8 Expert Tips For Styling Bangs To Perfection, No Matter Your Hair Type

Here, top stylists weigh in on how to style bangs—no matter your hair type: 

If you're in dire need of a quick-dry, you can use hot tools to your advantage. Says Trygstad, "The stylist's secret to styling bangs is to use a flat brush with a blow-dryer and to create an 'X' throughout the bang, pushing the hair back and forth to coax any deviant cowlicks or growth patterns from wreaking havoc." By pushing them side-to-side as they dry, you prevent any bends from taking shape. 

The one caveat to the side-to-side drying technique is if you have blunt bangs—because this type of fringe typically grows straight across, the strands all at the same length, blow-drying them downward can help you achieve a sleek, smooth style. With a paddle brush, "brush on top of the section of hair, blowing downward," says hairstylist Marcus Francis, an ambassador for hair-care brand Better Natured.

A little brushing tip: If you are going to blow-dry your bangs, most stylists recommend combing the fringe forward. When you brush them upward under the bang, you create a rounded shape at the top with tons of volume—unless this is the look you're going for, of course, then by all means. According to Trygstad, brushing under the bang can even enhance cowlicks or growth patterns, so be sure to either push side-to-side or at a downward angle. 

Here's when you should ditch the brush altogether: If you have a choppy, textured bang (see here for all the common categories), Francis suggests "using your fingers to move [the strands] into place while blow-drying on low." Brushes provide a smoother texture, while your fingers help maintain that piece-y look.  

As with most air-dry styling techniques, don't be afraid to lean on products. Miko Branch, hairstylist and co-founder of natural hair care brand Miss Jessie's, suggests using a soft-hold gel (like this option) for controlling the bang, or a curl cream for achieving a fuller look. Then you can twist them how you please before allowing them to set and dry: "I recommend lightly finger styling for maximum control," says Branch. Simply separate your bangs into triangle sections, then twirl the hair around your finger piece by piece. 

As always when using pins: "Be gentle to your hair when placing pins/clips/clamps, and never pull your hair too tightly," Branch has previously told us about heatless styles.

The specific amount will differ for everyone depending on how much fringe you have, but Branch recommends starting off with a dime-size portion and adding more as needed. "By holding the product in the palm of your hand, you can siphon off as needed to control how much goes into the hair instead of applying all at once," she says. 

You don't even need to dunk your full head under the spray—just wet and lather the fringe itself. 

There are myriad ways you can style your bangs—with and without enlisting the help of hot tools. It may take some effort for your bangs to look their best, but the work isn't too involved. Just mere minutes, and it'll look like your fringe just so happened to dry perfectly into place.