How to Trim Your Own Bangs—Without Ending up With Beyonce’s Baby Fringe

Karlie Kloss, Taylor Swift, Zooey Deschanel, Alexa Chung—bangs are a thing right now. Actually, when are they not a thing? A flirty fringe never really goes out of style. In fact, many classic ‘dos call for them (like the Louise Brooks bob or Marianne Faithfull’s 60’s it-girl hair). They’re like a delicious side on the dinner menu, a little something extra that enhances almost any cut.

The only problem? They grow out so fast. Too fast. Fast enough, in fact, that if we were to hit the salon every time we needed a little trim, we’d basically need to move in. This is when it becomes necessary to learn how to snip your own fringe. Whether your bangs are straight, swooped or shaggy, here our top three secrets for keeping them tidy at home (without ending up with bad Bettie Page bangs). A hint? Never cut bangs bluntly along the forehead—it’s almost impossible to create a straight line!

The Tool

Start with dry hair and very sharp hair shears. Never use kitchen or craft scissors, they’re too dull. With a fine-tooth comb, section off your bangs and sweep the hair you don’t want to cut back into a pony.  

The Placement

Using the index and second finger of your non-dominant hand, hold your bangs out in front of your forehead. Pull your fingers down the length of your bangs, stopping wherever you want to trim.

The Snip

Flip your bangs upwards. Pick up the scissors with your dominant hand. Then, holding the shears at a slight angle, gently snip into (again, not straight across) the exposed hair and trim your way across.