Hairstylists Share the 5 Easy Steps It Takes to Cut Your Own Bangs at Home
Plus, what to do if you accidentally cut too much hair
As anyone who has opted for bangs knows — it’s such a hassle to maintain the fringe — you usually need to schedule a visit to the salon to get a trim every few weeks. So it’s no wonder why there’s a new TikTok trend of videos, better known as HairToks, that show women of all ages taking matters — and scissors — into their own hands. To date popular hashtags like #CuttingOwnBangs has 339.9 million posts and #DIYBangs has over 397 million views and counting. So if you have ever wondered how to cut your own bangs, keep scrolling!
Can I cut my own bangs at home?
When it comes to this new DIY hair trend, celebrity hairstylist Ken Paves, who has worked with Jennifer Lopez and Eva Longoria, and is founder of Hairdo by Ken Paves Collection, says to go for it. “Change is always good so we don’t get stuck in a rut,” he says. “And it’s so empowering to experiment with your hair.” In fact, professional hairstylists like Wayne Tuggle provide step-by-step video tutorials on the social media platform to take viewers through the process.
But it’s important to note that having a professional cut your bangs first is the way to go, says Elba Rodriguez, New York City-based hairstylist and John Frieda House of Frieda Ambassador. “After your stylist gives you an in-person tutorial, it’s okay to cut your bangs at home.” What’s more, stylists are usually more than happy to offer some insight — they want you to be happy with your cut after all. If you’re ready to make the leap, like real woman Cynthia Hymes did, below, read on for the top considerations the pros we spoke to say to take when it comes to how to cut your own bangs.
How to cut your own bangs
Keep scrolling for all you need to know to create (or trim) bangs from the comfort of your own home.
Step 1. Gather the tools you’ll need
Before you make a single cut, be sure to have all the things you’ll need for a successful trim close at hand. Of course, scissors are the most important tool to consider, and when it comes to scissors the sharper the better, explains Rodriguez. “Scissors with fine points and sharp blades are the best,” he says. “Never use kitchen or craft scissors, which are the worst!” Luckily, hair cutting scissors aren’t difficult to find these days. “You can buy hair specific scissors at any drug store,” adds Paves. “But be careful they tend to be much sharper than ordinary scissors!” Ones to try: Coolala Stainless Steel Hair Cutting Scissors
What you’ll need:
- Sharp hair cutting scissors
- Fine-tooth rat tail comb
- Hair clips
- Hair elastic (if you have long hair)
- Blow dryer
Step 2. Start with clean, dry hair
After you have gathered all of the necessary tools, just like at the salon you’ll want to start with freshly shampooed hair to ensure there is no buildup on the hair. But here’s where a salon visit differs from when it comes to how to cut your own bangs: You must always cut your bangs dry, say the pros we spoke to. “Keep in mind wet hair and dry hair will react differently,” says Rodriguez. “Dry hair gives you a better idea of the length and texture it’s going to be.” Wet hair can stretch. so when it does dry it will shrink, causing the hair you cut to look shorter than it first appeared when wet. So you can either let hair air dry or grab a hairdryer.
Related: Hairstylists’ Easy Secrets to a Salon-Worthy Blowout at Home
Step 3. Section hair
Once hair is completely dry, use a comb to precisely section off bangs from the hair you don’t want to cut. Use the end tip of the rat tail comb to separate bangs in the shape of a triangle formation, like TikToker Bianca Bello does in her video below. Then clip bangs in place and pull the rest of your hair back in a ponytail or clip it back so that only your bangs are left loose. Next, comb bangs down and divide that triangle into three smaller sections; right, center, and left. This will make it easier to cut small sections at a time.
Step 4. Cut longer layers
Paves’ best tip when it comes to how to cut your own bangs? “Always start longer!” he stresses. “You can always go shorter.” Rodriguez also adds a reminder: “Cutting bangs is a slow process even for a professional,” he says. “We never make just one cut, the final look takes many, many steps.” So slow and steady wins this race. “Go slow, leave the hair a minimum 2 to 3 inches longer than you think you want them,” he says. “Then slowly, slowly work your way up.” So park yourself in front of a mirror and work in sections, cut your bangs and continually check the length as you go along.
Related: Why Side Swept Bangs Are the Hot New Trend for Women Over 50 + How They Make Hair Look Thicker
Step 5. Employ point-cutting
Steer away from cutting hair in blunt straight lines: You never want to cut bangs straight across since it’s so tough to create a straight line, and you might end up with bangs shorter than you intended if you keep trying to ‘”straighten” the line. When it comes to how to cut your own bangs, Rodriguez says point cutting is the best and easiest way to go. This type of cutting is when you position scissors straight up into the hair and snip (like hairstylist Julie Meikle does in her bang trimming video.) Paves adds that snipping hair at a 45-degree angle creates a softer look.
What should I do if I cut my bangs too short?
If you cut bangs and are not happy with the result, the best option is to incorporate hair accessories into your hairstyle like cute headbands, clips, pins or scarves. “If things go awry, there are always accessories, hairpieces and TikTok videos to help even things out,” says Paves. However, if wearing accessories isn’t your thing, Rodriguez recommends using hair products with maximum hold and control like John Frieda Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Hairspray. “These products allow you to style your hair away from your face,” he says. “That way you can work bangs into a side part for a sleek, fresh look.” If all else fails, a cute hat or visor is always an option.
Not ready to take the plunge? Or would you like to see how bangs might look on you before picking up the scissors? Try faux bangs like TikTok user Ayse Acun. Simply pull the front “V” of hair into a small ponytail and secure it with a hair elastic. Then, fold hair back and use bobby pins to hold it near the top of your head. Use fingers to smooth the ends of hair forward creating a ‘fringe’ and cover the bobby pins with a headband or scarf. Voila! Instant bangs, no cutting required.
See more hair care tips and tricks:
Trichologist Reveals the Top Hair Myths and What to Do Instead for a Thick, Healthy Head of Hair
How to Protect Your Hair and Scalp From the Sun, Plus the Products That Make It Easy
