How to Cut Bangs: Techniques for Every Style

Cutting bangs can instantly transform your look, but it requires the right technique, tools, and understanding of face shapes and hair textures. Here's a quick breakdown of what you need to know:

• Choose the Right Bang Style: Blunt bangs suit oval faces, side-swept soften round faces, curtain bangs flatter heart shapes, and textured bangs add dimension to square faces.
• Essential Tools: Use professional shears (straight, thinning, or texturizing), fine-tooth combs, and sectioning clips for precision.
• Prep Matters: Assess hair texture and face shape, section the hair properly, and decide between dry or wet cutting based on the style.
• Cutting Techniques: Blunt bangs need steady cuts, curtain bangs require slide cutting, side-swept bangs follow natural angles, and textured bangs use point cutting for layers.
• Maintenance Tips: Trim every 4-6 weeks and style with tools like flat irons or blow dryers for a polished finish.

Bang Style	Best For	Cutting Tips
Blunt	Oval faces, straight hair	Straight cuts with precision
Curtain	Heart-shaped faces, wavy hair	Slide cutting for soft edges
Side-Swept	Round faces, all textures	Diagonal cuts for movement
Textured	Square faces, thick hair	Point cutting for depth

With the right tools and techniques, achieving salon-quality bangs at home is possible. Ready to dive deeper? Let’s explore each method step-by-step.

Tools and Materials for Cutting Bangs

Professional Shears

Picking the right shears makes all the difference when it comes to cutting bangs with precision. Professional-grade shears, often made with Japanese steel blades, are known for their durability and ability to deliver clean cuts. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Shear Type	Best For	Features
Flat Scissors	Blunt cuts, straight lines	Stainless steel, ergonomic design
Thinning Shears	Reducing bulk, softening edges	Designed for precise thinning
Texturizing Razors	Adding texture, piece-y looks	Replaceable blades

Brands like Saki Shears stand out for their ergonomic designs and lifetime warranties. Many of their models also come with adjustable tension systems, giving you more control during use.

Additional Tools

To get the best results, you’ll need more than just shears. Fine-tooth combs are key for clean partings and maintaining even tension while cutting. Professional-grade clips are perfect for holding sections in place without leaving creases, and sectioning clips make it easier to isolate the bangs for a more focused cut.

If you’re maintaining bangs between salon visits, tools like the CreaClip can be a handy addition. For textured or side-swept styles, professional razors provide the control needed to create that piece-y finish.

Having the right tools ready sets the stage for precise and personalized results.

Preparation for Cutting Bangs

Evaluating Hair and Face

Start by assessing both the hair's texture and the face shape. Hair texture - whether fine, medium, or coarse - plays a big role in how bangs will sit. Fine hair tends to lay flat and smooth, so it usually requires minimal thinning. Coarse hair, on the other hand, might need some texturizing to achieve the right movement.

Face shape also influences which bang style will look best:

Face Shape	Recommended Bang Style	Why It Works
Oval	Any style, especially blunt	Keeps proportions balanced
Round	Side-swept or curtain	Adds a lengthening effect
Square	Textured or wispy	Softens sharp angles
Heart	Side-swept or curved	Evens out a wider forehead

Sectioning Hair

Use a fine-tooth comb and sectioning clips to create a triangular section at the front. Align the comb with the outer corners of the eyes, move it back to the hairline, and connect these points to form a triangle. Secure the rest of the hair with clips to keep it out of the way.

Dry vs. Wet Cutting

Most stylists suggest cutting bangs when the hair is dry. Here's a breakdown of the options:

Cutting Method	Benefits	Considerations
Dry Cutting	Shows immediate results, Works with natural texture	Ideal for most bang styles
Wet Cutting	Easier to section, Great for thick hair	Hair shrinks by 10-20% as it dries
Point Cutting	Adds texture, Reduces bulk	Requires advanced skills

When working with curly hair, dry cutting is a must to follow the natural curl pattern. Even for straight hair, dry cutting helps you see the final shape right away.

Once you've prepped everything, you're ready to move on to the actual cutting techniques for your chosen bang style.

Techniques for Cutting Bangs

Blunt Bangs

To achieve clean and straight blunt bangs, start by sectioning the hair carefully. Identify three key points: one at the bridge of the nose and two on the sides. Using high-quality shears, such as Saki VG-10 steel scissors, helps ensure a smooth cut and reduces the risk of split ends.

Hold the hair at a 90-degree angle from the face with a fine-tooth comb. Begin cutting from the center, working outward. Check for balance and symmetry as you go, keeping your movements steady and controlled for the best results.

If blunt bangs are all about precision, curtain bangs take a softer, more relaxed approach.

Curtain Bangs

For curtain bangs, slide cutting is the go-to method. This involves gliding the scissors along the hair to create soft, feathered edges. Start with a triangle-shaped section at the center of the forehead. Cut in a gentle curve to frame the face, holding the scissors at a 45-degree angle for a softer finish. Slide-cut outward to gradually increase the length.

If you're aiming for a more angled and versatile style, side-swept bangs might be the perfect choice.

Side-Swept Bangs

Side-swept bangs work best when you consider the natural growth patterns of the hair, including the part and any cowlicks. Begin by cutting at a diagonal, starting longer near the part and tapering shorter toward the opposite side.

Take small sections of hair and maintain consistent diagonal angles with your shears. Use point cutting at the ends to soften the lines and add movement for a polished look.

Textured Bangs

Textured bangs rely heavily on point cutting to add depth and layers. Hold the scissors at a 45-degree angle and cut into the ends to create texture. Adjust the depth of your cuts based on the hair type: shallow for fine hair, moderate for medium hair, and deeper for coarse hair. This technique adds dimension and keeps the bangs looking dynamic.

How to Cut Bangs | Fringe 101 Haircutting Tutorial

Styling, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting Bangs

Once you've nailed the perfect cut, keeping your bangs looking sharp requires the right styling techniques and regular upkeep.

Styling Different Bang Types

Different bang styles call for different approaches. For sleek, blunt bangs, a flat iron paired with a lightweight smoothing serum (such as Moroccanoil Treatment) works wonders. If you're rocking textured bangs, start with a texturizing spray to add grip and volume. Work in small sections to create a relaxed, tousled look that feels effortless but polished.

Keeping Bangs in Shape

Styling alone won't keep your bangs looking their best - maintenance is key. Plan for trims every 4-6 weeks to keep the shape intact. Refresh your style daily with a round brush and blow dryer. Wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo every 2-3 days for a thorough clean, and use dry shampoo or a light serum to manage moisture in between washes. A wide-tooth comb can help detangle without causing damage, while a small amount of serum keeps your bangs smooth and manageable.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Even with the best techniques, certain missteps can throw off your look. Applying too much tension when styling is a common issue - it can lead to uneven lengths and make growing out bangs a hassle. If cowlicks are giving you trouble, apply a strong-hold hairspray at the roots while your hair is still warm from blow-drying to set it in place.

For the best results, invest in high-quality tools like the T3 SinglePass flat iron or the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer with a diffuser. If your hair is especially stubborn, use a smoothing cream before heat styling to lock in the shape you want.

Conclusion: Mastering Bang Cutting

Key Points

Cutting bangs with precision takes skill, preparation, and the right tools. It’s about understanding hair types, face shapes, and breaking the process into smaller, manageable steps. As Jesse Linares explains:

"Breaking fringe down into bite size pieces delivers predictable results that are easier to reproduce" ^[1].

This approach, paired with proper sectioning and guide techniques, is the foundation for achieving professional results.

Choosing the Right Tools

The tools you use play a huge role in the outcome. High-quality options, like ergonomic Japanese steel shears, not only ensure sharper cuts but also reduce hand fatigue. When maintained properly, these tools make it easier to create everything from sharp blunt bangs to textured, layered styles.

FAQs

What kind of shears should you use to cut bangs?

Using the right shears is crucial for achieving clean and precise cuts when styling bangs, whether you're going for blunt, textured, or angled looks.

Shear Type	Best For	Key Features
Straight Shears	Blunt or straight bangs	Delivers sharp, clean lines
Thinning Shears	Textured or natural bangs	Reduces bulk, softens edges
Texturizing Shears	Layered bangs	Adds depth and soft texture

When choosing shears, here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

• Hair Type: Thinning shears work well for thick or curly hair, while straight shears are ideal for straight hair ^[3].
• Comfort: Look for ergonomic designs to reduce hand strain during use.

Make sure your shears are properly tensioned and regularly maintained to avoid uneven cuts or jagged edges ^[2].

With the right tools and a bit of practice, cutting stylish and polished bangs is well within reach!

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