by Susan Quilty

Created on: December 29, 2008   Last Updated: August 14, 2010

Audrey Hepburn could pull off a super-short fringe, but most women are unhappy with very short bangs. Sometimes they come from an experiment at a salon, but more often shorter than intended bangs are the result of an at-home trim. Luckily, there are many ways to deal with short bangs until they grow out.

The best way to deal with bangs that are too short will depend on the rest of the hairstyle. Some options may work better than others. It could take two to four weeks for bangs to grow out, so it's worth trying a few different tricks in the meantime.

Headbands and Scarves

Scarves and headbands are great for pulling back short bangs. They come in a variety of eye-catching colors and styles which will draw attention away from cropped forelocks. Wide fabric bands look great when the rest of the hair is left down. Thin plastic or metal headbands work well with ponytails or updos.

Bobby Pins and Hair Clips

Pull short bangs off to the side and secure them with bobby pins or small decorative hair clips. Using some gel or other styling products can help give a smooth, sleak look. Simple bobby pins can be stylish, especially when doubled in parallel lines or criss crossed. Decorative bobby pins and clips can add even more style.

Hats

Having really short bangs is a great excuse to try wearing hats. Simple bucket hats look great with many mid or long length styles. Newsboy hats and beanies are great casual options and wide brim hats are fun in the summer or for more formal occasions.

Thicker Bangs

For thin bangs, it might be possible to have some more, longer bangs cut and blended it with the short ones. The result will be thicker bangs, but they will camouflage the shorter bangs while they grow in.

Once the bangs have grown back in, it is time to prevent the same mistake in the future. If the bangs were a result of an experiment, it's easy enough to learn not to try that style again. If the short bangs came from an at-home trim, consider these tips:

1. Have a trusted stylist cut your bangs. Bangs often need trimming in between haircuts and it's tempting to trim them at home to save money. Many salons offer in between bang trims for very reasonable prices. Some stylists even offer free bang trims for regular clients. (Although, it's still appropriate to tip for the service.)

2. Be clear when talking to stylists. Explain exactly how long the bangs should be cut, such as no shorter than the eyebrows. Asking for an all over trim without specifying the length of the bangs can result in some mistakes.

3. When trimming at home, use sharp hair scissors and do not pull on the hair to hold it in place. Hair is elastic and it will spring up shorter as soon as the scissors have finished cutting. Remember that wet hair will dry shorter as well. Try trimming bangs when they are dry, working slowly and stepping back often to see the results.

Most women have suffered through too-short bangs at one time or another. Be patient while the hair grows out and it will look better than ever in no time.

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