Ask the Problem Solvin Mom - How to trim those bangs!

A friend of mine was bemoaning the cost of her frequent trips to the salon. She has long, side swept bangs that need trimmed almost as soon as she steps out of her stylist's chair. I have the same hairstyle, so I let her in on a little secret of mine - I trim my bangs several times in order to extend the life of my haircut. I enjoy going to the salon, but it's difficult to find the time and the expense adds up quickly.

I walked my friend through the basics of trimming bangs, and thought I'd share my technique with you too.

First, make sure you have some good scissors.
Part your bangs as you would normally.
When in doubt, always err on the long side.
Hold your hair between your pointer and middle finger on your non-dominant hand.
If your bangs are angled, follow the arch of your eyebrow as a guide.
Cut below your fingers, slowly so the hair doesn't move out of the way too much.
When you've cut both sides to the desired length, there is one more finishing step.
Angle your scissors up and slightly out toward the side you are parting toward.
Make little snips from the inside toward the outside just taking a bit off here and there on the way across.
This helps add a bit of texture and covers up any mistakes you might have made.

If you don't have angled bangs, cut all the way across from one side to the other just below the eyebrow. Then make the little snips all in the same direction the same way you would if your bangs were angled.

You're all set, and now you can wait until the rest of your hair needs trimmed to visit your stylist!