The transitional period of being mid-bang-grow-out is its own special kind of torture. You have your eyes on a fringeless future within reach, but when it feels so close and yet so far, it’s all too easy to reach for the scissors again.

But what we should be doing is using this slightly awkward hair phase as an opportunity to have some fun and experiment with our look.

Toni & Guy global creative director, Cos Sakkas, tells Stylist that, while he’s a big bangs fan, “growing out a fringe is a great transition period to explore new styles, experiment with different looks and discover the versatility of your hair. If you ask me, bangs are bang-on trend at the moment. And whether they’re worn swept to the side, pinned back or left to flow freely, you can have so much fun experimenting with them.”

Accessorise

Darren Fowler, Kérastase expert and founder of Fowler35, says: “During the awkward in-between stages, accessories can be your best friend. Headbands, hair clips and bobby pins can help keep bangs off your face and add a stylish flair to your look. Experiment with different styles to find what works best for you.”

Side-swept fringe

“As your bangs grow longer,” says Fowler, “consider transitioning to side-swept bangs. This versatile style frames the face beautifully and helps blend the growing bangs seamlessly into the rest of your hair. And changing up your parting can instantly refresh your look and give your growing bangs a new direction.”

Butterfly bangs

“A trend that’s great for growing them out is butterfly bangs,” says Sakkas, who’s the current reigning British Hairdresser of the Year. “A layered fringe that’s feathered and blends together lots of different lengths.”

Texturise

“Adding texture to your bangs can help camouflage any unevenness as they grow out,” explains Fowler. “Ask your stylist for soft layers or face-framing pieces to add movement and dimension.”

Get regular trims

Fowler says: “Growing out bangs takes time, so patience is essential. Embrace the process and resist the urge to trim them too frequently. Instead, opt for regular trims to keep the rest of your hair healthy while your bangs catch up.”

Image: Getty