How to Grow Out Your Bangs

Dealing With the Awkward Stage

Arm yourself with bobby pins and hair barrettes. Cute hair accessories serve an important function when it comes to growing out bangs. With a little practice, no one will realize that you're dealing with the awkward grow-out stage. Get bobby pins in color that matches your hair, so you'll be able to pin it back discreetly. Get cut hair barrettes that are tight enough to pull back your bangs without them springing loose. For a stylish look, braid or twist your bangs before you pin them to the side.

Use headbands. When you don't have time for fussy styling and pinning, headbands will become your best friend. Get a variety of headbands so you'll be able to throw one on whenever you need to quickly deal with your bangs. To wear a headband properly, place it several inches back from your forehead, then push it forward slightly to create a pretty quiff. You can use headbands with braids, ponytails and other updos as an alternative to bobby pins. Cloth headbands as well as stiff headbands are convenient to have on hand.

Do mini-braids. Braiding your bangs and pinning them to the side to blend with your hair is a pretty way to hide short and long bangs during the growing-out stage. Sweep your bangs to one side and braid them until you reach the end. Pin the end of the braid under a lock of hair on the side of your head, so the hair hides the pin.

Wear high buns and ponytails. These fun updos create the perfect way to hide bangs. Do a ponytail or bun on top of your head, then pin back your bangs right against the hairband so you don't see the bobby pin or the ends of your bangs.

Do the side tuck. Sweep your bangs to one side of your forehead and use a bobby pin to pin them in place just above your ear. Layer some of your longer hair over the bobby pin to hide the ends of your bangs. Remember to choose bobby pins that match your hair color so that they blend easily into your hair.

Embracing the Layered Look

Let your bangs hang low. The shaggy, slightly messy look of long bangs is a trend in its own right. When your bangs are down to your ears or below, you might want to stop pinning them back. At this stage they'll blend more easily with the rest of your hair, and you might actually like the look of having a few different layers to frame your face.

Part your hair on the side. If you're more interested in hiding your bangs than showcasing them, try parting your hair on one side or the other. Sweep your bangs in the opposite direction of the part and tuck them behind your ear. Use a little hairspray or gel to keep them sideswept if you'd like. Your bangs should be long enough to stay in place without too much trouble.

Slick back your bangs. Your bangs are long enough to slick back into a mid-height ponytail or bun, and this beautiful look is perfect for a night out. Comb mousse or gel through your bangs to hold them in place when you put up your hair. It might help to secure a bobby pin or two over the ends of your bangs near the base of your ponytail. To add some height to your look, comb your bangs straight above your head, and backcomb from the tips toward your scalp. Put your hair into a mid-height ponytail. Use a comb to neaten the top layer of hair before pinning back your bangs. Alternatively, you could create a part along the middle or to the side of your head. Then, slick your bangs to the side, using your mousse or gel to hold it in place. If necessary, you can also secure your bangs with a bobby pin.

Create a winged style. On days when you want to wear your hair down, try embracing your bangs by doing the following: part your hair in the middle, an divide your bangs evenly on both sides. Use a curling iron to curl your bangs with strands of longer hair away from your face, Farrah Fawcett style. This pretty look will make your bangs look more tailored than simply having them hang loose.

Consider getting a layered cut. To shorten the distance between your bangs and the rest of your hair, you may want to consider a brand new haircut. Have the stylist create gradual layers between your bangs and the end of your hair, so the difference won't look so extreme.

Making it To the Finish Line

Resist the temptation to do a home cut. We've all looked in the mirror and made the hasty decision to use a pair of craft or kitchen scissors to take off some of that unruly length. When the urge hits, do your best to resist. Cutting your hair will just set you back, and chances are the cut won't look right so you'll have to fix it by going even shorter. While a home cut is usually not the best idea, it's fine to have a trim now and then while you're growing out your bangs. Just be sure to tell the stylist that you're trying to grow them out, and he or she will be sure to just take off a little bit. Jen Atkin Jen Atkin, Hairstylist When growing out bangs, use clips and bobby pins to sweep them off to the side rather than straight across your forehead. Let the fringe graze your brows for a soft look. Add volume at the crown to balance your face. Regular trims will help the transition.

Steer clear of harsh treatments that damage hair. Any time you're focused on growing hair, it's a good idea to treat your hair with extra care. That means forgoing harsh treatments, tools and techniques you might usually use to create the looks you love. When your hair gets dried out, damaged and broken, it takes longer to grow back in. Avoid the following until your bangs are fully grown out: Excessive use of a hair dryer (limit it to once every few weeks) Excessive straightening or curling (limit it to once every few weeks) Dyeing or bleaching Exposure to chemicals (including chlorine and other pool chemicals)

Facilitate hair growth with a healthy lifestyle. Healthy hair starts on the inside, so do your best to live a lifestyle that facilitates faster growth. Eating nourishing foods and staying hydrated are two great ways to help your bangs grow out. Focus on the following: Eat plenty of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and b vitamins. These are found in fish, nuts, olive oil, eggs, and leafy greens. Drink plenty of water so your hair doesn't dry out. Dry hair tends to break more easily than hair that is hydrated. Stop smoking, since smoking is tough on hair.