Bangs with Volume

Long brown hair with bangs
Photo: Orel Photo/Shutterstock
Q: I have wavy/curly hair and bangs. For a while I'd been straightening them, and then using a curling iron to give them a bit of a poof out because I don't like the look of flat bangs. But I live in a humid country and I instantly wind up with a sweaty forehead and curly bangs. This is not the look I want. It curls right up to my hairline.
 
So I decided to use a relaxer and then use my curling iron to curl it out. At least this way, if I sweat and lose the poof, it's straight and not curly. But my problem now is that the curl falls out instantly because of my now relaxed hair. Is there any product you can recommend, or a way of going about this? I love my bangs, and I want to keep them, but it's really a hassle. I'm a student, and I don't have time in the morning to try and retry to do my bangs.
 
A: I completely understand your frustration with trying to maintain voluminous bangs in a humid climate, especially when you're dealing with the time constraints of student life. Unfortunately, the type of relaxer you used significantly impacts your styling options.
 
From the results you're describing, it sounds like you used a hydroxide-based relaxer. These relaxers work by permanently breaking the disulfide bonds in your hair's protein structure, which is what gives hair its natural curl pattern. Once these bonds are broken, they cannot be reformed, which explains why your curling iron results are falling flat so quickly. The relaxed hair simply doesn't have the structural integrity to hold a curl the way your natural hair once did.
 
If you did use a hydroxide-based relaxer, you'll need to wait for the treated hair to grow out completely before attempting any other chemical services on your bangs. Layering additional chemicals on top of relaxed hair can cause severe damage. This process typically takes several months, depending on how fast your hair grows and how much length you're willing to sacrifice during regular trims.
 
In the meantime, the most practical solution for achieving the voluminous bangs look you want is to embrace overnight wet-setting. This technique works exceptionally well for relaxed hair and can save you precious time in the morning. You can find soft, spongy comfort rollers at most grocery stores or beauty supply shops. These rollers are specifically designed to be comfortable enough to sleep in, unlike traditional hard rollers that would be impossible to rest on.
 
Sponge hair rollers
 
Here's how to make this technique work for you: each night before bed, lightly dampen your bangs with water using a spray bottle or your hands. Don't soak them completely, just make them damp enough to be pliable. Apply your chosen styling product from roots to ends, making sure to distribute it evenly. Then, wrap small sections of your bangs around the comfort rollers, rolling them up and away from your face to create the lift and volume you're looking for.
 
The key to success with this method is choosing the right styling product for your desired results and hair type. Since your hair is now chemically relaxed, it may be more porous and prone to dryness, so you'll want to select products that provide both hold and moisture. A volumizing mousse is an excellent choice for relaxed hair because it adds body and lift without weighing the hair down. Look for mousses specifically formulated for fine or chemically treated hair, as these tend to be lighter in texture.
 
This technique may take a few tries to perfect. Start with less product rather than more, as over-application can weigh down your hair and reduce volume. Also, experiment with different roller sizes to find what gives you the exact amount of lift and curl you prefer. Smaller rollers will create tighter curls with more volume, while larger rollers produce looser waves with subtle lift.
 
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See also:
 
How to cut bangs
 
Roller styling techniques
 
The different types and styles of bangs