Skip to Content
HomePopular & TrendsBangs

How To Grow Out Bangs, According To Hair Stylists

The decision to get bangs usually comes with much hope and excitement. You want to do something new and fun, and you figure that bangs might make you look younger, compliment your bone structure, or give you a sleek European sophistication.

Sometimes, some bangs hairstyles meet your expectations amazingly; other times, they don’t. In any case, unless you plan to wear them for the rest of your life, you will have to grow out your bangs at some point.

That’s when the challenges start! It can lead to flyaway hair, hard-to-style hair, or hair that always falls into your eyes. It’s enough to make you wonder why you ever chose bangs in the first place.

If this is happening to you or you worry it will happen to you – don’t panic. Your hair is going to grow out; it just takes time.

If you’re wondering how to grow out bangs, you’ve come to the right place! In this piece, we’ll look into the growing-out process for bangs and how to make the most of what can sometimes be an awkward period for your hair.

What Do Grown-Out Bangs Look Like?

Grown Out Bangs

At first, grown-out bangs just look like bangs that are slightly too long. They will eventually cover the eye area and need to be pinned up or swept aside so you can see where you’re going.

Later, as the bangs grow out further, you’ll notice that they take on a curtain-like look that falls to the sides of your face.

These curtains will get longer and longer until they eventually catch up with the length of the rest of your hair.

Bangs can look many different ways when growing out, depending on the texture and health of your hair, as well as how you style it.

The growing-out process also depends on what type of bangs you have; for example, thick, blunt bangs will grow out differently than wispy ones.

For some, growing-out bangs can be a good look, while others may find it challenging to keep their long bangs manageable.

In any case, we all experience bad hair days now and again, but there are ways to reduce those and have a more enjoyable growing-out process.

Stages of Growing out Bangs

We went over a bit about what growing out bangs actually looks like, but let’s go more in-depth and examine the stages of growth in detail.

Stage 1: Long Bangs

Stages of Growing out Bangs - Long Bangs

Your bangs are long and falling into your eyes. This is a frustrating stage for a lot of people. You are tempted to cut them, but you know you want to grow them out, so you practice self-control and leave them be.

Stage 2:  Awkward Growth

At this point, your bangs are probably about cheekbone-length and most likely misbehaving.

Putting your hair up in a ponytail is hard because you have these chunks of hair that are shorter than the rest and won’t stay in the hair tie. Pins and headbands are your best friends.

Stage 3: Hope on the Horizon

Stages of Growing out Bangs

At this stage, your hair is getting to the point where it’s long enough to blend into the rest of your hair and look like long layers. However, you may still struggle with things like braiding your hair.

Because of the varying lengths of hair on your head, you’ll likely have shorter sections of hair popping out of your braids.

Stage 4: Harmony

Stages of Growing out Bangs - Final Stage

At this point, your bangs have grown out to the stage where they blend in with the rest of your hair, integrating nicely so everything looks even.

Each stage of growing out bangs takes a month or, in some cases, even more, for a total of about 4 to 5 months of grow-out time. Patience is key!

How To Grow Out Bangs

How to Grow out Bangs

Growing out your bangs will be much easier if you follow some essential tips and tricks.

Embrace the change.

  • Your hair is going to look different for a little while, but that’s part of the fun. Look at it as a chance to try new styles and showcase your hair in various ways.
  • Choose the right products. You might need extra control over your hair when your bangs are growing out. For example, if you want to wear your bangs pinned to the side, you’ll need something that prevents flyaways and preserves a sleek, neat ‘do. Hairsprays, gels, and mousses are indispensable tools in your arsenal.
  • Trim regularly. Just like any other hair, bangs grow faster and look healthier if you trim them now and then – experts suggest every 4-6 weeks. It may seem counterintuitive to cut your bangs when you want them to grow, but it’s a powerful step in the growing out process.
  • Stay conditioned. If you want your hair to grow quickly and look good while phasing out your fringe, you’ll want to keep it well-conditioned. Use a gentle shampoo and a good, natural conditioner. You should also do a deep condition every ten days or so. If you use more heat styling than usual to keep your hair in line, don’t forget to use a heat protectant spray.

Can You Grow out Bangs in Two Weeks?

The short answer is no. Hair growth occurs in a specific cycle for all humans, and that cycle can’t be sped up to any significant degree by outside forces.

This is one big reason you must be 100% sure of your decision before making any drastic changes to your hair.

But let’s be real, we all have gotten haircuts we thought were a great idea at the time but ended up regretting it. In those scenarios, you just want your hair to grow out NOW.

Sadly, that’s not an option. Your hair will do what it does in the time it’s set to do it, so there’s no point stressing about it. Instead, focus on what you CAN do.

This article contains some excellent tips on making growing out your bangs easier. If you want to, you can also try some popular tricks for helping your hair grow more quickly.

Some people swear by these methods, while others have been unimpressed.

Either way, it can’t hurt to try. Most of the methods for helping hair grow more quickly involve some form of deep conditioning, which is great for your hair anyway.

How To Avoid Looking Awkward While Growing Out Your Bangs

Here are some tips to avoid looking awkward when growing them out.

Get a Strategic Haircut

As you grow out your bangs, they will eventually turn into face-framing layers. Why not take the initiative and get a fresh haircut that compliments your new look?

Adding layers to your hair will help make the growing-out process for your bangs much more seamless. Your style will look more natural and intentional and will probably be easier to manage.

Try a Side-Sweep or Side Part

How To Avoid Looking Awkward While Growing Out Your Bangs - Side Swept

A side part switches up your look more than you think. It is a good strategy for growing out your bangs because it can help bring them over to one side rather than having them split in the middle and fall into your eyes.

Don’t like side parts? Just sweep the bangs to one side. Side-swept bangs look cute on all types of faces, and they are also a convenient way to keep your bangs tamed as they grow out.

If your hair has a stubborn middle part, it may take some time to achieve the side-bangs look.

But if you begin by pinning your bangs to the side and using styling products to help them lie the way you want, they will naturally go that way over time.

Consider a Color Update

Growing out your bangs takes time, and the resulting slightly awkward hair days can grow monotonous. But, if you add a new hair color to the mix, you can squash your boredom and give yourself a more alluring look.

As your bangs get to the face-framing layers stage, you may want to add some highlights to your hair. This can instantly create a multi-layered, multi-textured look perfect for this transitional phase.

Do an Updo

How To Avoid Looking Awkward While Growing Out Your Bangs - updo

Yes, braids and ponytails can be tricky when you’re growing out your bangs, but messy buns can save the day.

You can wear it with your bangs parted in the middle, swept to the side, or even pinned. Styling products will help keep the “messy” from getting too messy. Throw on a pair of earrings, and you’re set.

FAQs

Here are some of the most common questions people ask about growing out bangs.

How long does it take to grow out bangs?

Generally, it takes around four months to grow out your bangs. Some people’s hair grows faster or slower than others, but in general, that is the time frame.

So, if you’re looking forward to being at an event at a future date and don’t want bangs for it, it’s best to plan for a good five months ahead just to be safe.

Is it harder to grow out some types of bangs?

Yes, it is generally more difficult to grow out thick, blunt bangs than it is to grow out a thinner, wispier fringe. Blunt bangs simply use more of your hair, and they’re a more prominent feature around your face.

When they’re growing out, it’s very obvious, and it’s usually more challenging to hold them in place. Thinner bangs can be easily braided into the rest of your hair, swept back or to the side, or slicked down.

What are some tips for growing out curly bangs?

Hair texture certainly does come into play when growing out bangs. If you have curly hair, the good news is that your hair type will likely have a relatively easy growing-out process. Here’s why: Straight hair has definable lines very easily, while curly hair is more multi-directional to begin with.

That way, when your bangs are growing out, you have more leeway to play with your hair’s shape. Some types of curly hair are also more easily moldable than straight hair.

Can I hide bangs when they’re growing out?

Sure! If you want to, you can use different methods of covering up your bangs until they get past the difficult phase. Wide fabric headbands are a lifesaver during these weeks.

They look cool, are available in endless styles and colors, and as long as you choose bands that aren’t excessively tight, they’re comfortable. You’ll likely still need to use hair products to keep your hair looking sleek and smooth.

Growing out bangs is a long, often frustrating process, but it’s a normal part of experimenting with different haircuts throughout your life. With the right products and accessories, and a healthy dose of patience, you’ll get through the growing-out period just fine.

You May Also Like