Bangs Cut Too Short

Unhappy girl with bangs that are too short
 
Q: Why does my hairdresser always cut my bangs too short? I consistently ask for bangs that at least cover my eyebrows, but every single time she cuts them way shorter than I request. Is cutting bangs really that difficult, or is she just not skilled enough to cut hair properly?
 
A: This is frustrating, and you're absolutely right to feel annoyed about it. It honestly sounds like your hairdresser isn't listening to your requests, but let's dig deeper into what might be happening here and figure out how to solve this problem once and for all.
 
First, consider how long you've been seeing this particular hairdresser. If your desire for longer bangs is a relatively recent change after years of shorter bangs, your hairdresser might be operating on autopilot. She sees you sit down in her chair and automatically defaults to the way she's always cut your hair, essentially going through the motions without really processing your new instructions.
 
This kind of habitual cutting is surprisingly common in the hair industry. Your stylist might be so focused on replicating what she's done before that your verbal requests aren't fully registering. She could genuinely believe she's giving you what you want because in her mind, she's cutting your bangs the "right" way based on your previous appointments.
 
Now, here's an important question: have you directly addressed this issue with your hairdresser? Communication is absolutely crucial in the stylist-client relationship. Before she even picks up her scissors, you need to be crystal clear about exactly what you want. Don't just say "leave my bangs longer". Be specific. Tell her you want them to hit right at your eyebrow line or even specify that you'd prefer them slightly below your eyebrows so there's room for error.
 
Equally important is what happens after the cut. If she cuts your bangs too short again, you absolutely must speak up immediately. Don't just smile politely and leave the salon feeling disappointed. Say something like, "This isn't what I asked for - I specifically wanted them longer to cover my eyebrows." Many clients feel uncomfortable being direct about their dissatisfaction, but constructive feedback helps stylists improve their service.
 
Neck-length bob with long bangs
Image: AI illustration
Here's the thing about not addressing problems right away: your silence can actually enable the pattern to continue. If you don't clearly communicate that you're unhappy with the results, your hairdresser might think you're satisfied with the cut. She could even think she's giving you exactly what you want, especially if you've been coming back appointment after appointment without saying anything negative about the length.
 
As a paying customer and especially as a regular client, you have every right to expect that your preferences will be heard and respected. Your hairdresser's success depends on client satisfaction, and part of being a good stylist means adapting to each client's individual needs and desires, even when those preferences change over time.
 
My advice is to have a straightforward conversation before your next appointment even begins. Mention it when you arrive, before she starts working on your hair. You might say something like, "I want to address something that's been happening with my bangs. I've been asking for them to be left longer - specifically to cover my eyebrows - but they keep getting cut much shorter than I request. I'm hoping we can get this right today, but I wanted to make sure we're on the same page before we start."
 
If the problem persists despite clear communication, it might be time to consider whether this stylist is the right fit for you. A skilled hairdresser should be able to adapt his or her technique to meet your specific requests, especially for something as straightforward as bangs length. While cutting bangs does require precision and skill, following a client's clear instructions about length is a fundamental part of the job.
 
You're investing your time and money in these salon visits, and you deserve to leave feeling happy with your hair. Don't feel guilty about advocating for yourself or seeking out a stylist who will listen to and respect your preferences. The right hairdresser will work with you to achieve the look you want, not impose their own vision of what he or she thinks looks best.
 
©Hairfinder.com
 
See also:
 
How to cut bangs
 
Why hairdressers never do what you want
 
Why do hairdressers always cut your hair too short?