Bang Responsibly - A SoBob Guide to choosing the perfect fringe

Bang responsibly

If you sit in my chair and ask me for bangs, prepare for a thorough interrogation (coming from a place of love, of course). When did you last cut your hair? Do you own a hairdryer? Are you going through a breakup? And so on.

You may have been turned off by the idea by professionals in the past that didn't want to be responsible for you hating your hair for the next 3 months until it grows out (valid), or maybe you just weren't aware of the upkeep and commitment. Maybe you also weren't given the correct aftercare to maintain your bangs for daily glossy face-framing.

A fringe or a bang is two commitments. The first is a daily realization that you won't necessarily wake up cute. A friend used to say, "That fringe ain't loyal." Particularly annoying when dating someone new, 8 hours of sleeping on your face will result in a spiky finish that resembles Simon Cooper from The Inbetweeners. Not a look.

Which is why a water spray, a comb, and a hairdryer close by is imperative.

The second commitment is how quickly these things grow out. A good fringe can last around 6 weeks, but something a little more powerful and strong in shape could last only 3-4. Most hairstylists will offer a free fringe trim in between appointments or charge £10-£15 thereafter.

There is a bang for everyone, just like there is a bob for everyone: curtain bangs, micro bangs, a blunt fringe, curly bangs, side bangs, shaggy bangs, wispy bangs. Whichever you choose, here is my advice...

Go slow. If your hairline is giving difficulty, and you've never banged before, go mid. This is not half-hearted; this is sensible and will allow you to get used to the bangs before you decide to go all the way. I will always offer my clients to come back in a week if they've decided to go for it.

Make sure you have the right equipment. Whether your hair is curly or straight, if you're going against the natural texture, you will need heat to manage.

Don't forget your heat protector. Olaplex volumizing blow dry mist will give your bangs long-lasting hold whether you're trying to smooth out the frizz or add bounce to your otherwise straight bangs.

If you're going with the natural texture, preferred! You'll still need to mist those bangs down in the morning with water and sweep into place. Try not to touch them too much while they dry and shake them out later.

My final secret ingredient for those who want to bang but find their hair totally unmanageable, something I've always found necessary on my own hair, small section Brazilian blowout. What is it? You'll find it under services, but you may not know what it means. Small section Brazilian blowout is my answer to unruly hairlines and disloyal bangs. The liquid keratin, when applied to the hair, creates a protective layer around the strands that is then heat-activated by ironing each piece, resulting in diminished frizz, no more winged hairlines, and bangs that won't do you wrong, giving you 3 months of high shine hairline that should see you through festivals, sandy beaches, and bad hotel hairdryers. I use this product by focusing on one isolated area, leaving the rest of the hair to do its thing with volume.

Say bye-bye to humidity-haunting hair; the weather will be no match for your perfectly shiny, frizz-free hairline, allowing you to blow-dry with ease or leave to dry naturally altogether.

If you're considering bangs, think about the overall haircut and how they might tie in. Do you want the fringe to blend, or do you want it blunt and disconnected?

Ask me for advice and always bring pictures, as bangs can be so subjective.

A fringe can breathe new life into your hair, give you a whole new look and an edge, but comes with its own little responsibilities.

You will leave my chair a pro in fringe aftercare.