Bangs can be a really good time.

I should know. I’ve legit had every type – long, blunt, shaggy, choppy, baby – and I continue to be a repeat customer. Why? Because I always know exactly what to expect before my stylist cuts them, and IMO, that is the secret sauce for having a healthy relationship with bangs.

But I get that anyone scarred by a bad experience might be feeling triggered. So please hear me out: A super cool fringe is absolutely something you can handle if, like me, you do some prep work. Like I said, it’s all about proactively knowing what you’re getting into, choosing the right kind based on the amount of time you’re willing to spend styling, and then actually learning how to do said styling. Don’t worry, I’m here to help. Consider this a guide to the best bangs of your life.

The Bang Commandments

1. Accept that they’re work

Unless you have curly fringe (and actually want to wear them curly), any style you choose will require *some* effort on your part. Think of bangs like the cat-eye liner of hair – they’ll always take more than two seconds to perfect. 

 2. Clip in before you commit

The easiest way to make sure you love the idea of bangs: Try on a clip-in version (like the ones you see all over Amazon), says celebrity hairstylist Lacy Redway. They obviously won’t blend in to your cut as seamlessly as real bangs would, but you can at least get a feel for what you’d look like. You can also download a hair-makeover app like L’Oréal Paris’s Style My Hair, which lets you upload a pic of yourself and “try on” a bunch of bang styles without even leaving your couch.

3. Don’t be impulsive

“People can be very emotional with their bang cutting,” says Ryan Austin, a stylist at IGK salon in NYC. “Then a week later, they’re like, ‘Oh, I didn’t really want them.’” His advice: Thoroughly think through your decision, then consider getting a lengthier version of your dream bangs. “Longer styles are always the easiest to grow out,” says celeb hairstylist Harry Josh. If you’re happy and ready for more, you can always go shorter.

4. See someone who knows what they’re doing

Once you’re sure, book an appointment with a stylist whose own bangs you like or someone who cuts a friend’s bangs. “Don’t assume everyone is good at ­cutting bangs…because they’re not,” says Josh.

5.  Bring inspo

But just because Rihanna looks beyond with a certain fringe doesn’t mean it’ll work for you. Treat the images you’ve saved on Insta as starting points, then ask your stylist if you have anything, like a cowlick, that would make styling a nightmare. Also, have photos of bangs you don’t like, so your stylist gets your clear vision.

6. Consider the temperature

“Cooler temps allow your bangs to stay the way you styled them,” says Josh. “Plus, you don’t have humidity to fight with on the frizz front.” Of course, he’s not saying you *can’t* get bangs year-round, just that fall (as in, right now!) is a great time.

Hi, so how long does it really take to style bangs?

Baby
Time: 8 minutes. These tiny bbs require multiple steps to style.
What you need: Smoothing serum (try TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Hair Shine Anti-Frizz Serum, Dhs19, pharmacies), a dryer to nix cowlicks, and a comb to set them.

Blunt
Time: 8 minutes. This type must be straight from roots to ends or it loses its cool factor.
In other words: It’s high maintenance.
What you need: A blow-dryer and a mini oval boar-bristle brush for pumping up volume at the root.

A-Shaped
Time: 6 minutes. These come to a point at the middle of your hairline, so they require a thorough blow-dry.
What you need: A dryer, flat iron, and flexible-hold hair spray.

Long
Time: 5 minutes. You’ve gotta do some strategic brush work on these.
What you need: A dryer to blow your bangs downward (so the center section lies flat against your forehead) and a round brush to create a flip at the ends.

Choppy
Time: 3 minutes. They don’t need to be perfect (they’re supposed to look relaxed).
What you need: A dryer and texturizing spray for a lived-in look (try Nexxus  Between Washes Air Lift Dry Texture Finishing Spray, Dhs45, pharmacies).

Shaggy and Curly
Time: 0 minutes. They’re the perfect match for anyone who wants to wear their bangs natural, says Austin.
What you need: Air… from the earth.

Bang Hacks You’ll Actually Use. We do.

“I’ve had bangs for 12 years and it’s become my thing. I love ‘em but they’re pretty high maintenance and I really can’t style them myself for the life of me. Getting a Brazilian Blowout is the best thing I ever did. Now, I just wash and go!”
–Kavita Srinivasan, Editor-in-Chief

“I had bangs a few years ago. The best thing about them? No matter how messy my hair was, all I needed to do was style my bangs and pull my hair up into a pony. And I was good to go!”
–Caitlyn Davey, Head of Content

“I loved my bangs until it was time for the gym and they’d become a sweaty mess. Discovering Nike’s quick-dry headbands totally helped on that front for those intense workouts!”
–Linda Cerminara, Digital Writer