How to Grow Out Bangs Without the Awkward Stage: A Hairstylist's Guide
- Margaux Salon
- 3 days ago
- 10 min read
Here's something that might surprise you: growing out bangs typically takes four to six months, and some styles can need up to eight months to reach chin length. That's quite a commitment, isn't it?
We've all been there: that moment when the initial thrill of having a fringe starts to fade, and you're left staring at yourself wondering how on earth you're going to get through the next few months. Your hair grows roughly half an inch each month, which sounds promising until you realise just how long those growing-out stages can feel. Blunt bangs and baby bangs? They're particularly stubborn when it comes to growing out gracefully.
Here's the good news though, you don't have to suffer through this process looking less than your best! We've gathered some really clever ways to help you through this transition. Whether your fringe keeps getting in your eyes or you just want to grow it out without looking like you're having a perpetual bad hair day, we've got your back with tried-and-tested techniques from the salon floor.
This guide covers everything you need to know about keeping your hair healthy whilst it grows, some brilliant styling tricks that'll make those awkward lengths work for you, and strategic cuts that can completely change the game. Trust us – with the right approach, you can look absolutely stunning at every stage of growing out your bangs!
Table of Contents
Understand the Growth Process
Once you know what's actually happening with your fringe as it grows, the whole journey becomes so much more manageable. Understanding the process helps you work with your hair rather than against it during those tricky stages.
How long it takes to grow out bangs
The full journey usually spans three to six months, though your starting point makes a real difference to the timeline. Since hair grows roughly half an inch each month, patience really is key here.
Full fringes need about six months to grow out completely, whilst softer, face-framing styles can blend into your cut in around 8-10 weeks. Curly hair brings its own quirks to the process – your bangs actually grow in loops rather than straight down, which can make the journey feel longer than it actually is.
Different types of bangs and their grow-out challenges
Your fringe style makes a huge difference to how smoothly things go. Blunt bangs and baby bangs are honestly the trickiest to grow out. They're just so short to start with that you can't really style them any other way whilst you're waiting.
Softer styles like curtain bangs or layered fringes are much kinder during the grow-out. They naturally connect with the face-framing bits of your haircut, so the transition feels smoother and less obvious.
Curly fringes can be a bit unpredictable – they're sometimes easier to blend as they grow, but cowlicks and stubborn partings can make styling a real challenge during this phase.
Why the awkward stage happens
That dreaded awkward phase usually kicks in around 4-6 weeks into growing out and hangs around until your bangs reach a workable length. Your fringe keeps changing how it sits and frames your face, and let's be honest, not every length is going to be flattering.
This is exactly why growing out a fringe has such a reputation for being difficult. Your bangs start falling in your eyes, poking out of ponytails, and generally refusing to cooperate with your styling efforts.
The worst bit typically happens when your bangs have grown about 1-2 inches from where they started, this is peak frustration territory when they're hardest to style and seem determined to do their own thing.
Keep Your Hair Healthy and Growing
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Your hair's health makes all the difference when you're growing out a fringe. Healthy hair not only grows more quickly, but it also looks so much better during those tricky in-between stages. Let's talk about the best ways to keep your hair in brilliant condition throughout this journey.
Use deep conditioning treatments
Proper nourishment really is the secret to growing out your bangs beautifully. Hairstylist Elidona Pjetraj recommends keeping up with regular salon treatments alongside your home care routine. Weekly deep conditioning masks work wonders for keeping your hair properly hydrated. Well-nourished hair simply grows faster.
Want to get the most from your treatments? Try applying conditioning masks to dry hair and leave them on overnight. Shea oil-based masks are particularly lovely because they restore moisture whilst rebuilding your hair's keratin structure, which is exactly what you need for healthy growth.
Avoid heat damage and over-styling
Too much heat styling can really slow down your progress. Heat breaks down keratin—that's the protein your hair is made from — which leads to thinning and breakage. When you do need to style your growing fringe, always use a heat protectant spray first.
Dry shampoo becomes your best friend during this phase. It saves you loads of styling time, which means less heat damage and better growth. Remember, you want to nurture your growing bangs, not stress them out with constant manipulation.
Trim strategically to maintain shape
This might sound backwards, but regular trims are actually essential for growing out your fringe successfully. Small trims every 4-6 weeks prevent split ends without taking away precious length. Your stylist can trim just between your eyebrows or use thinning shears to add texture and reduce bulk.
These careful snips help your fringe grow out whilst blending naturally with the rest of your hair, making the whole transition much smoother.
Eat a balanced diet for hair health
What you eat has a real impact on how your hair grows. Hair is basically made of keratin protein, so make sure you're getting enough protein from eggs, fish, and lean meats.
Iron deficiency can cause significant hair loss, so include plenty of iron-rich foods like red meat, lentils, and spinach in your meals. Omega-3 fatty acids from salmon and walnuts keep both your scalp and hair well-hydrated.
Zinc deserves a mention too. Not getting enough can leave you with a dry, flaky scalp and hair loss. Wholegrains and fortified cereals are great for maintaining healthy zinc levels.
Style Your Way Through the Awkward Stage
This is where things get exciting! Styling becomes your best mate when you're dealing with those tricky in-between lengths. Rather than seeing this phase as something to endure, let's turn it into a chance to play around with looks you might never have tried before.
Use headbands and scarves to hide bangs
Headbands are absolutely brilliant during the grow-out process – honestly, they're lifesavers! Whether you go for classic arched styles, fabric headbands, scarves, or bandanas, these accessories do double duty by keeping wayward bits in check whilst protecting your growing lengths. Here's a little trick: pop the headband a few inches back from your forehead, then gently push it forward to create a lovely quiff effect that looks completely intentional.
Try braids and twists to keep bangs in place
Braiding or twisting your fringe works wonders for blending those shorter pieces with the longer ones. A side braid starting from your hairline gives you such a polished finish, or you could try two mini braids behind your fringe and then weave the front sections through. These techniques are fantastic for taming stubborn growing bangs whilst adding some really lovely detail to your whole look.
Create volume with blow-drying techniques
Your round brush is going to become your new favourite tool for redirecting growing bangs. Part your hair down the middle, wrap one side around the brush, and blow-dry away from your face. This simple trick lifts everything just enough to keep hair out of your eyes whilst giving you gorgeous extra volume. Want even more lift? Direct the airflow to sweep your fringe sideways or back towards your crown.
Experiment with side parts and curtain bangs
A dramatic side part can completely transform a straight-across blunt fringe into something much more forgiving. Train your bangs by blow-drying them in whichever direction you fancy – this helps set the shape nicely. Curtain bangs are particularly versatile here because they look lovely with both centre and side parts, always framing your face beautifully no matter which way you style them.
Use bobby pins and clips creatively
Here's a pro tip: always insert bobby pins with the wavy side against your scalp for the best grip. Give your fringe a light mist of hairspray, sweep it to one side, then secure with pins. Feeling a bit more adventurous? Arrange some colourful clips or pretty barrettes along your hairline for a trendy touch that's both practical and stylish.
Try slicked-back styles for a polished look
Sometimes you want something really sophisticated, and that's where slicked-back styles come in handy. Work some gel, wax, or pomade through your fringe, use a boar bristle brush for that super-smooth finish, then gather everything into a ponytail or bun. This look works beautifully whether you wear it high or low, and it's perfect for those days when your growing fringe just won't cooperate any other way.
Get a Haircut That Helps
Sometimes the best solution is the most obvious one – a strategic haircut can completely change your growing-out game. The right cut doesn't just hide those awkward stages; it actually makes them look intentional and stylish.
Ask for face-framing layers
Face-framing layers are honestly your best friend when you're growing out a fringe. These clever cuts create such a smooth transition between your growing bangs and the rest of your hair, whilst adding lovely movement and texture throughout. When you're chatting with your stylist, ask for layers that begin around your cheekbones or chin, depending on where your fringe currently sits. These layers will beautifully frame your face and completely disguise any harsh lines from your outgrown bangs.
Blend bangs into a shag or bob
A textured bob or shaggy cut works absolute wonders for those mid-length bangs that seem impossible to style. The choppy, layered texture of these cuts means your growing fringe just melts into the rest of your hair naturally. If you've got looser waves, your stylist might use razor or point-cutting techniques to enhance that gorgeous movement. Those with tighter curls often find dry-cutting works better, as it lets the shape fall just right. What's brilliant about these styles is they turn your grow-out phase into something that looks completely deliberate and fashionable.
Transition to curtain bangs
Curtain bangs are absolutely perfect for the growing-out process. This style starts shorter in the centre and gets longer towards the sides, creating that lovely curtain effect around your face. The beauty of curtain bangs is that your stylist can keep adapting the cut as your fringe grows, maintaining that flattering shape throughout the process. They grow out so much more subtly than blunt styles because they naturally blend into face-framing layers. Plus, they suit practically everyone, regardless of hair texture or face shape.
Consult a stylist for texturising tips
Professional texturising can make such a difference to how your fringe grows out. Have a chat with your stylist about using thinning shears to lighten and soften your bangs. When the tips are textured, they fall much more naturally and gradually start to take on that curtain bang shape or blend into face-framing layers. Your stylist's expertise becomes really valuable here – they can suggest exactly where to add texture based on your specific hair type, face shape, and how much time you want to spend styling each morning.
Conclusion
Growing Out Your Fringe: Embrace the Journey
You know what? Growing out your fringe really doesn't have to feel like a battle you're destined to lose. Sure, it takes a few months, but we've shared plenty of ways to make this whole experience work for you rather than against you.
The key thing to remember is that patience really is everything here. Your hair's going to do its own thing at its own pace, but that doesn't mean you have to sit there feeling helpless whilst you wait. With the right care and some clever tricks up your sleeve, each stage can actually look intentional and polished.
What we've found makes the biggest difference is getting the right cut. Those face-framing layers, textured styles, and curtain bangs? They're absolute lifesavers when it comes to making your growing fringe look like a deliberate choice rather than an accident. And don't forget about accessories – they're brilliant for those days when your hair just won't play ball.
The thing about hair journeys is they're never completely smooth sailing. Some mornings you'll wake up and everything will fall perfectly into place. Other days, you'll need to get a bit more creative. That's completely normal, and honestly, it's often those challenging days that lead you to discover new styles you end up loving.
What we really want you to take away from this is that every stage of growing out your fringe is worth appreciating. This isn't just about getting from point A to point B – it's about discovering what works for you, building confidence with new looks, and maybe even finding some go-to styles that stick around long after your fringe has grown out.
Whether you're just starting this journey or you're nearly at the end, remember that you've got all the tools you need to look fantastic throughout. Hair should be fun, not stressful. Make this transition work for you, try new things, and enjoy the process. Before you know it, you'll be looking back wondering what all the fuss was about!
FAQs
Q1. How long does it typically take to grow out bangs? Growing out bangs usually takes between four to six months, though it can vary depending on your starting length and hair growth rate. On average, hair grows about half an inch per month.
Q2. What are some styling tricks to manage bangs during the awkward growing-out phase? Try using headbands or scarves to hide bangs, create braids or twists to keep them in place, or experiment with side parts and curtain bangs. Bobby pins and hair clips can also be used creatively to style growing bangs.
Q3. Should I get regular trims while growing out my bangs? Yes, scheduling small trims every 4-6 weeks is recommended. This helps prevent split ends without sacrificing length and ensures your fringe grows out while blending seamlessly into the rest of your hair.
Q4. What type of haircut can help during the grow-out process? Ask your stylist for face-framing layers, which can help integrate growing bangs into your overall hairstyle. A shaggy bob or textured cut can also work well for blending mid-length bangs into a cohesive style.
Q5. How can I keep my hair healthy while growing out bangs? Use deep conditioning treatments regularly, avoid excessive heat styling, and maintain a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. These steps will promote healthy hair growth and improve the overall appearance of your hair during the grow-out process.