Last Thursday I posted an image on my Facebook page of my Mother and I at Christmas when I was a child. I think I must have been about three years old and I had my signature heavy fringe hairstyle. In Australia we call those bits you cut at the front of your hair “Fringes” not “Bangs”, but for the sake of this global audience I’ve included both terms.

Anyway, throughout most of my childhood I sported this look, and I wasn’t until I was sixteen that I grew them out, preferring the Morticia Addams look. I cut them in once again at about nineteen when I desperately wanted a Pulp Fiction hair cut, (not a wise choice for someone with thick naturally curly hair), and then again when I was pregnant with baby number one. Those two most recent time I came to the conclusion that it just wasn’t for me, but I know realise that other factors were at play in my dislike of the look. (The lack of a straightening iron and a very puffy face). So I decided to play around again last week.

About twelve months ago, I popped out to the shops to make the purchase of a synthetic (and therefore inexpensive) set of faux bangs. For $14 I purchased my jet black fringe and headed home to see what I could do with it.

Out of the packet they are very long, generally with an inverted ‘U’ shape. Never wear them straight out of the packet. Instead the best way to get a feel for what you want is to try them on.

Try different positions for the base, making sure it is back far enough to secure properly into your own hair; I like to secure mine right at the top. Then have a bit of a play with it uncut, to determine the ideal length for your face. Now while I advise seeing a hairdresser to do the next bits, this is something  that, as a hairstylist, I did myself.

Once I had tied my own hair securely out of the way so there was no chance of accidentally cutting any stray pieces, I securely clipped the fringe into the position I wanted the base to start. Then I cut in the ‘U’ shape I wanted. However, all these fringe (or bang) pieces are very flat, not giving the bounce I’d like. Being synthetic, they don’t advise heat styling, but I was prepared to risk my $14 to test this out for you.

Using my curling wand set to the low temperature of 115 degrees celcius, I curled the piece to get just enough lift and bounce. I allowed plenty of time for the heat to penetrate and handled it with care.

The overall results are fantastic! In fact I’ve been so happy with how these turned out, looking natural and bouncy, I’m very tempted to cut it into my real hair! Still, I like the versatility of having my hair in this long midi as it makes it better for creating tutorials for you.

But what do you think, like it?

And for those who asked on social media, heck yes faux bangs are a legit thing! Have fun with your hair!