Are those trauma bangs? Different types of bangs and how to cut them like a pro

The character Emily Cooper in “Emily In Paris” undergoes a significant hair transformation in the first episode of the third season. Struggling with a difficult situation, Emily decides to cut her bangs. Throughout the episode, her friend joke about her “trauma bangs.” The phenomenon of cutting “trauma bangs,” or making a radical change to one’s hair during times of stress, is not uncommon. People often feel inclined to change their appearance during challenging periods as a way to signify a change in identity and make a statement about themselves.

Now we can’t stop you from taking scissors in your hands, but we can give you a crash course on different types of bangs and how to cut them like a pro.

Straight-across bangs: These bangs are cut straight across the forehead at brow level. To cut straight-across bangs, start by dividing the front section of hair from the rest of the hair. Comb the front section straight down and use hair clips to secure the hair on either side of the section you want to cut. Use a pair of sharp hair-cutting scissors to cut straight across the front section at the desired length.

Side-swept bangs: These bangs are longer and angled across the forehead, typically sweeping to one side. To cut side-swept bangs, start by dividing the front section of hair from the rest of the hair. Comb the front section straight down and use hair clips to secure the hair on the side opposite the direction you want the bangs to sweep. Use a pair of sharp hair-cutting scissors to cut the front section at an angle, following the natural line of your brow.

Asymmetrical bangs: These bangs are longer on one side and shorter on the other, creating an uneven, asymmetrical look. To cut asymmetrical bangs, start by dividing the front section of hair from the rest of the hair. Comb the front section straight down and use hair clips to secure the hair on the side opposite the direction you want the longer side of the bangs to fall. Use a pair of sharp hair-cutting scissors to cut the front section at an angle, following the natural line of your brow. The shorter side should be cut shorter than the longer side, creating an asymmetrical look.

Curtain bangs: These bangs are long and parted down the middle, creating a “curtain” effect. To cut curtain bangs, start by dividing the front section of hair from the rest of the hair. Comb the front section straight down and use a comb to create a clean, straight part down the middle of the front section. Use hair clips to secure the hair on either side of the part. Use a pair of sharp hair-cutting scissors to cut the front section at the desired length, following the natural line of your brow.

Blunt bangs: These bangs are thick and cut straight across at brow level, giving a bold, dramatic look. To cut blunt bangs, start by dividing the front section of hair from the rest of the hair. Comb the front section straight down and use hair clips to secure the hair on either side of the section you want to cut. Use a pair of sharp hair-cutting scissors to cut straight across the front section at the desired length, making sure to cut the bangs as straight and even as possible.