To Bang or Not to Bang?
BEAUTY
Victoria Guillou
10/21/2024
© Colonne / Pinterest
I’ve found myself in a situation I’ve encountered multiple times before. It’s Sunday morning, the kind where the sun tries to break through the clouds but ends up just feeling confused, much like my emotional state. I’m bored—probably in my luteal phase—and suddenly, a familiar wave of self-loathing washes over me. The reflection in the mirror is hideous to my eyes, and the only logical conclusion is this: I should cut my own bangs. Like it’s a miraculous idea sent from the hair gods themselves.
So, armed with a pair of scissors and a cocktail of desperation and creativity, I dive in. The result? A bold statement, or rather, a poorly executed statement. But I love it! In my post-haircut euphoria, I manage to style it perfectly—a miracle in itself. I strut around the apartment like I’m a runway model, convinced that I’m the epitome of cool. But come Monday morning, as I step into my bathroom, reality crashes in. I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, and with that horrifying thought—“Why the hell did I do this?”—I realize the truth: I’ve signed myself up for a four-month waiting period until I can grow out this accidental fringe.
Are you familiar with this hair dilemma? I thought so. Because here’s the kicker: my bangs have fully grown out, yet I still find myself drawn to the idea of chopping them off again. It begs the question—why are we so irresistibly attracted to bangs?
The Allure of Bangs
Bangs are like a siren call, luring us in with promises of transformation and reinvention. They’re a beauty chameleon, capable of evoking the sultry, edgy vibe of Brigitte Bardot or the quirky charm of Zooey Deschanel. Bangs have the magical ability to frame our faces and make us feel like we’ve stepped into an entirely different persona. It’s as if with one snip, we can redefine who we are or at least how we feel about ourselves in that moment.
The Commitment Factor
But let’s not sugarcoat it: bangs require commitment. Regular trims, the daily styling ritual, and the sheer horror of a bad haircut can leave us feeling like we’ve just walked out of a horror film. There’s nothing quite like the panic of that in-between stage, where we’re left wondering why we didn’t heed the wisdom of our friends who said, “Just don’t do it!” And yet, the growing-out phase brings its own trials. I once believed that waiting for my bangs to grow out was akin to watching paint dry—agonizing and full of regret. All the while, I’m left grappling with the question: why did I think bangs would solve my existential crisis?
The Cycle of Bangs
Despite the trials, I find myself in this cyclical relationship with bangs. They embody the kind of whimsical charm that beckons to my soul, a siren song whispering, “Just one more time!” And there’s something enchanting about that moment of impulsive transformation, even if it ends in hair-raising regret. Perhaps it’s the notion of change we crave—the ability to reinvent ourselves at a moment’s notice. Or maybe it’s a touch of nostalgia, longing for the carefree days of youth when we believed we could change the world with a fresh haircut.
A Final Thought
In the end, whether you choose to embrace the fringe or let it go, remember this: hair grows back, and sometimes the best adventures arise from a little chaos. So, the next time you find yourself staring at your reflection, pondering the allure of bangs, just know you’re not alone. We’ve all been there, contemplating a little snip that could lead to a big change. And who knows? Maybe this time, it’ll be the haircut of your dreams—or at the very least, a story worth telling.