How to Blow Dry & Straighten Long Bangs to the Side

Co-authored by Steven Waldman

Last Updated: November 11, 2022

Using a Blow Dryer

|

Using a Straightener

|

Air Dry

|

Video

|

Expert Q&A

|

Tips

|

Things You'll Need

Looking for a way to spruce up your side swept bangs? Well, look no further because we've got the easiest ways to style side bangs right here! From blow drying them at an angle to using a straightener, there are multiple ways you can make your long fringe look flawless. Read on to learn what style works best for you.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using a Blow Dryer

1
Pull back your hair. Since you're only working with your bangs, you'll need to keep the rest of your hair out of the way while you're creating your side swept style. Use a comb to separate the rest of your hair from your bangs, then secure it away from your face using a hair clip or elastic band.
2
Get your bangs wet. You can style your bangs when you've just stepped out of the shower or use a spray bottle with water to wet them. Tie back the rest of your hair so you don't get it wet, then spray your bangs with water. Use a towel to pat away the extra moisture.

Advertisement
3
Blow dry your bangs.^{[1]
X
Research source} Wrap your hair around a ceramic round brush and turn it under as you dry it. Using a hotter setting on your hair dryer will result in shiny, straight hair. A lower setting will leave your bangs with more texture.
- As you dry your bangs, comb them in the direction you want them to go. For example, you could comb them to the side or to the front.
- Apply a heat protectant to your hair before you use heat to style it.
- For best results, use a hair dryer with an attachment that focuses the air onto a specific spot. That way you can dry just your bangs.
4
Brush out your bangs. When your bangs are dry, use the brush or a comb to comb through them and give them a little volume. If you'd like, apply a bit of mousse or anti-frizz serum to your hands and run it through your bangs.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Don't use too much serum on your bangs, since this could cause them to look greasy.
- If you want your bangs to lie flat, rather than having volume, don't fluff them up.
5
Sweep your bangs to the side. Use your fingers or the end of a comb to sweep the tips of your bangs to the side. Your bangs will look best if they're swept in the opposite direction of your part.
- If you dried your bangs in the direction you wanted them to go, this will be easier.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using a Straightener

1
Pull back your hair. Use a comb to separate your hair from your bangs, and secure it away from your face with a hair clip or elastic band. Comb your bangs straight forward to prepare them for styling.
- Make sure that your hair is completely dry before you use a hair straightener. If you notice that your have wet spots as you prep your hair, then you need to dry them before straightening.
2
Heat up a straightening iron. Plug in your iron and let it heat thoroughly. Using a higher heat setting will result in a longer-lasting, sleeker look, while a lower heat setting will leave some texture in your hair.
- If you have fine hair, then you should stick to a lower temperature. A good temperature for fine hair is 300 °F (149 °C).
- If you have thick hair, then you may need a higher temperature to get your hair straight.
3
Use the iron to style your bangs. Grasp your bangs at the root with the straightening iron. Slide it down to the tips, pulling your bangs in the direction you want them to sweep and slightly turning your wrist under so your bangs will curve inward against your forehead. Release your bangs from the iron when you reach the tips.
4
Fluff your bangs. Use a comb or your fingers to fluff up your bangs in the direction you want them to sweep. Adding a little volume will make them look more natural.
5
Keep the style in place. Use mousse, hair gel or hairspray to keep your bangs flowing in the right direction.
- If you have curly or wavy hair, then you should stick to hairspray. Mousse or hair gel may cause your hair to return to its natural texture.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Air Dry

1
Pull back your hair. Use a comb to separate your bangs from the rest of your hair. Tie it back from your face with a hair clip or an elastic band so you can concentrate on styling your bangs without the rest of the hair getting in the way.
- This style looks best on straight hair or hair that's layered.
2
Wet your bangs. You can either style them right when you get out of the shower or use a spray bottle filled with water to wet them thoroughly. Pat away the extra moisture with a towel.
3
Smooth your bangs to the side. Sweeping your bangs to the side while they're still wet will help them dry in the direction. Use a comb to smooth your bangs to the side of your forehead opposite your part.
- As your hair dries, continue smoothing it to the side every few minutes. This will train your hair to dry in the correct direction.
- You can apply leave-in conditioner or another product to help your hair stay in place as it dries.
4
Fluff your bangs. Once they have dried, give them a fluff with a comb to add a little volume. Use mousse, hair gel or hairspray to keep your bangs flowing in the right direction all day.
5
Finished.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you tame a cow lick? My bangs are usually fine, but the ends almost always curl up and it looks goofy.

Ashley Adams
Professional Hair Stylist
Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.

Ashley Adams

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

You can tame your cow lick with hair gel or hairspray. After you apply the hair product, use a hair dryer to set it. If you don't want your ends to curl up, you can try to smooth them straight with a straightening iron.
Question

How do I fix sweep side bangs?

Ashley Adams
Professional Hair Stylist
Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.

Ashley Adams

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

First, style them using 1 of the methods above. Then, carry a small or travel-sized comb with you throughout the day so that you can touch up your bangs, as necessary. Make sure that you always comb them in the same direction that you styled them.
Question

When I part my fringe, at the end, it curls up and goes in my eyes. Any tips?

Community Answer

Cut your fringe a bit shorter, even if it's right at the tips where it curls too much. Or try using a mousse or gel to keep them in the right direction and out of your eyes.