Expert Article

Bangs, A Cry For Help? ✂

A closer look into why people get bangs 

“Are you sure?”, “Are you okayyy?”, "Did they break up with you?”, and "ohhh” are all things people hear when they announce they are going to get bangs. Even my hairdresser asked me if I was sure before I had her cut my bangs. This skeptical view towards bangs is something that has been around for longer than you might think. In the 1600s, conservative churches thought a fringe indicated you were on your way to committing a mortal sin (Gill). All of these assumptions are kind of funny when you think about them. Especially the idea that bangs are the root of something eviler looming below.  The real question, however, is why is there such a stigma around bangs.  

Let us be honest we have all questioned at some point in our lives if we should get bangs, it is only natural. Bangs can be one of the most versatile hairstyles one can get. They can frame your face, hide your forehead, give you some volume and transform your overall look. Just as there are many types of bangs such as straight, side, curtain, baby, fringe, and wispy, there are many reasons why someone would choose to get some. In this article, I will talk about getting bangs as a stylistic choice, as a way to cope with a heartbreak, and a good old-fashioned cure for a breakdown.

Style Choice 

Bangs can be a form of self-expression and are perfect for when you are in need of a change. That is why they are such a popular hairstyle that many choose to get. Every time I go in for a bang trim my hairdresser tells me that more and more clients are asking her for bangs during their appointments. With many types, bangs offer lots of variety and options for anyone that is considering getting some. You can keep it simple with chin-length bangs that blend into your hair for a smaller commitment. Or go in a different direction and get a straight blunt cut for a bolder look. They are versatile and can be tailored to work with different face shapes, and hair textures and express your individuality, so it’s ideal for reinventing your style (Driver). Bangs also never go out of style, and they never will. They have been an iconic hairstyle for centuries (Flanagan, Christian). Coming back into trend every couple of months. Every day it seems that a new celebrity is stepping out sporting fresh bangs. Inspiring hundreds to finally take the plunge and get some too. 

Breakup Blues

Oh no, they're over you? here's the solution get bangs! We have all seen the post-breakup bang memes littered all over the internet. Or have had friends going through a breakup and all of a sudden expressing an interest in getting bangs. While some of the memes are funny they often paint getting bangs as a sign of distress. However, at times they serve as a positive fresh start that is needed with the new chapter in your life. Sometimes a change to our appearance during a difficult or transitional time in our lives can give us a much-needed boost in mood, energy, and confidence (Peppin). At the end of the day getting bangs as a way to cope with a broken heart is not the worst thing you can do. One of my friends went through with it after a breakup and she swears it was the best decision she ever made. Stating that it felt like a much-needed “freeing” change. I will say say though I have had other friends that have gotten breakup bangs and regretted them almost immediately.  So thread carefully!  As you can either love them or hate them.

Good Old Breakdown

Nothing is going right let me cut my own hair to fix it. This has been a thought that many many people have had. There are thousands of Tik Toks of people cutting their hair mid-breakdown to feel like they have control over something. As cutting your hair can serve as an immediate distraction from a discomfort (Peppin). This brings up the question that many debate over “should I go to therapy or get bangs?”. This is such a big debate that they are multiple articles and social media posts discussing the topic. I want to make it clear, I am in no way condoning getting a haircut as a replacement for therapy! But I am saying that it is not the worst thing you can do. Cutting your hair is one of the least harmful things you can do when you feel like you’re spinning out (Aggeler). Remember bangs are reversible and will grow out eventually so do not stress if you've gotten some on a whim.

Some Advice 

I want to end this by leaving you with one piece of advice. If you are thinking of cutting your own bangs for whatever reason do not! It is never and I repeat never a good idea. I have witnessed firsthand how it can only make you break down and cry when you ultimately do it wrong. My sister once tried to cut her own curtain bangs at 3 am and lets just say it did not work out. I told her it wasn't that bad but if I am being honest she looked like Lord Farquaad. I was laughing so hard that I had to leave the room immediately. So put the scissors down. And remember rule number one of getting a fringe is to not cut it in yourself, regardless of whether you're feeling optimistic or even if you've had one before (Driver). There are many factors that can go wrong by not seeking a professional and booking a salon appointment. Although you might tell yourself it looks easy based on all of the videos you've watched it is not! In fact, all trainee hairdressers are scared of cutting bangs because they are so difficult to do (Driver). If they can’t do it what makes you think you can?

Works Cited

Aggeler, Madeleine, and Charlotte Cowles. “You Should Get Bangs in 2019.” The Cut, 3 January 2019, https://www.thecut.com/2019/01/get-bangs-2019.html. 

Driver, George. “Everything You Need To Know Before Getting A Fringe, According To The Experts.” Elle, 27 July 2020, https://www.elle.com/uk/beauty/hair/a19642792/tips-and-tricks-for-getting-a-fringe-hairstyle/. 

Flanagan, Graham, and Emily Christian. “The History of Bangs Hairstyle.” Business Insider, 5 April 2018, https://www.businessinsider.com/how-bangs-hair-cut-style-became-fashion-icon-2018-3. 

Gill, Martha, and Kara Kennedy. “Getting a fringe is always a cry for help.” The Spectator, 30 April 2022, https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/getting-a-fringe-is-always-a-cry-for-help/. 

Peppin, Hayley. “The Psychology Behind the Post-Breakup Haircut.” Harper's BAZAAR Australia, https://harpersbazaar.com.au/why-do-we-want-to-change-hair-post-breakup/.