Feathered bangs are a flattering and versatile style that can add movement and texture to your hair. They’re also a great way to frame your face and draw attention to your eyes. However, cutting and styling feathered bangs can be tricky, so it’s important to know what you’re doing before you start. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to feather bangs at home, from cutting to styling.
The first step is to cut your bangs to the desired length. If you’re not sure how long you want them, start with a shorter length and gradually trim them until you’re happy with the results. Once you’ve cut your bangs to the desired length, it’s time to start feathering them. To do this, you’ll need a sharp pair of scissors and a comb. Start by combing your bangs forward and then use the scissors to cut small, diagonal cuts into the ends of your hair. The cuts should be about 1/4 inch apart and should be angled towards the center of your forehead. Continue cutting until you’re happy with the feathered effect.
Once you’ve feathered your bangs, you’ll need to style them. To do this, apply a small amount of mousse or gel to your bangs and then blow dry them using a round brush. Start by drying the roots of your hair and then work your way down to the ends. As you dry your hair, use the brush to curl the ends of your bangs under. Once your bangs are dry, you can use a flat iron to smooth out any frizz and add extra shine. And that’s it! You’ve now successfully feathered your bangs at home. With a little practice, you’ll be able to achieve salon-quality results in no time.
Choosing the Right Hair Type
The ideal hair type for feathering is medium to thick, straight or slightly wavy hair. The hair will hold the feathered layers better than fine or curly hair. If your hair is on the finer side, consider using a volumizing shampoo and conditioner to add some extra body before you start feathering.
Once you have washed and conditioned your hair, towel dry it until it is damp but not soaking wet. You will need to be able to see the individual strands of hair to feather them properly.
If you have long hair, you may want to section it into two or three layers to make it easier to feather. Start with the bottom layer and work your way up.
| Hair Type | Best Feathering Technique |
|---|---|
| Straight | Vertical cutting |
| Wavy | Horizontal cutting |
| Thick | Razor cutting |
Gathering Necessary Tools
Scissors
Choose a pair of sharp, professional-grade hair scissors. Avoid using regular scissors, as they can crush the hair strands and create uneven cuts. Ensure that your scissors are well-maintained by cleaning them regularly with a disinfectant solution and keeping them away from moisture to prevent rusting.
Straight Shears
Straight shears are the primary scissors used for feathering bangs. They are typically 5-6 inches in length and have straight, sharp blades. Straight shears allow for precise cutting and provide a clean finish.
Thinning Shears
Thinning shears are a specialized tool used to remove excess bulk from the hair. They have offset teeth that cut the hair at different lengths, creating a layered, airy effect. Thinning shears are essential for feathering bangs, as they help to blend the longest and shortest strands seamlessly.
Texturizing Shears
Texturizing shears have a unique design with serrated or notched blades. They are used to create texture and movement in the hair. While not essential for feathering bangs, texturizing shears can add a touch of volume and definition.
Comb
Use a fine-toothed comb to section the hair and guide the scissors during cutting. A wide-toothed comb is also helpful for detangling the hair and smoothing out any uneven cuts.
Styling Products (Optional)
Depending on your desired style, you may want to use styling products such as mousse, hairspray, or wax to give your bangs a polished look.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Straight Shears | Precise cutting and clean finish |
| Thinning Shears | Remove bulk and create layers |
| Texturizing Shears | Add texture and volume |
| Comb | Section hair and guide scissors |
| Styling Products (Optional) | Polish and style bangs |
Creating the Feather Lines
Once you’ve identified the area for your feathered bangs, it’s time to create the feather lines. This involves cutting thin, diagonal sections of hair at an angle to the forehead. Here are the steps in detail:
1. Sectioning the Hair
Divide the bangs into small sections, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide. Use clips or hair ties to hold the rest of the hair out of the way.
2. Holding the Scissors
Hold the scissors with the blades parallel to the forehead. Tilt the scissors slightly away from you so that only the tips are touching the hair.
3. Cutting the Diagonal Sections
Starting at the roots, cut thin, diagonal sections of hair at a 45-degree angle to the forehead. The length of the sections should vary from shorter at the roots to longer at the ends. This will create the feathered effect.
Refining the Feather Lines
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Comb the hair to remove any loose strands. | This will help you see the feather lines more clearly. |
| 2. Trim any uneven or stray hairs. | Use small scissors to carefully trim any hairs that are poking out or not blending in with the rest of the bangs. |
| 3. Style the bangs as desired. | You can use a blow dryer or curling iron to shape the bangs and enhance the feathered effect. |
Cutting the Feather Lines
Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles. Section off the hair that you want to cut into a bang, and clip the rest of your hair away.
To cut the feather lines, hold the scissors at a 45-degree angle to your head. Start at the bottom of the bang and cut small, diagonal lines upwards. The lines should be about 1/2 inch apart.
As you cut, keep the scissors close to your head so that the lines are smooth. Once you have cut all of the feather lines, you can use your fingers to blend them together.
If you want to add more volume to your bang, you can cut the lines shorter. If you want a more subtle look, you can cut the lines longer.
Here are some tips for cutting the feather lines:
- Use sharp scissors.
- Keep the scissors close to your head.
- Cut small, diagonal lines.
- Blend the lines together with your fingers.
- If you want more volume, cut the lines shorter. If you want a more subtle look, cut the lines longer.
| Feather Line Length | Volume |
|---|---|
| Short | High |
| Medium | Medium |
| Long | Low |
Blending the Feather Lines
Once your guide lines are snipped, it’s time to start shaping the bang. Start by grabbing a small section of hair at your part and holding it straight up. Hold your shears parallel to the guide line and point them slightly towards the face. This will help create a soft, feathered look. Snip the hair along the guide line, using small, “point-cutting” motions. Repeat this process for the remaining guide lines you’ve snipped, working from one end of the bang to the other.
| Tips for Blending the Feather Lines |
|---|
| – Use sharp shears to ensure a clean, precise cut. |
| – Hold your shears parallel to the guide line to avoid over-cutting. |
| – Use small, “point-cutting” motions to create a soft, feathered effect. |
| – Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cutting angles to achieve the desired look. |
Once you’ve cut all the guide lines, blend the feather lines by holding the hair in the same “point-cutting” position and snipping at a slight angle towards the face. This will help remove any harsh lines and create a more natural, feathered look. If desired, you can also use a thinning shear to further soften the feather lines.
To style your feathered bang, simply blow it dry with a round brush and finish with a light mist of hairspray. You can also use a curling iron or flat iron to add volume or shape to your bang.
Shaping the Bangs
Step 1: Determine the Right Length
Start by deciding how long you want your bangs to be. Consider your face shape and personal style. For shorter bangs, aim for an inch or two above your eyebrows. For longer bangs, go for a few inches below your eyebrows.
Step 2: Section the Bangs
Use a comb to section off the bangs from the rest of your hair. This will help you focus on cutting just the bangs.
Step 3: Comb Out Tangles
Gently comb through the bangs to remove any tangles. This will make the cutting process easier and more precise.
Step 4: Hold the Scissors Correctly
Hold the scissors with the blades parallel to your bangs. Avoid holding them perpendicularly, as this can result in uneven cuts.
Step 5: Create a Guiding Line
Start by cutting a small guiding line in the center of your bangs. This will help you keep your cuts even throughout the process.
Step 6: Cut at an Angle
Hold the scissors at a slight angle and cut small, diagonal sections along the guiding line. This is what creates the feathered effect.
Step 7: Refine the Shape
Once you have cut the basic shape of your bangs, go back and refine it. Use the tips of your scissors to trim any uneven edges and layer the bangs for added volume. Consider the following techniques:
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Slide Cutting | Use your scissors to gently slide down the length of your bangs, removing small sections at a time. This creates a soft, wispy effect. |
| Point Cutting | Hold the scissors vertically and point them towards the ends of your bangs. Cut small, precise sections with the tips of the scissors. This adds subtle texture and movement. |
| Razor Cutting | Use a sharp razor to gently shave off thin layers of hair. This creates a very feathered, airy look. Note: This technique requires a skilled hand and should be left to a professional. |
Trimming the Ends
The final step in feathering your bangs is to trim the ends. This will help to blend the bangs into the rest of your hair and give them a more natural look.
Step 8: Trimming the Ends
Use a sharp pair of scissors to trim the ends of your bangs. Hold the scissors at a 45-degree angle and trim small sections of hair at a time. Be careful not to over-trim the bangs, as you can always trim more later if needed.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Hold the scissors at a 45-degree angle. | Hold the scissors perpendicular to the hair. |
| Trim small sections of hair at a time. | Trim large sections of hair at a time. |
| Trim the ends of the bangs only. | Trim the middle or roots of the bangs. |
| Use sharp scissors. | Use dull scissors. |
| Be careful not to over-trim the bangs. | Over-trim the bangs. |
Styling the Feather Bang
To achieve the desired feathered effect, follow these steps:
1. Blow-Dry Hair
Start by blow-drying your hair to remove any moisture. This will help the hair hold its shape better.
2. Section Hair
Section the top portion of your hair, separating it from the bottom layers. This will allow you to focus on the bang area.
3. Create a Triangle
Use a comb to create a triangle shape at the front of your hair. The point of the triangle should be at the center of your forehead, and the base should extend towards your ears.
4. Thin the Bangs
Using thinning shears or a razor, gently thin out the hair within the triangle. Start by cutting small sections from the ends of the hair and gradually work your way towards the roots.
5. Trim the Bangs
Once the bangs are thinned, trim them to your desired length. Hold the scissors vertically and cut the hair at a slight angle, creating a soft, feathered edge.
6. Blend the Bangs
To blend the bangs with the rest of your hair, use a razor or texturizing shears to create soft layers around the edges of the bangs.
7. Style the Bangs
Apply a small amount of mousse or styling cream to the bangs to define and hold the shape. Use a round brush and blow-dryer to style them as desired.
8. Use Dry Shampoo
If your bangs start to lose volume or become oily, use a dry shampoo to refresh them. Spray it sparingly at the roots and rub it in with your fingers.
9. Hairspray
To keep the bangs in place and prevent frizz, apply a light hold hairspray. Hold the can at least six inches away from your hair and spray in short, even bursts.
| Hair Type | Styling Tips |
|---|---|
| Thick Hair | Thin out the bangs heavily to reduce bulk. Use a strong hold hairspray. |
| Thin Hair | Thin out the bangs sparingly to avoid making them too sparse. Use a volumizing mousse to add body. |
| Curly Hair | Use a diffuser when blow-drying to prevent frizz. Apply a curl-defining cream to enhance the natural texture. |
Maintaining Feather Bangs
1. Daily Care
To keep your feather bangs looking fresh, brush them daily with a boar bristle brush or a wide-toothed comb. This will distribute natural oils and prevent tangles.
2. Washing
Wash your bangs every 2-3 days with a sulfate-free shampoo. Avoid using hot water, as it can damage the hair and make it frizzy.
3. Conditioning
After washing, apply a leave-in conditioner or hair mask specifically designed for fine hair. This will hydrate and nourish the bangs without weighing them down.
4. Blow-Drying
Use a cool setting to blow-dry your bangs. Direct the airflow downward to smooth the hair and minimize frizz.
5. Curling
If desired, you can curl your bangs with a curling iron or wand. Use a small-sized barrel and curl the hair away from your face.
6. Styling Products
For added volume and hold, apply a small amount of mousse or root lifter to your bangs before styling.
7. Trimming
Regular trims are essential for maintaining the shape and health of your feather bangs. Get them trimmed every 4-6 weeks by a professional.
8. Avoid Heat Styling
Overusing heat styling tools can damage your bangs and make them look frizzy. Limit the use of blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons.
9. Protect from Damage
To protect your feather bangs from damage, avoid sleeping on your stomach or rubbing them excessively.
10. Specific Hairstyle Recommendations for Different Hair Types
| Hair Type | Recommended Hairstyles |
|---|---|
| Straight hair | Blunt bangs, side-swept bangs |
| Wavy hair | Wispy bangs, feathered bangs |
| Curly hair | Curly bangs |
How To Feather A Bang
To feather a bang, you will need a pair of scissors, a comb, and a blow dryer. First, wet your hair and comb it through to remove any tangles. Next, section off the hair that you want to feather and clip the rest of the hair away. Holding the scissors at a 45-degree angle, cut into the hair in short, choppy strokes. Be sure to cut in the direction of the hair growth. Once you have cut the hair, use the blow dryer to style the bang. You can use a round brush to create a more voluminous look, or you can use your fingers to create a more textured look.
People Also Ask About
How do you thin out bangs that are too thick?
To thin out bangs that are too thick, you can use a pair of thinning shears. Thinning shears have teeth that are designed to cut out small sections of hair, which can help to reduce the overall thickness of the bangs.
How do you cut a curtain bang?
To cut a curtain bang, you will need to section off the hair that you want to cut. The section should be about two inches wide and start at the center of your forehead. Holding the scissors at a 45-degree angle, cut into the hair in short, choppy strokes. Be sure to cut in the direction of the hair growth. Once you have cut the hair, use a blow dryer to style the bang.
How do you cut a side-swept bang?
To cut a side-swept bang, you will need to section off the hair that you want to cut. The section should be about two inches wide and start at the side of your forehead. Holding the scissors at a 45-degree angle, cut into the hair in short, choppy strokes. Be sure to cut in the direction of the hair growth. Once you have cut the hair, use a blow dryer to style the bang.
