Are Bangs Only for Women Under 30?
Sunday July 29, 2007
I'm pretty obsessed with bangs right now and the more blunt, the better. After all, my hairdresser, Antonio, recently gave me bangs and every single friend commented on how amazing they are, with a couple saying I should never go again without them. So it was with much eye-rolling that I read last Thursday's New York Times article on the controversial bang trend. Among some of the more annoying points: That bangs don't belong on women over age 30 (tell that to actress Jennifer Garner, left, age 35), that women who wear them are basically screaming, "I will steal your husband," that women who want bangs must be on their period or newly single. Gimme a break. Bangs look amazing on some face shapes, yet are unflattering on others. I love my bangs because they cover my IMAX forehead, help balance out my 5'10'' frame and shorten my otherwise long face. It has absolutely nothing to do with the status of my love life or age. But I thought I'd share the article with you along with the New York Times' primer on how to cut your own bangs so you guys can weigh in with your own opinions.
Photo of Jennifer Garner on July 25, 2007, by Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Comments
thanks
I know how you feel…only I’m 12. lol. I have a long face like you, and I’m going to be getting side-swept banks like Ashley Tisdale soon to shorten my face. And can you post a picture of you with bangs? I don’t know about everyone else, but if your friends are raving about it, I’d LOVE to see it! Thanks!
Wow! I had no idea that anyone put so much emotional investment into bangs as the people in that article. Since when did bangs become controversial!
I have bangs and it’s simply because I like the look, not because I was on my period or want to steal someone’s husband. I’m actually in my mid-20’s, but I see no reason why older women (and 30’s is by no means old) shouldn’t wear bangs. I say, go with what looks/works best.
Wow! That article is crazy!! Bangs are so in right now, any kind. I currently have swoopy bangs and I love them. I trim them myself (and I’ve always been sober when I do it). I also never worry about eyebrow acne or whatever it was. Seriously weird article.
What a ridiculous article. I have a thick, semi-blunt fringe, and I couldn’t possibly care less whether it’s in style or not. I have had bangs my entire life because it suits my long face shape and tall body (5′10″) and because I think it complements my big green eyes.
The part about bangs taking more time in the morning is absurd, probably written by some jealous, bangless woman who has to wash and blowdry her entire head of hair every single morning. I can put my hair in a ponytail, then wash my bangs in the sink, blow them dry… and voila! In five minutes’ time, my hair looks as fresh and beautiful as the woman who spent half an hour.
And eyebrow acne?! If your hair is so oily that you get acne from your hair just touching your face, then yeah, perhaps you shouldn’t have bangs. Or is that acne coming from your hands constantly touching your face, brushing your bangs aside? Anyone with acne issues should know to keep her germy hands off her face.
I love my bangs, and the look must suit me because I get compliments on my hair all the time.
And by the way, I’m 32.
Good grief! I had no idea bangs could cause such controversy, and surely never imagined anyone saw me as a husband steeler or worse. haha. I’ve had bangs in one form or another since I was a kid, and I still do, kinda like Goldie Hawn or Julie Christie style, and I surely don’t think I look like I’m trying to look young. AT least I hope I don’t. I’m a young looking 55, but I don’t think my bangs have anything to do with it, and never even considered it until now. How interesting. What a hoot. I wouldn’t feel comfortable any other way, and no I’m not stuck in a time warp. I’ve always kept up with the styles, but just always kept the bangs thing.
Great stuff, now I don’t have to go to the salon on a regular basis to get my bangs sniped. Bangs are great no matter your age, if it looks good and you feel confident keep them, after all there is no "rule book"stating you cannot have bangs after 30. No matter if you have a fabulous short
haircut, medium hairstyle or long hair bangs are gorgeous.
I agree with this article 100%! I too have a slightly long face, and prominent nose. I went with no bangs for years, but as soon as I cut them, I realized how much it softened my features, and made me look so much more feminine. I’ll never go without them again. Long live the bangs!
Gosh–I have bangs and I’ll be 33 in a few weeks! I certainly don’t want to look like I’m trying to not “act my age. ” lol.
IMAX forehead, my bottom! You look lovely — with or without bangs.
What a load of cobblers that NYT article is. People should wear their hair any way they want, depending on what they like.
I have worn bangs all my life. When I try to take them away, friends all say it isn’t me!
Thanks for the link V. Elisha Cuthbert has a great hairdo on it – with bangs. Very cute.
Hair can hide a multitude of sins … *including bangs*. Cute, fun, young. If you have oily skin … not sure.
The only things that are “in style” are those that look good on you; (which include bangs.);the rest are just “fads”…wait until next season, they’ll change again!!
Beyond obnoxious. Really. Once you are over 40, you choose what looks best on you, not what somebody thinks your “fashion statement” states. Happy growing up to the author.
Gee, I’m 72… Been wearing bangs forever, and will continue to do so. I feel like you fix your self accordingly to how you feel about your self.(:-)
I think bangs are fine if you like them. I have the oily t zone problem and can’t do them without forehead and eyebrow zits… the combination skin issue. When I had bangs the oily t zone forehead/eyebrows made my bangs dirty really fast, without my touching them at all. And the zit issue was a problem. Now, I have no bangs and no pimples at all. Stylewise, if it looks good on you, do it. There are no rules.
gee, i’m 52. I use my bangs to hide my wrinkled high forehead.
Wow! I am 54 and just got some bangs..didn’t realize there was an age limit. Guess you have to do what makes you feel good and the heck with narrow minded individuals!
Now, this is why I don’t read fashion magazines and whatnot…they haven’t seen my face or body!