The Failproof Way to Trim Your Own Bangs
Keep your bangs in shape—minus the appointment—with this step-by-step how-to from hairstylist Ken Paves.
By Ken Paves
Photo: Ben Goldstein/Studio D
A long, side-swept fringe can be very flattering—and very high-maintenance. Susan Martin, 37, discovered both of these truths last year when, for the first time since high school, she got bangs. She loved the way they framed her face but hated going to the salon every three weeks for a trim. Hairstylist Ken Paves showed her how to keep them in shape without an appointment.
Photo: Ben Goldstein/Studio D
Step 1
Comb your bangs forward and pull the rest of your hair back into a low ponytail. Your hair should be dry (it's longer when wet, so you might trim too much).
Photo: Ben Goldstein/Studio D
Step 2
Between the index and middle fingers of your nondominant hand, gather your bangs and pull them opposite the direction in which they normally fall. (If they're usually above your left eye, pull them over your right eye.)
Photo: Ben Goldstein/Studio D
Step 3
Keeping your fingers as straight as possible, pull the hair taut. Cut directly across, just beneath your fingers. Trim no more than a quarter inch at once to make sure you don't overdo it. When you brush your trimmed bangs back into place, they'll be perfectly angled.
Photo: Ben Goldstein/Studio D
One Last Tip
From the
September 2012 issue of
O, The Oprah Magazine
