How do I cut my own bangs at home?

Start by working with dry hair, as wet hair shrinks when it dries, leading to shorter-than-expected bangs. Section out the hair you want to cut and clip back the rest to avoid mistakes. Use small, precise cuts, holding the scissors vertically for a soft, feathered look. Always cut less than you think you need to; you can trim more if necessary. Watching a tutorial or consulting a hairstylist is a good idea before attempting this.

Can I have bangs with curly hair?

Absolutely! Curly hair and bangs can create a unique, stylish look. Choose a style that complements your curl pattern, like long, wispy bangs for loose curls or shorter, voluminous bangs for tighter curls. Cutting bangs dry ensures you account for shrinkage. Curly bangs often require more frequent shaping to maintain their look but are a fun, bold choice.

What should I do if I cut my bangs too short?

First, don’t panic—hair grows back, and styling can help disguise the issue. Use a flat iron to soften the blunt edges or create a side-swept effect. Headbands, scarves, or bobby pins can hide overly short bangs. Apply texturizing products to blend them with the rest of your hair. In the meantime, let your bangs grow naturally and revisit a stylist for adjustments if necessary.

Cutting Your Bangs Too Short: Why Some Relationships Need a Trim

We’ve all done it. You’re standing in front of the mirror, scissors in hand, fueled by a cocktail of overconfidence, boredom, or too many fruity adult beverages with tiny umbrellas. "How hard can it be?" you think, as you snip away at your bangs.

And then… disaster.

having a bad hair day

What was supposed to be a chic fringe now looks like a jagged skyline—too short, uneven, and absolutely unfixable. You can’t tape the hair back on. You can’t wish it back into existence. All you can do is confidently turn your camera on during your next Zoom meeting and wait for it to grow out.

Funny thing is, relationships can be like those too-short bangs. Some seem fine at first but turn out to be a little too much (or too little) for comfort. And just like that spontaneous bang-trimming bathroom brawl, some relationships need to be cut off to make room for better things.

Let’s grab the metaphorical scissors and talk about why trimming those unhealthy ties is necessary—and how it’ll help you stay sane in the long run.

Step 1: Recognize When the Bangs (or Relationship) Have Gone Wrong

In hairstyling, as in life, there are warning signs. Maybe your friend’s “helpful advice” always feels like a dig, or your coworker’s “constructive criticism” leaves you questioning your worth. Sometimes, we hold onto these people because we think we need them—just like bangs that once framed your face but now make you look like a startled poodle.

It’s time to assess the damage:

Are they bringing out the best in you, or dragging you down?
Do you feel heard, or constantly dismissed?
Are you growing together, or just growing resentful?

If you’re cringing every time you interact with them, it’s probably time for a trim.

Step 2: The Courage to Cut

Cutting off a relationship can feel scary. What if you regret it? What if they change? What if—like those bangs—you look back and think, “Maybe it wasn’t so bad”?

Here’s the deal: Bangs grow back. Relationships that don’t serve you? Those are a different story. Keeping them around just for the sake of it is like rocking a mullet you didn’t want—it’s not doing you any favors.

Remember, cutting doesn’t have to be dramatic or vengeful. It’s about protecting your peace. Whether it’s a snip or a full-on chop, you’re making space for healthier connections.

Step 3: The Growing-Out Phase

Let’s be honest—the “growing out” stage is awkward. Those bangs don’t magically fix themselves overnight, and neither does the space left behind by a cut-off relationship.

Mindful practices like journaling, meditation, or even a walk through your garden act as nourishing rain showers, not the stress-fueled flood of overthinking. Focus on what truly nourishes your spirit and provides balance.

You might feel a little off-balance at first, like something’s missing. But eventually, you’ll realize the absence of negativity is a blessing. It’s like finally being able to see your face clearly again after hiding behind a bad fringe for too long.

Here’s how to embrace the process:

Be patient: Growth takes time, whether it’s your hair or your emotional well-being.
Focus on self-care: Think deep-conditioning treatments for your soul—time with friends who lift you up, hobbies that bring you joy, or just a good nap.
Celebrate the progress: Even if it’s slow, each day brings you closer to feeling whole again.

Step 4: Learn from the Cut

Every bad haircut has a lesson (like never trusting YouTube tutorials at 2 a.m.), and so does every failed relationship. What did this experience teach you about your needs, boundaries, or values?

Just like you wouldn’t grab the scissors again without a plan, use what you’ve learned to make better decisions moving forward. Choose relationships that support your growth, not stifle it.

Step 5: Embrace the New You

When your bangs finally grow out—or when you’ve outgrown a toxic relationship—you’ll see yourself clearly again, without the messy fringe of negativity in the way. You’ll feel lighter, freer, and ready to take on the world.

And hey, maybe you’ll even try bangs again someday. But this time, you’ll go to a professional.

Final Thought: It’s Okay to Snip

Life’s too short to hold onto bad haircuts or bad relationships. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is pick up the scissors, take a deep breath, and make the cut.

(Um, not literally. That would get you locked up behind bars where bad hair days will be the least of your worries.)

At the end of the day, you deserve bangs (and relationships) that bring out your best—not ones that make you want to hide under a hat.

Siobhan Shaw is a personal growth writer and podcaster and catalyst driving the sustainable community farm and garden development non-profit, Growing to Give.