Don’t Cut Bangs Without Reading These 5 Tips
thinking about cutting your own bangs?
We've all had that late-night urge to grab scissors and go for a new look.
but trust us—there's a fine line between a cute fringe and a DIY disaster.
Before you go full stylist in your bathroom mirror, there are a few key things you need to know.
these tips can make the difference between loving your new bangs and regretting them for the next six months.
Let's break it down step-by-step.
Table of Contents
- 1. Cut Your Bangs Dry, Not Wet
- 2. Use Real Hair Shears, Not Kitchen Scissors
- 3. Go Longer Than You Think, Always
- 4. Work in Sections and Use Point Cutting
- 5. Know Your Hair Type Before You Start
- References
- Images Sources
1. Cut Your Bangs Dry, Not Wet
Cutting your bangs while they're wet might seem like the way to go—it's easier to comb, lies flatter, and feels more controllable.
But here's the catch: hair shrinks when it dries.
That perfect wet length?
It springs up into awkward, way-too-short baby bangs when it dries.
Big yikes.
So, always cut your bangs when they're dry or at least mostly dry.
If your hair's damp, cut longer than you think you need.
You can always snip a little more later, but once it's gone, it's gone.
It's also a good idea to style your hair exactly how you wear it daily before trimming.
That way, you'll see how it really lays and avoid any surprise shrinkage.
Quick Guide: Wet vs.
Dry Cuts
| Type of Cut | Result | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Wet | Shorter after drying | High |
| Dry | True-to-length | Low |
| Damp (trim only) | Slightly unpredictable | Medium |
2. Use Real Hair Shears, Not Kitchen Scissors
We cant stress this enough: ditch the kitchen scissors.
they're not made for hair and will absolutely mess it up.
Using dull scissors creates frayed ends, split hairs, and an uneven mess that even a pro would struggle to fix.
Instead, invest in real hair-cutting shears.
they're sharp, precise, and designed for this exact job.
you dont have to break the bank—many solid options are available online for under $30.
If you're gonna go DIY, at least give yourself the right tools.
you wouldn't cut steak with a butter knife, right?
Same vibe here.
3. Go Longer Than You Think, Always
It's easy to get scissor-happy when you're in the zone.
But with bangs, one extra snip can turn "trendy curtain fringe" into "kindergarten photo day."
Start longer than you want.
Like, way longer.
Then slowly snip off tiny bits until you're close to your goal length.
stop and check every few snips.
look at both sides.
Walk around.
Re-evaluate.
No rush!
Also—your hair might not fall perfectly until you've washed and styled it again, so play it safe and leave wiggle room.
beginner's trim tip List:
cut a little, then pause
check in the mirror often
snip vertically, not straight across
Use a comb for sectioning
stop before its perfect—less is more
4. Work in Sections and Use Point Cutting
You know those people who grab all their hair and just chop straight across?
Don't be them.
that's a one-way ticket to bowl-cut bangs.
Instead, section off just the hair you wanna cut—start small.
clip the rest back.
Then use point cutting: snip vertically into the ends instead of going straight across.
this gives your bangs a softer, feathered look instead of harsh, blocky lines.
point cutting helps the bangs blend into your hair better and move more naturally.
it's way more forgiving and looks way more professional.
pro vs.
DIY table: Cutting Methods
| Method | look | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Horizontal Cut | Harsh, blunt | high |
| point cut | soft, blended | low |
| Sectioning + point | Natural & customizable | best choice |
5. Know Your Hair Type Before You Start
Some hair just isn't bang-friendly without serious work.
If you've got cowlicks near your forehead, they can cause your bangs to split in weird directions.
Super curly or wavy hair?
It shrinks up a lot more than you'd expect.
The best thing you can do is know your hair.
Study how it behaves when dry, damp, and styled.
Some types of hair do best with longer, layered fringe.
Others may need daily styling to look right.
If you're unsure or your hair is "high-maintenance," consider going to a stylist for your first bang cut and maintaining it at home later.
Hair Types vs.
DIY Bang Risk
| Hair Type | DIY Risk | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Straight | Low | Easier to manage |
| Wavy | Medium | Go longer & use styling |
| Curly | High | Cut dry and longer |
| Cowlick-prone | Very High | Consider pro help |
Cutting your own bangs can totally work—if you follow the right steps.
It's not about being a pro stylist; it's about being careful, using the right tools, and knowing your hair.
Go slow, stay conservative, and don't be afraid to stop and reassess.
The fringe life isn't for the faint of heart, but done right, it can give your look a serious glow-up.
Good luck—and hey, worst-case scenario?
Headbands exist for a reason.
Sources and References
Images Sources and Attributions
All images used within this page have been sourced from popular Instagram posts. If your image has been included here and you want attribution, then reach out to us.
