Bangs and Summer Tan

Woman with blunt bangs
Photo: Lp Studio/Shutterstock
Q: I was ready to get bangs but I'm not sure anymore. My friend says that it will not be possible to get my bangs trimmed in summer. According to her I will look funny because my forehead will be less tanned where the hair was. Would the uneven skin tone be very noticeable or does skin tan also when it is covered by hair?
 
A: Your friend raises a valid point, but it's definitely not a deal-breaker for getting bangs! The visibility of uneven tanning depends on how deeply tanned your skin gets and how thick or dense your bangs are.
 

How UV Rays Interact with Hair

Most bangs aren't thick enough to completely block UV rays from reaching your forehead. Hair provides minimal protection (often equal to an SPF of under 5), so sun still filters through, especially with lighter, wispier bangs.
 
If you're curious about how noticeable the difference might be, try a simple test. If you already have face-framing layers or longer hair that falls across your forehead, lift it away in good lighting. If there's a significant difference in skin tone where your hair sits, you'll have a good idea of what to expect.
 

Summer Tips for Bangs

If you decide to go for bangs, a few practical considerations will keep your skin looking seamless and healthy:
 
• Sunscreen Application: You still need SPF on your forehead! Hair lets UV rays through, so if you skip the sunscreen you can still end up with uneven spots or sun damage. Apply a lightweight, non-greasy, or matte sunscreen to protect your forehead.
 
• Fixing a Tan Line: If you trim your bangs shorter and notice a light band of skin, facial self-tanning drops or a bit of bronzer easily bridge the gap until your tone evens out naturally.
 
• Hairstyle Options: Talk to your stylist about a curtain fringe or wispy bangs, which allow plenty of light through to keep your skin tone natural. Alternatively, style your bangs back with a headband, clips, or a bandana while sunbathing.
 
• Beat the Heat: Bangs trap heat and sweat against your forehead in the summer. If you're outdoors a lot, you'll probably want to sweep your hair off your face for pure comfort anyway, which naturally lets your forehead catch the sun.
 
The difference between a bandana and a headband
 
Your friend's advice is thoughtful, but you don't have to choose between a hairstyle you love and a summer glow. With a little sunscreen and a quick makeup tweak if needed, you can easily handle both.
 
While we're talking about tanning, remember that any tan is a sign of UV skin damage. Protect your forehead, and the rest of your face, with broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every day, regardless of your hairstyle.
 
©Hairfinder.com
 
See also:
 
How to trim bangs
 
Tips for better bangs
 
Do bangs make you look older?