Bangs and Summer Tan

Woman with blunt cut 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 concern, but it's definitely not a deal-breaker for getting bangs. The visibility of uneven tanning depends on several factors, including how deeply tanned the rest of your skin becomes and how thick or dense your bangs are.
 
Here's the thing about hair and sun exposure: most bangs aren't thick enough to completely block UV rays from reaching your forehead. Hair provides some protection, but it's not like wearing a hat or applying sunscreen. The sun can still filter through, especially with lighter, wispier styles. Additionally, your hair itself can actually lighten from UV exposure.
 
If you're curious about how noticeable the difference might be, here's a simple test you can try. If you already have some sort of fringe or longer hair that falls across your forehead, take a look in the mirror under good lighting and lift that hair away from your face. If there's a significant difference in skin tone where your hair typically sits, then you'll have a pretty good idea of what to expect with bangs.
 
But honestly, even if you don't currently have bangs, this shouldn't stop you from getting the style you want. When you visit your stylist, just mention your concerns about summer tanning. They can work with you to create a bangs style that's more wispy or textured, which allows more light to filter through to your forehead. Alternatively, you could go with whatever bangs style you love most and simply plan to pull them back with a headband, hair clips, or a bandana when you're spending time in the sun.
 
The difference between a bandana and a headband
 
Think about it this way: most style choices require some kind of compromise or adjustment. Wearing a headband or other hair accessory while you're outdoors really isn't much of a sacrifice, especially considering that many people find bangs actually make them feel hotter in summer weather anyway. If you're going to be outside a lot, you'll probably want to keep your hair off your face for comfort regardless of the tanning situation.
 
Your friend's argument, while thoughtful, seems to overlook the fact that there are plenty of practical solutions to this problem. You shouldn't have to choose between the hairstyle you want and enjoying summer activities. With a little planning and the right accessories, you can have both.
 
One more important thing to keep in mind: while we're talking about achieving an even tan, it's worth remembering that any tanning involves skin damage from UV radiation. This damage accumulates over time, and many people who spent their teens and twenties pursuing the perfect tan find themselves dealing with premature aging, sun spots, and increased skin cancer risk later in life. Whatever you decide about your bangs, please make sure you're protecting your skin with sunscreen and limiting your UV exposure. Your future self will thank you for being thoughtful about sun safety now.
 
©Hairfinder.com
 
See also:
 
How to trim bangs
 
Tips for better bangs
 
Do bangs make you look older?