Side bangs are a classic and versatile hairstyle that can enhance any face shape. They frame the face beautifully, add softness, and can be styled in various ways to suit different hair textures and lengths. Whether you’re a hairstylist or someone looking to try a new look at home, this guide will take you through the steps on how to cut cute side bangs.
Understanding Side Bangs
Side bangs are cut at an angle and are designed to sweep across the forehead, blending into the rest of your hair. The look is softer than straight bangs, which fall bluntly over the forehead, and offers more flexibility for styling. Side bangs can work well with long, short, or medium-length hair, making them a popular choice for many people.
Before grabbing the scissors, it’s important to understand a few key elements to ensure you get the perfect side bangs.
Consider Your Face Shape
One of the first steps in cutting side bangs is considering your face shape. Side bangs can look different depending on the shape of your face, so you want to ensure they complement your features.
- Round Faces: Longer, swept-over bangs can help elongate a round face, creating balance.
- Oval Faces: Almost any type of side bangs will look good on oval faces. You can experiment with both long and short side bangs.
- Square Faces: Opt for soft, feathered side bangs that curve gently to soften the angularity of a square face.
- Heart-Shaped Faces: Side bangs that taper down near the jawline will help balance the width of the forehead with a narrower chin.
Hair Texture and Thickness
Different hair types will require different approaches.
- Fine Hair: Avoid cutting side bangs too thin, as they may look flat. Instead, go for a slightly thicker section to give your bangs more volume.
- Thick Hair: Thick hair can handle more texture in the bangs. You may need to thin them out a little to avoid bulkiness.
- Curly Hair: If you have curly hair, remember that your bangs will shrink as they dry, so always cut them longer than you intend.
Now that you know how side bangs work with different face shapes and hair types, let’s get into the step-by-step guide to cutting cute side bangs.
Tools You Will Need
Before you begin, gather the right tools to ensure a precise cut. Here’s a list of essentials:
- Haircutting Shears: Regular scissors can leave the ends looking blunt or uneven. Invest in a good pair of haircutting shears.
- Fine-Tooth Comb: This helps section the hair neatly and evenly.
- Hair Clips: Use clips to section off the rest of your hair, keeping it out of the way.
- Spray Bottle: Lightly dampen your hair for better control.
- Blow Dryer and Round Brush: You’ll need these for styling the bangs after cutting.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting Side Bangs
Step 1: Section the Hair
Start by deciding how thick you want your side bangs to be. For a soft, natural look, you won’t need a large section of hair. A triangle section at the front of your hairline works best.
- Use your comb to create a triangular section, starting from the middle of your forehead and working your way down to the arch of each eyebrow. The base of the triangle should be right at the hairline.
- Clip the rest of your hair back so it’s out of the way.
Step 2: Determine the Length
Before you start cutting, decide how long you want your side bangs to be. A good rule of thumb is to start longer than you think, as you can always trim more later if needed. For a subtle, sweeping look, aim for the bangs to reach the middle of your nose when dry.
Tip: If your hair is damp, remember that hair shrinks as it dries, so account for this when determining the length.
Step 3: Cut the Bangs at an Angle
With your shears in hand, it’s time to start cutting.
- Hold the hair between your fingers, positioning them at an angle where you want the bangs to fall.
- Start by cutting small sections at a time, working from the outer edge of the triangle towards the center.
- Keep your shears angled diagonally. This ensures that the bangs will have a soft, feathered look instead of a blunt cut.
Step 4: Create Texture
To make your side bangs look more natural, it’s important to add texture. You don’t want them to look too heavy or blunt.
- Use the point-cutting technique by holding your shears vertically and snipping into the ends of the bangs. This will create softer edges and more movement.
- If you have thick hair, consider thinning the bangs out slightly using thinning shears. Start from the middle of the bangs and work towards the tips to avoid thinning out the roots too much.
Step 5: Style the Bangs
Once you’ve achieved the desired length and texture, it’s time to style your side bangs.
- Blow-dry the bangs using a round brush to direct the hair to one side. For added volume, lift the hair at the roots while blow-drying.
- If you want a more relaxed look, you can let the bangs air-dry and use your fingers to style them.
- Finish by using a light hairspray to keep them in place, or a bit of texturizing spray for a more undone look.
Styling Tips for Side Bangs
Once you’ve cut your cute side bangs, there are plenty of ways to style them to keep your look fresh and exciting. Here are a few ideas:
Sleek and Straight
For a polished, professional look, straighten your side bangs using a flat iron. This style works well for formal occasions or when you want to keep your hair looking sleek and tidy. Just remember to use a heat protectant before applying heat to your hair.
Soft and Wavy
To add some texture, style your side bangs with loose waves. Use a curling iron to gently curl the bangs away from your face. This creates a soft, romantic look that’s perfect for everyday wear or special events.
Messy and Textured
For a more casual and effortless look, use a texturizing spray or sea salt spray on your side bangs. Scrunch the hair slightly with your fingers to enhance its natural texture. This works especially well if you have wavy or curly hair.
See Also: How To Cut A Shoulder Length Layered Bob
Maintaining Your Side Bangs
Side bangs can grow out quickly, so maintaining them is key to keeping them cute and stylish. Here are some tips for maintaining your bangs between trims:
Regular Trims
Bangs require more frequent trims than the rest of your hair. Aim to trim your side bangs every 2-4 weeks to keep them at the perfect length.
Keep Them Clean
Since bangs rest on your forehead, they can get oily quickly. Washing them separately from the rest of your hair, especially between washes, can help keep them looking fresh.
Use the Right Products
Using lightweight styling products can prevent your bangs from becoming greasy or weighed down. A dry shampoo is also a great option for refreshing your bangs between washes.
Conclusion
Cutting cute side bangs is a simple way to update your look and add a playful touch to your hairstyle. With the right tools and techniques, you can achieve beautiful, flattering bangs that suit your face shape and hair texture. Follow this guide to confidently cut your own side bangs, and enjoy the versatility and style they bring! Whether you prefer them sleek and straight or soft and textured, side bangs are a chic addition to any hairstyle.
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