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Photo: Wiphop Sathawirawong/Getty Images Getting bangs can be a daunting experience, whether it's your first time or you've been to the salon a hundred times. While there's always the chance things might not go as planned, the real stress begins when the stylist starts snipping across your forehead. Unfortunately, sometimes they may cut them too short, leaving you at a loss for how to manage them.
If this sounds all too familiar and you're reading this because you've found yourself in this situation, don't worry. We spoke with two renowned hairstylists who offered their expert advice on how to fix bangs cut too short. From clever ways to cover them up, to using fashionable accessories, to even making them work—there's hope!
1. Get Cozy with Your Flat Iron
"Use a flat iron in small sections to make your bangs appear longer," advises celebrity hairstylist Kieron Justin. "Avoid adding too much bounce or flipping them under, as that can make them look shorter," meaning they won’t give the illusion of extra length. He recommends taking your time to flat-iron them smoothly to create the appearance of more length.
If you have access to a mini flat iron (or are willing to invest in one), the smaller plates are ideal for fringe as they are designed for smaller sections of hair, allowing you to "get closer to the roots." (We recommend the BabylissPRO Nano Titanium Mini Hair Straightener as one of the best options).
2. Smooth Them Back With Product
While waiting for your bangs to grow out, there's no harm in styling them slicked back. To achieve a sleek style, apply a small amount of pomade for hold and "comb your bangs back into your hair using a fine-tooth comb," suggests Jenn Nast, hairstylist at Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger in NYC. Then, "gather your hair into a high ponytail or low bun," she adds, noting that you may need hairspray to ensure everything stays in place throughout the day.
3. Use Accessories to Pin Them Back
When you're unsure, try using accessories like classic bobby pins or trendy butterfly claw clips to hide your short bangs. "Pin the bangs to the top of your head, twist them, and secure them to one side, or go for a ‘90s Y2K look by pinning the bangs to either side of your head from a center part with snap clips," suggests Justin. We adore the stylish oval design of the Waydress Snap Hair Clips.
4. Try a Thick Headband
Another suggestion is to "wear a headband until your bangs reach a manageable length," says Justin. The great news is that thick jersey headbands are making a comeback in fashion, so you won’t be alone in bringing back the ‘90s favorite. Need shopping inspiration? Check out the chic Free People Juney Headband, available in five colors.
5. Create the Illusion of Longer Bangs
If you're still excited about showing off your bangs, consider clip-in fake bangs that match your hair color to "cover your shorter bangs while they grow out," advises Justin. You could also use tape extensions to extend your bangs and "cut them longer than your natural fringe." Just be cautious, as this can be tricky if you're not familiar with hair techniques, and it's best done with professional guidance. Still, Justin says it can be "highly effective" for achieving the bangs you've always wanted.
6. Embrace the Length
Baby bangs and micro bangs have become a popular trend among both celebrities and everyday people, with individuals of all hair types and lengths sporting these ultra-short fringes on purpose. Put simply, if you confidently rock a look like Katy Perry, no one will guess it was a mistake.
