Who knew posting one little picture on instagram with Clara would start a tell-me-more-about-the-bangs frenzy? You guys are a curious bunch, demanding a post about my hair. Haha. There were even conspiracy theories that they weren’t real and I was pulling a Kim K on you guys by flipping my ponytail and faking them. Hilarious! But they are in fact real. Can’t say the same thing about my chest (just kidding). I just got off the sofa on Saturday afternoon, walked into the bathroom and cut them, came back out and sat on the sofa, and waited for John and Clara to notice. They seemed not to mind them (in fact John said they made me look “young and hot” so I’ll take it) and they do very conveniently cover my forehead wrinkles. So… score!
Because I cut them in the bathroom mirror all by myself, they’re definitely not perfect, but they seem to pass as actual bangs in real life, as opposed to looking like a child who took the kitchen scissors to her head. And since many (many) of you guys demanded a tutorial, here she blows.
I guess we should call this the sister post to the how-I-cut-John’s-hair post that I shared here. It’s pretty straightforward so quite honestly the most awkward part was getting these photos taken. Gah, I’m terrible at posing for John. So it went something like this:
John: click, click, click, “Do you need anything else?”
Me: “Ahh, this is stupid. Nevermind! We’re done.”
John: “What? I only took three photos? You sure?”
Me: “Ok, what about one like this? Ahh, too close. Back up! back up! Maybe we need to buy a lens to make my face artfully blurry.”
John: “Um… ok. So we’re done?”
As for the actual tutorial, it goes like this:
All I did was pull the hair in front that I thought should be bangs (which made a soft curved shape at the crown) forward and then I pulled the rest of my hair back into a ponytail to keep it out of the way. My hair might look ambiguously wet/dry in the picture above, but it’s fully dry.
Which leads us to step 2…
I looked up a few pictures on google of people with blunt bangs just to notice where they stopped. The ones I liked most sort of grazed the eyelashes (good thing I looked since my first instinct would have been to cut them above my eyebrows- eeks!). Then I cut them dry while looking in the mirror with the part of hair that I sectioned out just flopping in front of my face. Cutting them dry is key for me since wet hair can look heavier and longer and then dry and shrink up, thereby ruining your life. Well, that’s a little dramatic, but it can definitely pull a fast one on you, so dry hair seems to work best for ending up with bangs at the actual intended length.
Then I dipped my head into the sink to get my bangs all wet and used a blow-dryer to blow them dry in front of my face. This was helpful because after I dried them a few long stragglers stuck out and I snipped them straight across for a more blunt look. I have a ridiculous cowlick, so I’m trying not to be a crazy about how they fall. Although in this instagram picture there was a funny comb-over effect going on since a few from the other side of my head danced over to that side (hence those few guesses that this was a bang hoax I guess, haha).
Thanks to the aforementioned cowlick, sometimes I pull them apart like this. Just if it’s humid and they’re being wonky. Sorry about this bad self portrait, I was past the point of embarrassment after posing for John, seeing the pictures he took, deleting them in horror, and telling him to back out of the room slowly while whispering “it’s not your fault this is just so awkwaaaard.”
I can still pin them all back with two tiny bobby pins and rock my regular old pony (which I did last night for the Austin signing since it was crazy rainy and my hair + humidity = Frizz-fest 2013). So I guess I get three looks from this little snip-fest: 1) blunt bangs, 2)parted bangs, and 3) no bangs at all thanks to Mrs Bobby and her friend Pins.
Anyway, I hope this quick little tutorial helps someone out there save some money on a bang trim or something. Or just gives you all a good laugh at how uncomfortable capturing these photos actually was for me. It might sound crazy but I’m used to taking pictures of the house, not my mug. So it took me right back to high school yearbook photos and I was all clammy and weird about it. Seriously I didn’t know where to look, how to smile, it was a mess. Anyone else tackling some DIY haircuts at home? Or rocking some freshly shorn bangs? Tell $herdog all about it.
Alisha says
I can relate with you Sherry on the awkwardness of “posing” for pictures for the hubby! Maybe it’s just because I’ve become more self-conscious with age of how I look in photographs, or maybe it’s because he still makes me feel all squirrelly so I get shy whenever he has a camera aimed at me, but I swear, he captures the LEAST FLATTERING sides of me every. time.
Honestly. I once had to read him the riot act about the inappropriateness of him EVER squatting in front of me and aiming the camera lens up–at close range, mind you–at my nostrils and “chins” while I awkwardly try to hide both of these features by lowering my head–into full on “angry bull” pose–which usually results in HD disaster.
I think it all stems from the “photo shoot” we had shortly after we started dating 5 years ago. He wanted to get some arty shots of me on a train trellis with his 35mm…and I proceeded to produce a series of THE MOST EMBARRASSINGLY AWKWARD POSES OF ALL TIME. He actually at one point said, “Okay, you can go ahead and just stop doing…that.” while I gawkily attempted to look edgy hanging off an I beam. The worst was realizing that the 1-hour-photo people at the drug store had LOOKED AT THE ENTIRE ROLL and decided to BLOW UP THEIR FAVORITES FOR US free of charge. Ahhhh! The stuff of nightmares.
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahahah!
xo
s
karen says
awww…you’re so sweet to whip this up for me…ugh..i mean us!
you look so pretty Sherry!
Lynne Anne says
Wonderful! Loving this look for you!
Little idea for you from a bang veteran (!) and I cut my own too. Since when sleeping sometimes they assume strange angles and some mornings I’m not going for the full hair wash program, I’ve discovered that the steam of the shower plus one medium large diameter velcro roller (dry-rolled) will make them look nice, uniform, and a bit fluffy off my forehead.
YoungHouseLove says
Love all the tips guys, thanks!
xo
s
Michelle DuPuis says
It still cracks me up how many likes and comments you got on that Instagram photo. I was checking my Instagram feed when you posted it, and when it showed up at the top of my feed it already had over 200 likes! Bangs or no bangs, I’ve always thought you looked like Emilia Clarke (http://www.imdb.com/media/rm1536790016/nm3592338). No?
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, she’s my sista from another mista.
xo
s
Claudia says
Loving the bangs!!! You kinda look like Amanda Peets, who I think is gorgeous! :)
Emilie says
I can’t believe that no one said this yet, but you look a bit like Cheryl (oh yes) from Archer, with the bangs parted.
Elvi says
It looks so cute, and it really compliments you beautiful face!
Linda says
Girl, you look fabulous!!
Born and Raised RVA says
Thank you for solving the Big Bang Theory
Meagan says
Bangs look great on you! I could never rock them, the closest i’ll get is a side swoop bang..gotta love those cowlicks! ;)
christine says
with the updo pony/parted bangs you are all audrey-esque.
g o r g e o u s.
Ada says
it looks AMAZING!!! and no money spent woot woot! i bleached/ombre styed my hair tips fr brunette to blonde and love it though the process took foooorever …process was like: not blonde enough not blonde enough omg these fumes r getting me high ..not blonde enough then PERFECT!
Viviana says
I love them! I just recently got blunt bangs too. I have been trying to train them for a couple weeks. See I have long curly hair and was doing nothing but keeping it in a pony tail all the time. Who has time to do their hair with a toddler??? Well I needed to get back in the groove so I went for it. EEEk! Yes I love them when they sit right but it does take some time blow drying and flat ironing them down along with the rest of my hair. But I love how young and fresh they look.
Geneva says
I think they look LOVELY! I love bangs, and you have such nice thick hair, if they don’t fall “perfect” – who cares?! They look nice and natural and carefree – and honestly, they make you look even younger. KUDOs to you for your bravery and new look!!!!
Geneva
Susan Aiiison-Diaz says
The bangs give you a whole new look. You went from adorable to ‘SMOKIN’. John is going to have his hands full:) chasing all the guys off. You are rocking that Parisian model look. Now I have bang envy.
Korie says
Holla!!!!! Nice job girl. Looks awesome!! I wish my hair was straighter so I could do this. There is just nothing you can’t do… Dang!!!!!!
Gabrielle says
I love the bangs! You look even more beautiful! I took the plunge and got bangs a few years ago for the first time and love them! I get so many compliments on them (often from complete strangers lol). I think because people think that not everyone can pull them off. I was always afraid too because my forehead is kind of small but they totally work! They look great on you! Don’t worry if you trim them a little too short, they grow fast! It’s also helpful to have a decent pair of hair scissors in the house since you will have to touch them up every few weeks (they grow so quick and all the sudden one day you will wake up and they are too long and getting in your eyes). Just wanted to say how great you look, I love them!!
Kim Birum says
Love the bangs. You look great. They totally play up you eyes.
Janine says
Love the bangs on you~ very Audrey Hepbur-ish (as in GLAM)!
A clean & simple, sophisticated, fun, modern, and indie look all in one! Didn’t know you could do that, right? But you do!
Jazmin says
Love the bangs on you! But then again, i think you call pull anything off!
Also, can I say that I love that your honest about the picture taking?! I see these blogs where these women pose like it’s for vogue on family photo shoots and I always wonder if it’s weird..
Jazmin
Amanda says
These look great Sherry! I’d definitely agree with John on the “young & hot” comment. :)
Jen B. says
Those are the bangs I didn’t quite get from the hairdresser, I have “shallow bangs” yours are awesome…. wonder if I’m game to give it a shot myself…. hmmmm…. scissors, check.
Bree says
I was worried for you seeing this post.
Great result. The bangs totally transform your look with an edgy vibe. Well done.
AmyEmBee says
The current state of my bangs is proof positive that not every DIY tutorial on YHL is made for every YHL afficionado. EPIC. BANG. FAIL. I cut mine too short. Give me about three weeks and I won’t be hating my hair life as much when they grow a bit. For now… creative uses of bobby pins and headbands, it is! Kudos to you for accomplishing your own ‘do, though!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw man! Hope they grow nice and fast!
xo,
s
Justine B. says
I have been cutting my own bangs for almost 2 years now (my hairstylist was too afraid she would mess them up – weird right?). If you cut straight across when they are all gathered together (like in the second pic) it rounds them out perfectly on your face so they are a little longer on the sides rather than flat all the way across. It’s so simple! Just make sure when you gather them in the middle you kind of flatten them out between your two fingers before you cut.
YoungHouseLove says
Love the tips!
xo
s
Lena says
Try using a small round brush when you dry your bangs. They will look perfect :)
Kristi - SimplePrettyThings says
I love the bangs! I was growing mine out but then I saw how cute you look with them so I trimmed them up and I’m giving them another go until spring. It’s cold here in PA and they keep my forehead warm HA!
Laura says
You look stunning, Sherry! The bangs really bring out your big beautiful eyes…just gorgeous! I hope you and John have fun at the event tonight. I’m hoping to be able to meet you guys in Charlotte! I know that another person posted a link to a pair of earrings on Etsy and your commented that you think they may be yours, which are beautiful. I followed that link and noticed that particular store is located in China. We’re yours from overseas? I may order a pair and just curious if you had a good experience with that seller (if it is in fact the same one) because I’ve never ordered anything that had to be shipped from overseas. Thank you!
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, that’s a good question. I think mine were domestic and might have been a bit more (when I saw the link the earrings looked exactly the same but I thought I remembered mine being around $22 or $28). Hope it helps!
xo
s
Lynn @ Our Useful Hands says
I’m so late to the party this week. I love your bangs, they do add a nice youthful air about you. Your said awkwardness brought me back to an ancient episode of 30 Rock…….wavy lines, wavy lines, wavy lines….
Pete to Liz: Wave…
Liz waving terribly….
Pete: LIKE A HUMAN!!!
Hahaha-haaa!
My best, Lynn
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahaha!
xo,
s
Sara G says
You look gorgeous with a fringe, it suits ya, looking good $herdog!
Natália says
You look so gorgeous!!!
You’ve inspired me again… I’ve cut my own bangs…
Thanks for all the inspiration you give me!!!
Jerry @ Still Loving You says
Good job,Sherry. you are really beautiful !
haverwench says
Totally mod! All you need now is a purple miniskirt and a big plaid handbag.
Meg says
LOVE THEM – they look great on you!!!
valerie shea says
They look amazing on you Sherry! I had bangs once and it was bad.. real bad.
But speaking of DIY haircuts and saving a buck or two:
Do you remember the FLOWBEE? (http://www.amazon.com/FLOWBEE-Flowbee-Haircutting-System/dp/B00020F9TK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357939598&sr=8-1&keywords=flowbee)
It came out about 15ish years ago and it attached to the (wait for it) extension of your vacuum cleaner. It had blades on it like a man’s hair clipper set does. It would literally SUCK your hair into the hose and cut it. All the control was in the person operating the vacuum hose and how far they let your hair get sucked into it. Well my mom bought one and I was the guinea pig for the family. Long story short: she totally butchered my hair. It was HORRIBLE. I have been traumatized for life and refuse to let my hair get any shorter than my shoulders. Thanks mom and flowbee for scaring me.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh no! You got Flowbeed!
xo
s
Lauren O. says
You look fabulous! Love you with bangs! Too cute…
Tiffany says
Your eyes + bangs, in the first pic, make you look like Zooey Deschanel. ;)
Nardia Cooper says
They look very stylish! I always wondered what Bangs were? I feel so uneducated as we just call it a fringe in N.Z.
This would have been horrifying to me as I have very unruly frizzy hair and know that a fringe would frizz up to look like hair from elsewhere…Check out that rhyming. Recently had my hair non- permanently Keratin Straightened and it is amazing no frizz and I can now wash it more often too.
I might have to grow my hair out and get bangs too!
lisa riley says
LOVE the bangs, they suit you! also, as the comment above, they draw attention to your eyes! very pretty!!
Dara says
Your bangs look so good! Love it!
Shannon says
Love the bangs! I didn’t go through all the comments, so I’m not sure if someone mentioned this, but just a tip for dealing with the bangs/cowlick problem (I’ve suffered for a long, long time). When you’re blow drying them: at your cowlick, hold your blow dryer above your bangs pointing down and brush back and forth from left to right instead of down. It seems counterproductive but one of my hairstylists told me about it and it has always worked! It tricks the cowlick into laying flat.
YoungHouseLove says
Love all the tips guys! You rule.
xo
s
Mary says
I literally did the exact same thing the other night, and just now saw your post. I think it’s a fun change, don’t you? And it’s a relatively simple thing to cut them yourself. Bravo Sherry!
gale says
Great tutorial. My stylist trims my bangs for free in between cuts. I guess that’s not normal? Even so, this would save me a trip.
CohoesMom5 says
At my mother’s urging, I had my hair dresser cut bangs for me a few years ago. She cut very whispy bangs which I hated. I have been resisting bangs ever since. When I saw your bangs, I realized that the problem was that I didn’t have her cut enough bangs – whispy bangs just don’t work with my super fine, straight hair. I argued with myself for a couple of days after reading this post but finally decided to go for bangs again. I wanted them done “right then” so I cut them myself following your steps. It has been a week and I have to say that I love them and am so glad I did it. The bangs looked good but the rest of my hair looked scraggly so I asked my 12 year old daughter to cut the rest for me (just straight across, just below my shoulders). Now, I like my hair as much as I could ever like my hair and have actually received complements on the cut (only a close friend knows that it was cut my me and my daughter).
Sorry for the rambling comment – I just wanted to thank you for putting yourself out there (here) and giving me inspiration in my personal life and my decor.
Katie says
You inspired me to take a chance and cut my bangs last week. At first I was pretty sure I had made a huge mistake bobbipins and headbands were going to be my three month bandaids, but I’m definitly warming up to them and dare I say love them now! Thanks for being my bang-spiration!…err wait….hair-spiration sounds a bit better :)
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo!
xo,
s
Kara says
Sooo, you inspired me to go for the chop myself which I did this afternoon and I totally look like I have a mullet! I’ve got a call in to two hair salons in hope of doing some repairs :-). A little nervous about what my husband is going to say when he gets home. Glad your turned out so cute!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh no! Hope it turns out super cute in the end :)
xo,
s
mara says
what a great tutorial! I just cut my bangs with it(because I have a test next week and I’m in my studying-crazyness-phase) and they look better than anything I ever got at a stylist. Thanks!!
Chris says
Sherdog, is that heart sweater from Old Navy?
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, so comfy!
xo,
s
Chris says
I knew it! I’m in good fashion company. :)
Maggie P. says
Love the bangs!!! They totally suit you. As a gal with blunt bangs and cowlicks, I feel your pain. My stylist actually helped me out, by thinning out the hair near the cowlick. It sounds counterintuitive, but it really helps. Just make sure you snip from underneath (clip back the top half of your bangs, then make a few vertical snips where the cowlick is the heaviest). Less weight under means the top layer of bangs will push everything down.
YoungHouseLove says
Smart!
xo
s
Jess{ly} in Cleveland says
I’m currently in the process of growing out my bangs – but this makes me want to try to bring them back to life! I’m not sure if I’m brave enough to try it myself or if I’ll just go get them trimmed, but I really like the blunt look so if I do decide to keep them, I hope it looks as good on me as it does on you! So cute!