Bangs, also known as fringes, are a popular hairstyle where the hair is cut short across the forehead. Many people get bangs because they can frame the face, cover large foreheads, or simply give a new look. However, bangs also come with some disadvantages that are important to consider before getting them cut. In this article, we will explore some of the main drawbacks of having bangs.
The upkeep can be high maintenance
One of the biggest downsides of bangs is that they require a lot of maintenance and styling to look their best. Unlike the rest of your hair which you can go longer between trims, bangs need to be trimmed every 4-6 weeks. This is because the hair along your forehead grows faster than the hair on the back and sides of your head.
If you don’t get your bangs trimmed regularly, they will quickly become long, uneven, and start covering your eyes. Going to the salon for frequent trims can become expensive and time consuming. In between cuts, you also need to style your bangs daily by blow drying, straightening, curling, or simply finger styling them into place. Skipping a day may mean waking up with bangs askew.
Overall, bangs require diligent upkeep, so make sure you have the time, budget, and dedication for frequent trimming and styling before committing to the look.
Bangs can be limiting for styling options
In addition to daily styling, bangs can also limit your overall hair styling options. Many half-up or half-down styles become trickier with bangs in the way. Braids, buns, or ponytails often don’t work as well either since the bangs will either be in your face or stick out awkwardly.
Headbands and hair clips can also be challenging to position and keep in place. On humid or windy days, bangs have a tendency to frizz and blow into your eyes and face. At times, you may have to sacrifice your desired hairstyle to deal with the limitations of bangs.
It can be difficult to find a flattering style
Choosing a bangs style that complements your face shape and features takes some trial and error. What looks amazing on one person might look awkward on someone else. Factors like forehead size, facial structure, hair texture, and more all determine how bangs will suit you.
Some people need to go through several unsatisfactory bangs styles before finding one they like. In the process, they deal with the hassle of growing their bangs out if the cut doesn’t flatter them. It’s not uncommon to see someone go through short blunt bangs, long side-swept bangs, face-framing bangs, and more before getting it right. Having patience is key.
Bangs can emphasize skin issues
Bangs lay directly on the forehead area and can bring attention to any skin flaws or issues you may have. Acne, uneven skin tone, large pores, wrinkles, and other concerns become more visible and pronounced with bangs covering your forehead. For people with oily skin or bangs, the hair can trap oils and cause increased breakouts too.
Some individuals wish to hide their forehead with bangs, but end up feeling like the bangs accentuate imperfections instead. Bangs do physically cover the forehead, but they rarely offer a true solution for serious skin concerns. Evaluating your skin’s condition beforehand is wise.
Growing them out can be awkward
What do you do if you get bangs and later decide you want to grow them out? This process takes patience as bangs go through some unattractive transitional phases. As your bangs grow longer, you’ll have to adjust your part and styling to keep them from poking you in the eyes and looking messy.
Using clips, hairspray, headbands, and hats can help camouflage awkward grow-out stages. Occasionally trimming the bangs as other layers catch up also minimizes unevenness. Letting your bangs completely grow out can take 4-12 months depending on your hair’s growth rate and length. Accepting an awkward grow-out period is part of reversing any bangs decision.
Visibility can be reduced
When bangs hang low on the forehead, they can obstruct part of your upper visual field. Frequently having to brush your bangs aside to see better can get annoying. Some people dislike having their visibility impaired even slightly by their bangs.
Shorter side-swept bangs tend to be less intrusive than directly forward-facing bangs. You can also train your new bangs to stay parted a certain way through blow drying and styling. But for certain activities like sports, many opt to clip their bangs back rather than deal with reduced visibility.
Bangs may not work with your face shape or features
As referenced earlier, bangs work better on some face shapes and facial features compared to others. Bangs tend to suit oval, heart, and diamond face shapes best. They complement balanced facial features and proportions. Square faces and strong jawlines often overpower bangs visually.
Low forehead space, high foreheads, prominent brows, deep-set eyes, wide faces, and other features also affect how bangs will look. Glasses can make bangs awkward if they cover too much forehead real estate as well. Think carefully if bangs will enhance or compete with your existing features.
Bangs get oilier faster
Since your bangs sit right up against your forehead all day, the oil from your scalp coats them rapidly. For those with naturally oily hair, bangs can appear greasy and limp even after just a day without washing. You may need to shampoo them daily or use dry shampoo to soak up excess oil.
Skipping regular cleansing leads to stringy, separated bangs that just accentuate the oiliness. Getting in the habit of washing bangs more frequently than the rest of your hair is key to preventing a perpetually greasy fringe. Carry blotting papers or powder for quick touch ups.
Conclusion
Bangs can definitely be a fun, stylish change if you’ve thoughtfully considered everything required to maintain and style them properly. However, bangs come with quite a few drawbacks like high maintenance, restricted styling, potential awkward grow-out phases, and more. They also don’t work well with all facial features and face shapes.
Carefully weigh the pros and cons to decide if getting bangs aligns with your hair care regimen, lifestyle, and facial features. The disadvantages are surmountable with commitment to frequent trims and styling. But accept that bangs require compromises and consistent upkeep for the look to work. Approach with realistic expectations so you’re happy with your decision in the long run.