You’ve been there before. That moment when you’re staring in the mirror, bangs falling awkwardly into your eyes, wondering what possessed you to get that cute fringe cut three months ago. Your bangs looked adorable when you first walked out of the salon, but now they’re in that weird limbo stage where they’re too long to look fresh but too short to tuck behind your ears.
Growing out bangs doesn’t have to be a months-long nightmare, though. With the right styling tricks up your sleeve, you can actually make this transition look intentional—dare we say, even stylish. The secret isn’t about hiding your bangs or counting down the days until they’re gone. It’s about learning to work with what you’ve got at every stage of the grow-out process.
Here’s the thing: your hair grows about half an inch per month on average. That means if you’re rocking blunt bangs right at your eyebrows, you’re looking at roughly four to six months before they’ll blend seamlessly with the rest of your hair. But those months don’t have to involve daily frustration and an unhealthy relationship with bobby pins.
We’ve rounded up seven styling methods that’ll get you through each phase of growing out your bangs. These aren’t complicated salon-only techniques—they’re practical, everyday styles you can master in your own bathroom. Some work better when your bangs are shorter, others shine when you’ve got a bit more length to play with. Ready to stop fighting with your fringe? Let’s get into it.
1. Master the Side-Swept Look
Sweeping your bangs to the side is probably the most straightforward way to deal with growing fringe, and there’s a reason it’s been a go-to move for decades. This method works at almost every stage of the grow-out process, from when your bangs first start grazing your eyelashes to when they’re skimming your cheekbones.
The key here is committing to a strong side part. Don’t wimp out with a slightly-off-center part—go dramatic. Create your part on whichever side feels natural (most people have a side their hair naturally wants to fall toward), and brush all those bang pieces firmly in that direction. You’re training your hair to grow the way you want it to fall, so consistency matters.
Grab a round brush and your blow dryer. While your bangs are still slightly damp, wrap them around the brush and direct the airflow away from your face. This creates a subtle bend that lifts your bangs off your forehead instead of letting them hang straight down. That bit of volume makes all the difference between “growing out my bangs” and “intentionally rocking side-swept fringe.”
Product choice matters here. You’ll want something with hold but not so much that your hair looks crunchy or feels sticky. A lightweight styling cream or a flexible-hold hairspray does the trick. Apply it while your hair is still warm from blow-drying—that’s when it’ll set the shape most effectively.
Keeping Side-Swept Bangs in Place All Day
Let’s be honest—side-swept bangs have a habit of migrating back to center as the day wears on. Combat this by using a bit of hair wax or pomade on the shorter pieces that try to stick out. Just a tiny amount (we’re talking pea-sized) rubbed between your fingers and smoothed over those rebellious strands will keep them cooperating.
If you’ve got stubbornly straight hair that refuses to hold a side sweep, try this hack: after blow-drying your bangs to the side, clip them in place with a bobby pin or two while you finish getting ready. The extra 10 to 15 minutes of being held in position helps set the style. Remove the pins before you head out, and your bangs should stay put much longer.
Don’t make the mistake of using too much product, though. Overloading your bangs makes them look greasy and draws more attention to the fact that you’re in an awkward growth phase. Start with less than you think you need—you can always add more if needed.
2. Braid Your Bangs Back
Braids are genuinely one of the chicest ways to style growing-out bangs, and they work like magic for keeping shorter pieces contained. Once your bangs hit that stage where they’re constantly falling into your eyes but aren’t quite long enough to stay tucked behind your ears, braiding becomes your best friend.
A Dutch braid (that’s the one that sits on top of your head rather than tucking under) along your hairline creates a gorgeous, intentional look. Start the braid right where your bangs begin, keeping it tight and close to your head. As you braid back toward your crown, you’ll naturally pick up all those shorter bang pieces that would otherwise be driving you crazy.
The tighter you braid, the better this works. Loose, relaxed braids look beautiful, but they won’t hold shorter hairs as effectively. You want each section pulled snug so those wispy pieces stay woven in. Don’t worry about it looking too severe—you can always gently pull on the braid afterward to loosen it slightly and create more volume.
This style works best on second or third-day hair when you’ve got a bit of natural texture and oil to help everything grip together. Squeaky-clean hair tends to be slippery, and those shorter bangs will slide right out of your braid. If you insist on trying this on freshly washed hair, work in some texturizing spray or dry shampoo first.
Other Braiding Options for Bangs
French braids work too, though Dutch braids tend to showcase the braid more prominently. If you’re dealing with very short bangs—like barely past your eyebrows—you might need to start with a tiny twist at your hairline before transitioning into a braid. This helps catch those super-short pieces that aren’t quite long enough to braid yet.
Two Dutch braids framing your face creates an athletic, put-together vibe that’s perfect for workouts or casual days. The bonus? When your bangs are braided on both sides, there’s zero chance of them falling into your face, no matter what you’re doing. Add some fun pearl clips or small barrettes along the braids for an elevated look.
Here’s a pro move: braid your bangs back and incorporate the braid into a low bun or ponytail. This creates a seamless style where your growing bangs look like an intentional design element rather than something you’re trying to hide.
3. Get Strategic with Hair Accessories
Hair accessories have had a major comeback, and if you’re growing out bangs, you should be taking full advantage. We’re talking headbands, barrettes, decorative bobby pins, claw clips—basically anything that can hold your hair back while looking like a deliberate fashion choice.
Headbands are the MVP here. A padded or fabric headband pushed back from your hairline will hold all your bang pieces out of your face completely. Unlike the hard plastic headbands from childhood, today’s options come in velvet, silk, padded styles, and even embellished versions that double as statement pieces. They actually stay put without giving you a headache by the end of the day.
Position your headband about an inch back from your natural hairline, then gently pull it forward to catch any shorter pieces trying to escape. If you’ve got particularly stubborn bangs, spritz them with a bit of hairspray and use a comb to push them back before adding the headband. The combination of product and accessory creates serious staying power.
Barrettes and decorative clips let you get more creative with placement. Sweep your bangs to one side and secure them with a cluster of small clips, or use one statement barrette to hold them back. This works especially well once your bangs have some length—think hitting your eyebrows or just past them.
Making Bobby Pins Look Intentional
Bobby pins don’t have to be something you hide. Arrange several metallic bobby pins in geometric patterns along your hairline for an editorial look. Or create an X-pattern with two pins to hold back one section of bangs while leaving the other side down. These visible pin styles have been all over runways and red carpets, so you’ll look fashion-forward rather than like you’re just trying to wrangle your hair.
Fun fact: you’ve probably been using bobby pins wrong. The wavy side should face down against your scalp—that’s what creates grip. Slide the pin in the opposite direction of where you want your hair to stay, then rotate it 180 degrees as you push it in. This creates a much more secure hold.
Claw clips aren’t just for messy buns. Use a small or medium claw clip to gather your bangs straight back from your forehead, creating a mini pompadour effect. This works when your bangs are long enough to reach back to your crown without pulling uncomfortably. It’s casual, cute, and gets your hair completely off your face.
4. Embrace Curtain Bangs Style
If you’re going to grow out bangs, you might as well pass through one of the most flattering stages along the way: curtain bangs. This ’70s-inspired style features bangs parted down the middle and swept to either side, framing your face like, well, curtains.
The beauty of curtain bangs is that they’re essentially grown-out bangs that look intentional. When your fringe hits that length where it’s grazing your cheekbones, you’re in the sweet spot for this style. Create a center part and blow-dry your bangs away from your face on both sides, curving them outward with a round brush.
This styling method actually helps train your bangs to grow in a way that makes the transition easier. Instead of growing straight down into your eyes, they’re learning to fall to the sides where they’ll eventually blend into face-framing layers. You’re not just styling for today—you’re setting yourself up for an easier grow-out tomorrow.
The blow-drying technique matters here. Take a round brush and grab one side of your parted bangs. Roll the brush away from your face while directing heat from your blow dryer at the roots. This creates lift and that signature outward curve. Repeat on the other side, making sure both sides curve away from your face symmetrically.
Products That Make Curtain Bangs Work
A lightweight styling cream applied to damp bangs before blow-drying gives you control without weight. Work it through from roots to ends, then proceed with your round brush technique. The cream helps hold the shape you’re creating while keeping everything soft and touchable.
If your hair is naturally very straight and refuses to hold a bend, you might need to bring in a flat iron or small curling iron after blow-drying. Wrap your bangs around the barrel (or clamp them in the flat iron and twist), directing the curve away from your face. Hold for a few seconds, then release. This creates a more defined bend that’ll last all day.
For hair that tends toward frizz or flyaways, a smoothing serum or a few drops of hair oil can work wonders. Run a tiny amount through your bangs after styling to add shine and tame any wispy pieces. Don’t overdo it, though—too much oil makes bangs look greasy fast.
5. Try the Pin and Twist Technique
When your bangs hit that truly frustrating length where nothing seems to work, the pin and twist method becomes a lifesaver. This technique involves twisting sections of your bangs back from your face and securing them with pins, creating a vintage-inspired look that’s both practical and pretty.
Start with your hair parted how you normally wear it. Take a section of your bangs on one side and twist it back toward your ear, picking up more hair as you twist (similar to how you’d do a French twist). Once you reach your temple, secure the twist with bobby pins. You can do this on just one side for an asymmetric look, or mirror it on both sides for balance.
This style has serious retro charm—think 1940s glamour but updated for today. The twisted sections create visual interest and completely solve the problem of bangs falling into your face. Plus, it’s one of those styles that looks way more complicated than it actually is, which means you’ll probably get compliments.
The twist works at almost any bang length, but it’s particularly clutch when your bangs are at that stage where they’re too long to look fresh but too short to blend seamlessly. You’re taking those awkward-length pieces and turning them into a focal point of your hairstyle rather than something you’re battling against.
Variations on the Twist
For a softer look, twist your bangs loosely and pull out a few face-framing pieces before pinning. This creates a more relaxed, romantic vibe compared to the sleek, tight twist. It’s perfect for casual days or when you want something effortless-looking.
Try combining the twist with other elements—twist one side back and braid the other, or twist your bangs and pull the rest of your hair into a low ponytail. These combination styles make your growing-out phase look completely intentional, like you planned this whole aesthetic from the start.
Small decorative pins or jeweled bobby pins elevate this look instantly. Instead of hiding your pins, use them as accessories. Line up three or four decorative pins vertically to hold your twist, or create a scattered pattern for a more whimsical effect.
6. Go for the Slicked-Down Look
Sometimes the answer isn’t fighting against your bangs—it’s committing fully to a sleek, slicked-down style. This approach works particularly well when you’re in the early stages of growing out blunt or baby bangs, when you don’t have enough length yet for braids or side-sweeping.
The slicked-down aesthetic has been having a moment for a while now, gracing runways and Instagram feeds alike. Start with damp hair (spray your bangs with water if you’re working with dry hair). Apply a generous amount of strong-hold hair gel or pomade directly to your bangs, distributing it evenly from roots to ends.
Use a fine-tooth comb to slick your bangs straight down or back—your choice depends on the length you’re working with. Very short bangs might need to stay forward against your forehead, while slightly longer ones can be combed straight back. The key is creating a smooth, polished finish without any bumps or pieces sticking out.
This is definitely a high-shine look, so embrace the wetness. You’re not going for subtle here—you’re going for sleek, intentional, and fashion-forward. Pair it with a slicked-back ponytail or bun for a cohesive aesthetic, or contrast the sleek bangs with loose, wavy hair for an interesting juxtaposition.
Making Slicked Styles Last
The right product makes or breaks this look. Hair gel provides the strongest hold and most shine, but it can feel crunchy once it dries. Hair wax or pomade offers a more pliable finish that you can reshape throughout the day, though it might not hold quite as firmly. Experiment to find what works for your hair type.
Setting spray is your friend here. Once you’ve slicked everything into place, give your bangs a good mist of strong-hold hairspray. This creates a protective layer that helps your style last through humidity, wind, and general daily wear. Hold the can about 10 inches away to avoid oversaturating any one spot.
Be warned: this style isn’t ideal for every day, especially if your hair tends to get oily quickly. The products needed to create that slicked effect can make your bangs look greasy by the end of the day, and you’ll definitely need to wash them before trying another style. Save this one for occasions when you can commit to the look for a full day.
7. Incorporate Bangs into Updos
Once your bangs have some length to them—think reaching your cheekbones or chin—you can start incorporating them into updos and half-up styles. This creates a seamless, polished look where your growing bangs are part of the overall hairstyle rather than something separate you’re trying to manage.
A half-up top knot or half-ponytail naturally includes your longer bangs in the gathered section. Section off the front third of your hair (including your bangs) along with the crown, and pull it up into a knot or ponytail. Your bangs get swept back and up, off your face completely, while the rest of your hair flows down.
This style is incredibly practical for everyday wear. Your bangs aren’t bothering you, but you also haven’t pulled all your hair back completely. It’s that perfect middle ground between hair up and hair down, and it works for everything from running errands to dinner out.
For a more polished updo, pull all your hair back into a low bun or chignon, smoothing your bangs back with the rest. Use a paddle brush and some smoothing cream to slick everything back from your hairline, creating a clean, elegant silhouette. A few spritzes of hairspray will keep any shorter pieces from escaping.
Messy Buns with a Purpose
Messy buns are your secret weapon during the grow-out phase. Pull your hair up into a deliberately undone bun at your crown, allowing your bangs to fall naturally around your face. If some bang pieces are long enough to reach the bun, include them. If others are too short, let them frame your face.
The beauty of a messy bun is that it’s supposed to look a bit undone, so shorter pieces falling out actually enhance the style rather than working against it. It’s possibly the most forgiving updo for dealing with multiple hair lengths.
Try a low twisted bun with your bangs smoothed back and twisted into the bun itself. This creates a romantic, ethereal look perfect for special occasions. Use bobby pins to secure any shorter sections that try to escape, hiding the pins within the bun so they’re not visible.
Keeping Your Hair Healthy During the Grow-Out
Here’s something people don’t talk about enough: the actual condition of your hair matters just as much as how you style it. Healthy hair grows faster and stronger, which means you’ll get through this awkward phase quicker if you’re treating your hair right.
Start with a moisture-rich shampoo and conditioner that’ll keep your strands nourished. Your bangs take more heat styling than the rest of your hair—you’re blow-drying them almost daily, maybe using flat irons or curling irons too. All that heat causes damage, which leads to breakage, which means your bangs take even longer to grow out. It’s a vicious cycle you want to avoid.
Weekly hair masks or deep conditioning treatments make a real difference. Apply the treatment to your bangs along with the rest of your hair, focusing on the ends where damage tends to concentrate. Leave it on for the full recommended time (don’t cut corners here), and you’ll notice softer, stronger hair that’s more cooperative when you’re styling.
The Trimming Paradox
This sounds backwards, but hear us out: you need to trim your bangs while growing them out. Not frequent, big trims that take off lots of length, but small maintenance trims every six to eight weeks that keep your bangs healthy and shaped properly.
Your stylist can trim your bangs in a way that promotes the grow-out process. They might create an angle that helps your bangs blend into the rest of your hair, or texturize the ends so they sit better. These strategic trims actually speed up the overall process by keeping your hair in good condition and maintaining a shape that transitions smoothly.
Split ends are the enemy of growing out hair. When your ends are damaged and splitting, the damage travels up the hair shaft, causing breakage. You end up losing length to breakage faster than you’re gaining it from growth. Regular micro-trims prevent this problem.
Heat Protection Is Non-Negotiable
If you’re using hot tools on your bangs daily (and let’s be real, you probably are), heat protectant spray isn’t optional. Apply it to damp bangs before blow-drying, and use it again on dry hair before flat-ironing or curling. This creates a protective barrier between your hair and the heat, minimizing damage.
Look for heat protectants that work up to at least 400°F if you’re using flat irons or curling irons. Spray or apply it evenly through your bangs, making sure every strand is coated. Don’t skip this step on days you’re in a rush—those are actually the days when you’re most likely to accidentally fry your hair because you’re not being as careful.
Consider giving your hair a break from heat styling occasionally. On weekends or days when you’re not going anywhere special, let your bangs air-dry and embrace their natural texture. Your hair will thank you for the break, and you might actually discover that your natural texture has some appeal you hadn’t noticed before.
Wrapping Up Your Grow-Out Journey
Growing out bangs tests your patience, there’s no way around that. But with these seven styling methods in your arsenal, you’ve got options for every stage of the process. Some days you’ll feel like slicking everything back, other days you’ll want the softness of curtain bangs. The point is having choices so you’re not stuck doing the same frustrated side-sweep every single morning.
Remember that hair grows about half an inch per month, which means you’re looking at roughly four to six months to grow out most bang styles. That’s not forever, even though it might feel like it some days. You’re going to have moments where you’re tempted to grab scissors and cut them short again (don’t), or where you seriously consider just wearing hats for three months straight (also don’t).
What works best is rotating through different styles depending on your hair’s condition that day, what you’re doing, and frankly, what mood you’re in. Second-day hair with some texture? Perfect for braids. Freshly washed hair? Great opportunity for sleek styles or blow-dried curtain bangs. Greasy hair you can’t wash yet? Slick it down or throw on a headband.
The awkward grow-out phase is temporary. The styling skills you’re developing? Those stick around. You’re learning what products work for your hair, how to use tools effectively, and how to create multiple looks from the same cut. That’s valuable knowledge you’ll use long after your bangs have finally grown out and blended seamlessly into the rest of your hair.
