3 Easy Steps to Cut French Bangs

A step-by-step guide to cutting French bangs

Are you tired of your same old bangs? Do you want to try something new and exciting? If so, then you should definitely consider getting French bangs. French bangs are a chic and stylish way to add some flair to your look. They are also relatively easy to cut and style, so you can do them yourself at home. Once you’ve mastered the technique, you can refer to it as your “go to” bang style, and you’ll be able to get bangs like you just left the salon. Cutting your own bangs will save you money. Think of all the places you can go to, if you take the money you saved and add it to your vacation fund.

French bangs are typically cut short and blunt, with a slight curve. They are usually worn parted in the middle, but you can also wear them swept to one side. They are universally flattering, regardless of your face shape. They can be styled in a variety of ways. You can wear them straight, curled, or even braided. French bangs can be worn with any hair type, but they look especially good on straight or slightly wavy hair.

To cut French bangs, you will need a sharp pair of shears, a comb, and a mirror. First, wet your hair and comb it straight. Then, section off the hair that you want to cut into bangs. The section should be about 2 inches wide. Hold the shears parallel to your forehead, and cut the hair straight across. Be sure to hold the shears slightly above the desired length of your bangs, as the hair will spring up a bit when it is dry. Once you have cut the bangs, use the comb to style them as desired.

Understanding French Bangs

French bangs, also known as wispy bangs, are a versatile style that complements a wide range of face shapes and hair types. Their characteristic soft, feathered edges create a flattering and effortless look. Here’s a detailed understanding of French bangs:

Features

Soft, Wispy Edges: French bangs feature delicately trimmed edges that create a soft, ethereal effect. Unlike blunt bangs, which have a defined line, French bangs blend seamlessly into the surrounding hair.

Lightweight and Airy: French bangs are generally thinned out, resulting in a lightweight and airy appearance. This adds volume and movement to the hair while maintaining a cohesive look.

Versatile Length: French bangs can be customized in length, ranging from shorter, brow-grazing options to longer, side-swept styles. The optimal length depends on individual preferences and face shape.

Complimentary Face Shapes: French bangs are flattering on various face shapes, including oval, round, square, and heart-shaped faces. They can balance out wide foreheads, soften strong jawlines, and draw attention to the eyes.

Low Maintenance: French bangs require minimal upkeep. They can be styled using a blow dryer and round brush or left to air dry for a more natural look. Regular trims are necessary to maintain the wispy edges.

Feature	Description
Edges	Soft, Wispy
Thickness	Lightweight, Airy
Length	Versatile, Customizable
Face Shape Compliment	Oval, Round, Square, Heart-Shaped
Maintenance	Low Maintenance, Regular Trims

Preparation for the Cut

1. Gather Your Tools

Before you start cutting, you’ll need a few essential tools: a sharp pair of hair scissors, a comb, and a mirror. If you have a hair clipper, it can also be helpful for cutting the back of the bangs.

2. Wash and Dry Your Hair

It’s important to start with clean, dry hair when cutting bangs. This will help you see the natural fall of your hair and avoid cutting too much off. If your hair is curly or wavy, consider blow-drying it straight for a more precise cut.

Tips for Washing and Drying Your Hair:

Step	Description
1	Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup.
2	Condition your hair to keep it hydrated and manageable.
3	Towel-dry your hair to remove excess water.
4	Blow-dry your hair straight using a round brush for a more polished finish.

Sectioning Techniques

Sectioning is crucial for achieving well-defined French bangs. Here are three key sectioning techniques:

Triangle Section

This technique involves creating a triangular section at the center of the forehead, extending from the hairline to the brow line. It’s the most common technique, as it results in a classic French fringe.

Rectangle Section

In this method, a rectangular section is created by sectioning off a wider portion of hair at the center of the forehead. This technique creates a thicker, more blunt fringe, suitable for those who desire a bolder look.

Graduated Section

For a layered or tapered fringe, the graduated sectioning technique is employed. In this method, hair is sectioned into multiple triangles of varying sizes, starting with a wide triangle at the center and gradually decreasing the width as you move towards the sides. This technique creates a blended, wispy fringe that flatters various face shapes.

Sectioning Technique	Result
Triangle Section	Classic French fringe
Rectangle Section	Thicker, blunt fringe
Graduated Section	Layered, tapered fringe

Cutting the Sides

Now that the central section is complete, it’s time to tackle the sides. Follow these steps for each side:

1. Section Off the Hair

Use a comb to create a vertical parting at the outer edge of the central section. This will isolate the hair for the side.

2. Comb and Hold the Hair

Comb the hair on the side upwards and hold it perpendicular to the scalp. This will create a clean line for cutting.

3. Determine the Length and Angle

Measure the desired length of the bangs and hold the scissors at a slight angle to cut. Remember to cut slightly shorter on the outer edges to create a tapered effect.

4. Cut and Blend

Cut the hair smoothly and gradually towards the central section. Use a slicing technique by angling the scissors slightly downwards. This will blend the side bangs with the central section for a seamless look.

Cutting Direction

Result

Cut towards the central section at a slight downward angle

Smooth, blended transition to central bangs

Connecting the Sections

Once you have cut both the central and side sections, it’s time to connect them. This step is crucial to create a seamless transition between the different sections and achieve a flattering overall shape.

To connect the sections, follow these steps:

Hold the central section in one hand and the side section in the other.
Align the edges of the two sections, making sure they match up evenly.
Use a sharp pair of scissors to cut a diagonal line from the top of the central section to the bottom of the side section.
Repeat the process on the other side to connect the remaining side section to the central section.
Check the length and shape of the bangs to ensure they are even and symmetrical.

Section	Length	Angle
Central	Target length of bangs	Cut straight across
Side	Slightly shorter than central	Cut at a downward angle

By following these steps carefully, you can successfully connect the sections of your French bangs and create a polished and professional look.

Finishing Touches

1. Comb and Check for Symmetry:

Comb the bangs forward to check for any unevenness. Trim any stray hairs that fall outside the desired shape.

2. Blend with Layers:

Use a razor or thinning shears to create soft layers that blend the bangs seamlessly with the rest of the hair.

3. Dry and Style:

Blow-dry the bangs straight and brush them into place. Use a round brush to create volume and shape.

4. Use Styling Products:

Apply a small amount of hairspray or mousse to hold the bangs in place. Avoid overusing products as they can weigh down the hair.

5. Trim Regularly:

French bangs should be trimmed every 4-6 weeks to maintain their shape and length.

6. Protect from Heat:

Always use a heat protectant spray before blow-drying or styling the bangs to prevent damage.

7. Advanced Techniques for Fringe Customization:

Asymmetrical Bangs: Angle the bangs from one side to the other, creating a unique and edgy look.
Graduated Bangs: Trim the bangs in layers, with the shortest layer at the front and the longest layer in the back.
Choppy Bangs: Use a razor or thinning shears to create textured, piecey bangs with a modern flair.
Curtain Bangs: Divide the bangs into two sections and sweep them to either side of the face, framing the cheekbones.
Wispy Bangs: Thin out the bangs by cutting into them vertically, creating a delicate and airy effect.

Type	Description
Asymmetrical Bangs	Angled from one side to the other, creating an edgy look.
Graduated Bangs	Trimmed in layers, with shortest layer at front and longest in back.
Choppy Bangs	Created with razor or thinning shears for a textured, piecey look.
Curtain Bangs	Divided into two sections and swept to either side of face, framing cheekbones.
Wispy Bangs	Thinned out by cutting vertically, creating a delicate, airy effect.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Maintaining French bangs requires regular trims and proper styling. Here are some tips:

Trimming

Visit a stylist every 2-3 weeks for a professional trim. Regular trims prevent split ends and maintain a clean shape.

Styling

Style French bangs with a round brush and blow dryer. Direct the airflow downward to create volume and shape. Use a small amount of hairspray to hold the bangs in place.

Product Use

Use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner to add fullness to the bangs. Apply a heat protectant spray before blow-drying to prevent damage.

Avoid Heat

Excessive heat styling can damage the delicate hair strands. Use heat-resistant tools and limit the use of hot rollers or curling irons.

Regular Washing

Wash French bangs regularly to remove oils and dirt. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner formulated for fine hair.

Blow Drying

When blow-drying French bangs, avoid using a high heat setting. Use the lowest heat setting possible and avoid over-drying the hair.

Product Recommendations

Product	Benefit
Volumizing Shampoo	Adds body and fullness
Heat Protectant Spray	Protects from heat damage
Shine Serum	Adds shine and smoothness

Additional Maintenance Tips

When not styling with heat, let French bangs dry naturally to avoid frizz.
Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle French bangs and prevent breakage.
If bangs become oily, dry shampoo can absorb excess oils and refresh them.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Bangs are too short.

Solution:
– Measure the bangs again and cut smaller increments at a time.
– Hold the scissors pointed up to create more of a wispy look.

Problem: Bangs are too thick.

Solution:
– Thin out the bangs by using thinning shears or cutting small sections at a time.
– Layer the bangs by cutting shorter sections in the front and longer sections in the back.

Problem: Bangs are too long.

Solution:
– Comb the bangs down and trim any excess length.
– Gradually trim the bangs until they reach the desired length.

Problem: Bangs are uneven.

Solution:
– Comb the bangs straight down and use the tip of the scissors to trim any uneven edges.
– Hold the scissors parallel to the hair to create a clean, straight line.

Problem: Bangs are too heavy.

Solution:
– Texturize the bangs by cutting small V-shaped notches into them.
– Use a razor to shave off a thin layer of hair.

Problem: Bangs are not blended with the rest of the hair.

Solution:
– Use a blending shear to gradually transition the bangs into the rest of the hair.
– Cut shorter layers in the bangs to create a more seamless blend.

Problem: Bangs are too curly.

Solution:
– Cut the bangs dry when they are styled as you normally would.
– Use a curl-defining cream to minimize frizz and enhance the natural curls.

Problem: Bangs are too straight.

Solution:
– Use a curling iron or wand to add some body and volume to the bangs.
– Apply a volumizing mousse to the bangs before blow-drying them.

Problem: Bangs are not flattering.

Solution:
– Consider consulting with a professional hairstylist to determine the most flattering bang shape for your face shape.
– Experiment with different partings and styling techniques to find what looks best on you.

Face Shape	Flattering Bang Shapes
Oval	Wispy, side-swept, blunt, curtain
Round	Long, side-swept, angled
Square	Curtain, side-swept, angled
Heart	Wispy, side-swept, curtain
Diamond	Blunt, wispy, curtain

How to Cut French Bangs

French bangs, also known as curtain bangs, are a chic and versatile style that can flatter a wide range of face shapes. They are characterized by their soft, feathery edges and their ability to frame the face and enhance the eyes. While French bangs can be cut professionally, they are also relatively easy to cut at home with a few simple steps.

Step 1: Gather your tools
You will need a sharp pair of hair shears, a comb, and a spray bottle filled with water.

Step 2: Section the hair
Part the hair down the middle and then create a triangle-shaped section at the top of the head, starting from the middle of the forehead and working your way back. Secure the rest of the hair out of the way with a clip.

Step 3: Comb the hair
Use the comb to brush the hair in the section forward and slightly inward.

Step 4: Cut the bangs
Hold the shears vertically and start cutting the hair at the desired length. The ideal length is just below the eyebrows. Use a light touch and cut at an angle slightly inward.

Step 5: Repeat on the other side
Create a second triangle-shaped section on the other side of the head and repeat steps 3 and 4.

Step 6: Blend the bangs
Once both sides of the bangs are cut, use the shears to blend the edges together. Cut small, diagonal sections of hair to create a soft, graduated effect.

Step 7: Style the bangs
Use a blow dryer and a round brush to style the bangs. Direct the heat downward to create a smooth, sleek look.