The Best Hair Cuts for Growing Out Bangs: Turning the "Awkward Phase" into a Style Statement

There is a specific cycle that almost everyone with bangs has experienced. It begins with the excitement of a new look, followed by the enjoyment of a fresh fringe, and eventually concludes with the decision to grow them out. This final phase is often dreaded and referred to as the "awkward stage." It is that frustrating period where your hair is too long to wear as bangs but too short to tuck behind your ears. However, growing out your bangs does not mean you have to suffer through months of bad hair days or rely solely on bobby pins and headbands.

The secret to a seamless transition lies in the cut. By strategically altering the rest of your hair to accommodate the growing fringe, you can create a deliberate, stylish look that masks the difference in lengths. The goal is to blend the bangs into the main body of the hair so that they look like an intentional layer rather than a forgotten fringe. With the right approach, the grow-out period can be just as fashionable as the initial cut.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best hair cuts for growing out bangs. These styles are designed by professional stylists to integrate shorter front pieces into the overall silhouette of the hair. From texturized shags to polished face-framing layers, these cuts prove that patience pays off—and that you can look incredible while you wait.

1. The Classic Curtain Bang Integration

The most natural first step in growing out a blunt fringe is transitioning into curtain bangs. If your bangs have reached the bridge of your nose or your cheekbones, they are primed for this style. Curtain bangs are parted down the middle (or slightly off-center) and swept to the sides, creating a soft, romantic frame for the face. This style is less of a drastic haircut and more of a reshaping technique that bridges the gap between short bangs and long layers.

To achieve this look, a stylist will typically texturize the ends of the bangs to remove the heavy, blunt line that characterizes a fresh fringe. By softening the edges and angling the cut so that the hair gets longer toward the ears, the bangs begin to flow naturally into the rest of the hair. This reduces the visual disconnect between the fringe and the longer lengths. It is arguably the most popular transition style because it works on almost every face shape and hair texture.

Maintenance for curtain bangs is relatively low compared to full bangs. As they grow, they simply become longer face-framing layers. Styling them requires a round brush and a blow dryer to create that signature swoop away from the face. This technique lifts the hair at the root and directs it backward, helping to keep the hair out of your eyes while maintaining a chic, intentional aesthetic.

2. Face-Framing Layers (The "Rachel" Effect)

Once your bangs have grown past the cheekbones and are approaching the jawline, face-framing layers are the ultimate solution. This cutting technique involves carving out layers around the front perimeter of the hair to meet the growing bangs. Instead of having a stark contrast between a chin-length fringe and long hair, the stylist creates a cascade of layers that connects the two lengths seamlessly.

This style is excellent for adding movement and dimension to the hair. It draws attention to facial features, such as the jawline and eyes, while camouflaging the fact that you are growing out a fringe. The shorter pieces (formerly your bangs) become the shortest layer of the face frame, acting as the starting point for the cascade. This technique is particularly effective for those with medium to long hair who want to keep their length while managing the front sections.

Face-framing layers are incredibly versatile. They can be styled straight for a sleek, modern look or curled away from the face for a bouncy, voluminous blowout. Because the layers are blended, the grow-out process becomes virtually invisible. You simply visit the salon for regular trims to reshape the layers as the shortest pieces continue to grow, eventually merging entirely with the overall length.

3. The Modern Shag

For those who prefer an edgier, more textured look, the modern shag is a brilliant option for growing out bangs. The shag haircut is defined by its choppiness, heavy layering, and volume. It relies on a multitude of layers throughout the crown and mid-lengths, which makes it the perfect camouflage for bangs that are at an awkward length.

In a shag cut, the bangs are often incorporated into the top layers of the hair. Because the style is inherently messy and textured, there is no pressure for the bangs to sit perfectly or look polished. A "grown-out" fringe actually enhances the shag aesthetic, contributing to the rock-n-roll, effortless vibe. Stylists use razors or point-cutting techniques to remove weight and add separation, allowing the bangs to blend effortlessly into the side layers.

This cut works exceptionally well for wavy or curly hair textures, as the natural pattern of the hair helps to hide the transition lines. It is also a low-maintenance style; a bit of texturizing spray or mousse is often all that is needed to style it. If you are growing out shorter, baby bangs, a shag can be a lifesaver, as it utilizes short layers around the crown that can easily integrate with a shorter fringe.

4. The Textured Lob (Long Bob)

Sometimes, the best way to handle growing out the front is to shorten the back. The textured Long Bob, or "Lob," is a sophisticated cut that brings the overall length of the hair up, reducing the ratio between the bangs and the rest of the hair. By cutting the hair to collarbone or shoulder length, the bangs immediately feel longer in proportion to the style.

A textured lob usually features soft, internal layering that provides movement without sacrificing the blunt perimeter. When growing out bangs, a stylist can blend the fringe into the side sections of the bob. This creates a cohesive look where the bangs simply appear to be the front angle of the bob. It is a clean, polished style that looks intentional and professional.

This cut is particularly beneficial if the ends of your long hair are damaged or if you are seeking a fresh start. It creates a sense of thickness and health. As the bangs grow past the chin, the lob can be transitioned into a one-length bob, effectively ending the grow-out process much faster than if you were trying to catch up to waist-length hair.

5. The Butterfly Cut

The Butterfly Cut has taken the hair industry by storm, and it happens to be perfect for growing out curtain bangs or chin-length fringe. This cut is essentially a combination of long layers and short layers, creating a style that can be deceptive. The shorter layers around the face and crown give the illusion of a shorter style (like a bob) when the hair is pinned up, while the long layers in the back maintain length.

The "wings" of the butterfly cut are heavily layered sections that frame the face, sweeping away and out. This creates massive volume and flow. Because the cut relies so heavily on face-framing tiers, growing bangs fit perfectly into the shortest tier. They become part of the voluminous, sweeping structure rather than hanging limply around the face.

Styling a butterfly cut requires some effort with a blow dryer to achieve maximum volume, but the payoff is worth it. It creates a glamorous, 90s supermodel aesthetic that makes any length of bangs look like a deliberate stylistic choice. It is ideal for thick hair, as it removes weight while utilizing the growing fringe to create lift around the face.

6. The "Bottleneck" Bob

Inspired by the shape of a bottleneck—slender at the top and widening out—this cut is a specific variation designed to handle bangs. The Bottleneck Bob features a fringe that is shorter in the center and gradually gets longer and curves around the cheekbones, eventually blending into the rest of the bob. It is similar to curtain bangs but structured specifically for shorter hair lengths.

This cut is fantastic for the "in-between" stage where bangs are poking the eyes but aren't quite long enough to tuck away. The bottleneck shape creates a soft transition that opens up the face. It is a very Parisian-chic style that embraces a slightly undone, natural texture. The graduation in length from the center of the forehead to the cheekbones makes the grow-out process feel like a continuous evolution of the style.

Because this cut frames the eyes and cheekbones so intensely, it is very flattering. It turns the annoyance of eye-grazing bangs into a sultry, face-accentuating feature. Regular trims are needed to maintain the shape of the bob, but the bangs can be left to grow longer and longer, slowly transforming the bottleneck shape into a standard long bob.

Essential Tips for The Grow-Out Process

Even with a great haircut, there will be days when your hair feels uncooperative. Here are professional tips to manage the transition smoothly:

• Accessorize Smartly: Invest in high-quality hair accessories. Silk scarves, padded headbands, and decorative clips are trending and functional. They can pin back awkward lengths while adding a fashion-forward element to your outfit.

• Change Your Part: Sometimes, simply shifting from a middle part to a deep side part can hide the awkward length of bangs. A side sweep can tuck the shorter hairs under the longer lengths, effectively disguising them.

• Use the Right Product: Texturizing sprays and dry shampoos are your best friends. Clean, slippery hair is harder to control. Adding grit to the hair helps keep swept-back styles in place. Additionally, a light-hold hairspray is essential for keeping "wings" or curtain bangs directed away from the face.

• Resist the Urge to Cut: It is tempting to trim them yourself when they get in your eyes, but this resets the clock. Instead, visit a salon for a "dusting"—a microscopic trim that only removes split ends without taking off length.

• Train Your Hair: Hair has a memory. If you want your bangs to sweep back or part in the middle, you must train them. Blow-dry them in the direction you want them to lay while they are wet. Use creaseless clips to hold them in place while you do your makeup to set the pattern.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it typically take to grow out bangs?

On average, human hair grows about half an inch per month. To grow bangs from eyebrow length to a point where they can be comfortably tucked behind the ears (usually chin to jaw length), it typically takes about 6 to 8 months. However, this varies based on genetics, health, and hair care routines.

Should I stop trimming my hair while growing out bangs?

No, you should not stop trimming completely. While you want to retain length, the ends of your bangs can become dry and split. Regular "micro-trims" every 8 to 10 weeks keep the ends healthy, preventing breakage that can actually make the growing process take longer. Furthermore, a stylist needs to reshape the bangs to blend them into the rest of the hair.

Can I grow out bangs if I have a cowlick?

Yes, but it requires more styling effort. Cowlicks can make bangs jump up or split in unwanted places as they grow. The key is to blow-dry the hair immediately after washing, using a nozzle attachment to direct the root flat against the scalp. Heavier styling creams can also help weigh the hair down slightly to counteract the cowlick.

What is the "awkward stage" and how long does it last?

The awkward stage is usually when the bangs are too long to see through but too short to tuck behind the ears—typically hitting right at the cheekbones. This phase usually lasts for about 2 to 3 months. This is the prime time to switch to curtain bangs or use accessories to pin them back.

Will vitamins help my bangs grow faster?

Hair growth supplements containing Biotin, Vitamin E, and Collagen can support hair health, potentially reducing breakage and maximizing your natural growth rate. However, they are not miracle workers that will double growth speed overnight. A healthy diet, hydration, and scalp massages are equally important for optimal hair growth.

Conclusion

Growing out bangs is often viewed as a test of patience, but it presents a unique opportunity to experiment with versatile and trendy hairstyles. It does not have to be a period of frustration. By choosing the right haircut—whether it is the soft sweep of curtain bangs, the layered movement of a shag, or the structured elegance of a butterfly cut—you can enjoy every stage of the process.

The key is communication with a professional stylist who understands your long-term goal. They can map out a transition plan that keeps your hair looking intentional and chic at every length. Embrace the journey, utilize the power of face-framing layers, and remember that today’s awkward length is tomorrow’s luscious volume.