Bangs are a classic accouterments in any girl’s hairstyle repertoire, but we tend to associate them with the younger set. The question before us today is: Can bangs work on people over 30 as well? We’re here to answer that question and some related FAQs.

How Do You Keep Hair Looking Thick?

While some women have all the luck and keep those lustrous locks well into the golden years, most of us start to experience thinning hair in our 20s. While bangs can be cute, they also diminish the overall thickness of your hair, so you have to make them count. Don’t get bangs unless you’re willing to commit: a thinner fringe just highlights the overall issue, so make sure to go thick or go home.

Photo by GREG KANTRA

What Constitutes “Too Young”?

While it’s up to you to rock whatever style you prefer, it’s wiser to go for a side-swept or peicey effect rather than a straight-across cut. Blunt bangs down to the eyebrows really are a younger look, so stay clear.

Gray and Bangs: Does It Work?

The short answer is absolutely. Stars like Helen Mirren and Judy Dench prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that bangs and gray can be a match made in heaven. Younger stars go silver on purpose, while middle-aged actors such as Julianne Moore and Charlize Theron have been spotted with grays on display. If you’re graying and prefer to avoid the dye, you still don’t have to hold back from the fringe.

Photo by Elijah Henderson

Bangs and Dye

Hair dye – especially if you have to bleach your hair first to get it to take – is known for being rough on cuticles and causing split ends. If you dye your hair, be sure to do so before you chop your bangs. That way, resulting damage can be cleaned up and you can avoid frazzle on the front of your face.

The long and short of it? There’s no reason to steer clear of bangs, even if you are heading into the middle years. Not every style will work for your face and personal aesthetic, though, which is where your stylist comes in. Head to a salon and consult before you do the chop, and you’ll be much likelier to love the look.

 

Header photo by Demondrie Rodgers on Unsplash.