Make sure your hair is completely dry. [2] X Expert Source Yan KandkhorovHair Stylist Expert Interview. 28 January 2020. Cutting wet hair won’t give you the accuracy you need because wet hair dries shorter and to a different shape. Tie the rest of your hair back to keep it out of the way.

Some people use the bottom of their nose as a reference point. Others prefer a longer length and use the middle of their lips as a reference point. If you’re uncertain, start with a longer length. You can always take off more hair, but you can’t put it back once it’s cut.

Once your hair is cut, it will fall to the other, correct side of your face with a sweeping downward angle.

Special styling shears will give you the best results, as they’re sharper and designed for cutting hair. Otherwise, make do with a sharp pair of regular scissors. [7] X Research source

Cutting at an angle would remove chunks of hair and change the shape of your bangs; make sure to keep the scissors straight and vertical.

Razor-cutting extremely coarse hair might not be your best bet, as it can cause split ends.

Make small up-and-down movements as you cut. [17] X Research source Some confident stylists use longer, sweeping motions, but it’s safer to take your time if you’re new to cutting bangs. Keep your fingers out of the way by sliding them down your hair as you cut. Styling razors are extremely sharp, so be careful. Most professional stylists like to wet down bangs before cutting with a razor, as a razor can tug on dry hair. However, it’s easier for beginners to get the length they want if they cut their bangs dry, since wet hair will shorten as it dries.

Remember that you’re trying to remove bulk, not length, so don’t apply a lot of pressure on the razor.

Remember, you can always trim shorter, but you can’t add length once the hair is cut. Take your time. Remove excess bulk by lightly grazing the blade downward over small pieces of hair, starting about 1 inch (2. 54 cm) above the end of your bangs.

Starting with freshly washed and dried hair makes the curls easier to separate.

Dry-cutting curly hair is recommended because the curls shrink a lot once they dry. [24] X Research source It’s also easier to identify and separate ringlets when your hair is dry.

To decide how short to cut, think about how you plan to wear your hair. Do you want diagonal bangs that rest mainly on your forehead, or do you want them to be long enough to sweep behind your ear? For shorter diagonal bangs, make your shortest curl even with the bottom of your eyebrows. For longer side bangs that blend into long hair, make the shortest curl even with the bridge of your nose. [26] X Research source When in doubt, opt for longer bangs. You can always shorten them later.

Wear your new diagonal bangs for a day or two, then wash your hair before deciding whether to shorten your bangs further. You’ll have a better idea of how your bangs naturally lay if you live with them for a few days first. [28] X Research source