Who's grown out their bangs?

I'm going to try to grow out my bangs, which I've had since I was 16 (I'm now 43). My hair will be about shoulder length while they grow out, then when they catch up I'll grow everything out. At least that's my plan. Who has actually done this successfully, and how long did it take? I have advice on how to keep them under control while they grow out, I just want to hear from anybody who's done it, and whether it was worth it. Thanks!

I let my bangs grow out and I'd had them since highschool...am now 35. It was ruf, ruf at first...but patience definitely paid off. I love my hair now. My bangs are probably about 4 or so inches below my chin and I'll never cut them again!!

Best of luck with your bangs!!

You know, Karen Marie... if Katherine does press her nose up against the screen, those scissors in your message might just jump off the screen and make the decision for her.

I grew out bangs, but not in the way y'all might be thinking! I grew them out along with the rest of my hair (think typical male execu-cut -- that was me in 1991).

I know several women who have very long hair and are growing out their bangs. So hang in there Katherine -- you can do it!

Thank you all for your support!

Dave, and others, do you think it is easier to start from short hair and grow it all out together? I notice that's what Dave did. I would do that if it makes the bang growing out easier to tolerate, in others' experience.

Hi, Katherine,
To answer your last question---nah; why lose all the length you've gained just to catch up your bangs? I've grown out my bangs 3 times in my life; the last time was during the 90's when my hair was classic length. Yes, it's a big pain for a while, especially if you have tons of bangs like I did---for quite a while it looked as if I had 2 different hairdos: classic in back (I maintained that length while my bangs grew out; others have let all of it grow, since bangs tend to grow more speedily than the rest in an attempt to catch up) and a swingy bob in front --some strange sort of mullet???!! This frustrating situation often tempted me to cut layers in front several times to "blend in" the bangs, but the memory of how feathered hair years before just didn't work with my hair type (too floppy) prevented me...I just let them be. There are others here who started growing theirs out when the rest of their hair was even longer. As you have small periodic trims of your main length, you bangs will eventually catch up---and it certainly won't take several years like mine did.
As for dealing with the bangs while growing out, I just brushed them to the side and put some gunk in them to keep them there, like I did when they were shorter. Later, I held them back by using a scarf or bandana as a headband (worn right at the hairline), and then started to use a barrette to hold them straight back--and measuring my progress by being able to fasten it farther & farther back as weeks went by. Being able to catch them in my ponytail was a real milestone.
So, I'd say just be prepared for an awkward stage for a while and hang in there.
dp

Katherine, Nooooo! I did not intend to suggest that it would be easier to grow out bangs if the rest of the hair is short. It was only because I decided to "grow" for it (long hair) when all of my hair was short. There is no "need" for you to cut any of your length when growing out your bangs.

catt_grrl is one of the women I was thinking of who is growing out bangs. Hers are mostly grown out now, not even noticeable. (And by the way I'd like to add that she has spectacularly gorgeous hair.)

So as she says, "hang in there!" Katherine and in the long run you'll be glad you did.

I grew my bangs out about 5 years ago. I used gel at the roots to give them some lift as they were growing out... also to stick them to the rest of my hair, gently.

Whatever the lowest hold number of Dep was, that's what I was using. I put it on wet and shaped it and when it was dry, it wasn't stiff.

But that was still the 90s... that might not pass today.

i am growing mine out. they're eye level now. but i have face framing layers in the front from my bangs down.. since my hair is straight it looks good, so when the pangs get to chin length and the ret of my hair is real long, it wont look so akward wit the layers in place.

I'm also in the process of growing my bangs out. I have had them since 12 years of age, and I'm trying to grow them so they're 3+ inches past chin level, and intend upon growing the rest of my hair to my waist for a tapered look. Right now, the bangs are to my upper lip, and it can be so irritating, so I'm hoping for patience and holding them back with a small clip in the meantime. ;)

Hi Jennifer!

Jennifer Eve is another of the women I was thinking of who are growing out bangs. I can attest to how well her bangs have blended in, they're not even noticeable at all unless you look for them, and even then you might not see them.

The other two women I know who have long hair and are growing out bangs do not frequent this website.


Kristine, thanks for sharing your photos!