easy and chic part of your everyday style.
