How To Style Braided Bangs

Braided bangs create a soft, face-framing detail without requiring a full fringe. The style works best with hair that is long enough to braid along the front hairline, including hair with no bangs or longer bangs. Small braids can also make different tones and highlights in the hair more noticeable. If your bangs are too short to join the braid comfortably, a braided crown can offer a similar look.

How to Style Braided Bangs

Before you begin, choose the side where you want the part and decide how you plan to wear the rest of your hair. A side ponytail or bun both work well with the braid continuing past the ear. If your hair is fine, bringing a little extra hair forward from the part can give you more to work with.

1. Create a deep side part. Part your hair well to one side. For fine hair, bring some of the parted section forward so it can be included in the braid.
2. Divide the starting section. At the part, take a small section of hair and split it into three even strands.
3. Braid along the hairline. Begin a loose French braid, adding hair as you work across the front of your head just below the hairline. Keep the braid relaxed rather than pulling it tightly against the scalp.
4. Continue past the ear. Once the braid reaches your ear, braid the remaining length normally. This extra length can be gathered into a side ponytail or incorporated into a bun.
5. Adjust and finish. Gently comb the surrounding hair downward to help settle the braid into a bang-like position. Smooth any loose strands, then arrange the rest of your hair as desired.

Tips for a Neat, Comfortable Finish

• Keep the braid close to the front hairline so it frames your face.
• Use small, even sections as you add hair; this helps the braid look consistent.
• Avoid pulling too firmly, especially around the hairline, to keep the style comfortable.
• If short bangs slip out, try a braided crown instead of forcing them into the braid.

Finishing and Wearing the Style

A side ponytail is one simple way to finish braided bangs, but the braid can also be paired with a bun or another preferred hairstyle. Once the basic technique feels familiar, adjust the braid’s looseness and placement to suit your hair and the look you want. Check the braid from the front and sides, then smooth flyaways for a tidy finish.

For the best result, start with a side part and braid only as far as your hair length allows without discomfort. With these steps, braided bangs can add a subtle, practical detail to an everyday hairstyle.

— Emma