How To Style Bangs And Fringes Over 50

While this article will delve into styling techniques and products for bangs and layers, the first half will focus on DIY methods for achieving these styles. Later, we’ll explore which hairstyles complement different face shapes. Many of us have attempted to style our own bangs at some point, but it’s often wise to get a professional cut initially. To make the most of this experience, having a clear visual reference is essential – that’s why you’ll find illustrations of various bang styles throughout this post.

The quick fix for your hairstyle – style your fringe

As you leave the salon, you can’t help but feel like you’re looking your absolute best. That initial confidence boost is hard to shake, and it’s easy to assume that a quick glance in a storefront window is all it takes to maintain that style. But what about tomorrow? And the day after that? For those with busy lives, retaining that great look can be a real challenge.

However, there’s one simple trick to extend your salon-fresh style: focus on keeping the hair nearest your face looking its best. This small daily effort can make all the difference in maintaining a polished appearance.

Now, we know what you’re thinking – why bother with styling when it feels like such a chore? But for those over 50 (or even 60), the reality is that hair styling and blow-drying can become increasingly tiresome. Holding aloft a heated appliance or juggling a heavy dryer and brush can be a real test of endurance.

So, let’s cut to the chase and explore some easy techniques for looking great every day.

The best tools for styling bangs, fringes and side layers

The square-shaped face frame is subtly disrupted by finger-styled curls that cleverly cut off one corner, adding depth and visual interest. When it comes to crafting incredible bang styles, there are a few indispensable tools to have in your arsenal: the right brush or combination of brushes, a heated styling tool such as a flatiron or circular wand, and the correct-sized heated rollers.

How to choose the right hairbrush for bangs

When it comes to styling your locks, having the right tools can make all the difference. A round brush is an essential part of many hairstyles, especially when it comes to bangs. The key to choosing the perfect round brush is considering the length and texture of your hair. For shorter hair, a smaller diameter brush is ideal for achieving smooth, curved ends. Shoulder-length hair, on the other hand, requires a larger brush to add volume at the roots while maintaining a controlled look. Pixie cuts demand even smaller brushes to lift the hair and create a sleek finish.When it comes to styling bangs, the same principles apply. Short fringes require a narrow brush for added lift, while longer, layered bangs need a medium-sized brush to maintain a smooth, curved look. Some may prefer to use a small round brush to add volume at the roots before finishing with a flat brush to smooth out any curls.But what about those with naturally wavy or curly hair? In these cases, a flat brush can be used to straighten and smooth out the bangs, giving a polished finish that complements the rest of your hairstyle. And for some, simply using their fingers is enough to distribute the natural texture and add volume around the face.

How to choose the right hairdryer for your fringe

When evaluating hairdryers, price isn’t the only consideration. The weight of the dryer is also crucial, especially for those over 50 or 60 who may struggle to hold a heavy device while blow-drying with a brush. Personally, I prefer a medium-weight dryer that allows me to take breaks when my arms become tired. If you find your arms tire easily, investing in a small, lightweight travel hairdryer could be a good option for daily use.

A nozzle is essential to focus the warm air exactly where you need it. For thick or long hair, start by using the dryer without the nozzle to separate wet strands with your fingers. However, avoid drying your hair too quickly, and be particularly cautious when drying your fringe or side layers.

It’s essential to use a modern hairdryer with multiple heat settings, including a cold blow. The cold air is ideal for setting the wave or lift you’ve achieved with warmer temperature settings.

How to choose heated appliances including rollers for bangs

When it comes to styling bangs, having the right tools can make all the difference. A mini heated wand, small heated styling brush, mini heated tongs, or petite flatiron (UK straighteners) is an excellent choice for maintaining shorter fringes. These compact devices heat up just as efficiently as their larger counterparts but are much more manageable to handle.For longer bangs, consider using heated rollers instead. This will give your hair a smooth, relaxed wave without the risk of overheating your locks. A set of lightweight modern Velcro rollers that can be heated in a bucket is my personal preference. They’re incredibly fast and allow for quick re-styling if needed. Plus, they’re super lightweight, making them perfect for a quick fix while brushing your teeth in the morning.When it comes to styling smaller areas of hair, such as layers around the face or a fringe, the narrower the heated appliance or thinner the rollers, the better. This is because thicker tools can be too bulky and may not provide the precise control needed for these areas.

Techniques for styling bangs and fringes with a brush

Before styling your hair, spritz dry areas with water to ensure even heat distribution. When using a round brush, place it at the root of your hair, near the scalp, and direct the warm air from the dryer nozzle onto the root. As you twist the brush while slowly drawing it through your hair, curl the strands around the bristles. For thicker bangs, you may need to repeat this process two or three times to achieve the desired effect. Depending on the look you’re going for, you can continue twisting the hair all the way to the ends. This technique adds bounce and a flick to straight cut forehead fringes, as well as waves to side-swept ones. Side layers will appear wavier than the rest of your hair. If you prefer a straighter look with some bounce, use the brush to draw the ends slightly straighter than the roots while still keeping a twist until the end. This approach yields a more natural appearance that blends seamlessly with the rest of your locks.

Techniques for styling bangs with heated appliances

Using straighteners on bangs

Working with a mini flatiron or small straighteners can be easier to manipulate than a brush, but keep in mind that the effect will be more dramatic. Start by applying medium heat and begin at the roots, working your way down the length of the hair in one smooth motion. For ringlets at the sides, wind the hair around the flatiron for a few moments, then carefully unwind it and shape with your fingers. The smaller the area of hair you curl and the longer you apply heat, the more pronounced the corkscrew effect will be. If necessary, redo the curl to achieve the desired level of tightness.For a looser wave or straight cut fringe, use the flatiron in a similar manner to the round brush, slowly pulling it through the length of the hair while twisting as you go. If the ends are too curly, use the appliance to slightly straighten them. Be cautious not to overheat the ends of your hair.As you practice, try using the flatiron to roll the hair at the sides of your face forward and backward. Most people have a preference for the direction of their wave. I find that blow-drying my hair against the direction I want it to lie helps achieve a fuller look, especially if I have a heavier side fringe. This technique requires some practice to get right, but can add volume to naturally flat hair.The same technique can be applied with a narrow heated styling brush or styling wand, which are shaped like round brushes and produce a softer, smoother finish.

Using rollers for a fringe

For everyday styling, heated rollers can be a great tool, especially for layering and defining the shape of shorter fringes. Simply use them for a few minutes to soften and style your layers near your face or fringe. In my experience, using heated rollers on a short, straight-cut fringe across my forehead was a game-changer – I’d hold it under the fringe for about a minute before carefully removing it and finishing with a light hairspray. Today, with longer bangs, I can use rollers in the more traditional way, relying on the pins to secure them if needed. Just be mindful of leaving behind crimps or indentations when using grips or clips with rollers, as you’re often working with fine areas of hair.

Dangers of applying heat to style bangs and fringes

When styling your hair with heated appliances, it’s crucial to avoid overheating the ends of your locks. This is especially true when you’re using a brush, as the thinner areas of hair near the ends can quickly become damaged. To prevent this, use a warm setting instead of hot, and move the brush more swiftly through these sections. Additionally, hold the dryer at a safe distance from the ends to minimize damage.Overheating your hair can lead to a lack of shine and bounce, as well as frizz and brittleness in fine hair, such as your fringe or layered side areas. To combat this, consider using protective products while styling, but it’s also essential to develop good brush technique and avoid leaving heated appliances on for too long.When it comes to adding volume to your fringe, focus on the roots rather than the ends. One effective method is to gently pull the roots up towards your fingers and twist them slowly as you move down the length of the hair. This technique can help create a more natural-looking bounce. However, this approach may not be suitable for longer fringes or bangs that require more gentle handling.If you’re looking to add some extra oomph to your side-swept layers or fringe, I recommend exploring techniques for adding body to fine or flat hair. Some of these methods can even be adapted for use on bangs. Ultimately, the key is to find a styling approach that works for you and your unique hair type.

Should you use product on bangs and fringes?

When it comes to products that are meant to moisturize or condition your hair, it’s best to avoid using them on your layers and bangs near the face, as these areas tend to absorb moisture quickly, leading to greasiness and limpness. Products that add body can be helpful, but use them sparingly and only apply them at the root of your hair, under the rest of your locks. Products meant to style or fix your hair, such as hairspray, gel, and mousse, are generally a better fit for this area. Simply dab or spray these products under the hair at the root to maintain the desired bend, then finish with your fingers to achieve the look you want. If needed, add a light spritz of hairspray to keep your fringe from drooping into your eyes. Be cautious not to overdo it, as excessive product use can weigh down fine hair and cause it to wilt. In this case, wash out the excess product, gently dry your bangs with your fingers, and start styling again with a newfound appreciation for subtlety.

How to choose the right bangs for your face shape and features

The square-shaped face is subtly softened by the long bangs, which disrupt the contours and create a natural look. The side flicks are straightened and slightly angled towards the face to frame it perfectly. According to urhair.co.uk, achieving the desired results requires a harmonious balance between your features and facial shape.In general, the rounder and softer your face shape and features are, the more angular you can cut your bangs without appearing mismatched. Conversely, if you have an angular face with a prominent or thin nose, a softer, wavy look near your face can be particularly flattering.It’s worth noting that these guidelines primarily apply to older women. With smooth, youthful skin, twenty-year-olds can pull off almost any bang style as long as it’s well-maintained.Ultimately, personal style is all about making conscious choices between accentuating or downplaying one’s natural features and facial shape. If you prefer a classic, understated look, focus on achieving balance between your face and hair. However, if you aim to make a bold statement and stand out from the crowd, feel free to disregard these guidelines altogether.

Bangs for a rounder face

To achieve a more classic look for your full cheeks, consider introducing a fringe that breaks up the circular shape of your face. This can be achieved by sweeping the bangs sideways and down, effectively ‘cutting off’ a corner of the circle. Longer bangs tend to create a narrower facial profile, while heavy bangs can add a touch of sophistication. However, you may need to experiment with different styling techniques to keep the fringe in place, especially if it has a tendency to tuck behind your ear. This might involve using various bobby pins or hair slides to achieve the desired angle. For more formal occasions, consider setting your style with hairspray to ensure everything stays in place for longer.

Bangs for a longer face

When it comes to framing the face, the placement and style of bangs can significantly impact the overall appearance. A fringe that reaches down to the brow line can inadvertently shorten the face, creating a less-than-flattering effect. To counteract this, consider extending the bangs outward with graduated layers. This subtle adjustment can help soften the look and create a more balanced silhouette.

Bangs for a heart-shaped face, a small jaw or a pointed chin

To add volume and balance out the facial features, consider styling longer bangs that fall just below the chin. By sweeping them back, you can create a more rounded appearance that draws attention away from any areas you’re looking to slim down.

Bangs for soft rounded features such as a double chin or wide nose

When it comes to framing your facial features, short hair can be a great way to draw attention upwards. Consider keeping your locks close to the head so that any heaviness or fullness is concentrated above your nose and/or chin. To emphasize this area, try angled bangs that hit just below the earlobe. Alternatively, opt for a shorter, heavier fringe that shows off some forehead above your brows. Pixie cuts often incorporate this look, which helps to keep the focus on your eyes rather than lower down on your face.In terms of styling your bangs, avoid parting them in the middle to create an inverted V shape on your forehead – think of it as a curtain that casts shadows on your cheeks and highlights your nose. If you’re finding that your chin is looking too prominent lately, longer curtain bangs can actually make the top of your face appear narrower and broaden your chin, which may not be the look you’re going for. By keeping your hair short and your fringe structured, you can create a more balanced and eye-catching appearance.

Bangs for a square jaw, angular features or prominent cheek bones

As we age, our faces undergo natural changes that can affect the way our features are perceived. For instance, an angular face with straight cut bangs may have been a plus until around the age of 50, accentuating structure and angularity. However, after 60, many individuals will want to de-emphasize this angularity as it’s easy to appear gaunt due to the loss of fat on the cheeks. In fact, it can even give off an unintentionally witch-like appearance (something I’ve personally experienced!).

To soften a squarer face or rounder face after 60, a side-swept fringe can mask one cheekbone and add interest, while swept back softly-waved side layers can add fullness around the face and detract from ‘too much structure’. The ideal length of those swept-back bangs will depend on individual face shape and features, so be prepared to experiment. Trying wigs or cutting and gradually shortening long bangs can help you find the right look.

Anything that swoops and swirls near the face can soften it. Try using a mini flat-iron or straighteners to create styles by twisting hair at different angles, leaving ends with a flick, or trying the same look with a straighter end.

A dramatic side-swept fringe can cover one cheek on an angular face (Pinterest). Parting your hair in different places so bangs fall differently and change the edges of your face is also worth exploring. You may find that a heavier side swept fringe taken from far over on the other side of your head creates a soft arch as it falls, with any remaining fringe neatly tucked behind an ear.

Lastly, consider embracing a soft corkscrew curl to add fullness, movement, and fun to what can sometimes look a rather severe face after 60. This tousled look is all about adding texture and visual interest.