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bangs

I stood in front of my bathroom mirror for a solid 2 minutes going through a mental pro and cons list, and I can’t remember what actually made me pull the trigger but I just started snipping.

I’ve been bored to death with my hair, though still loving it long. This is, in some ways, a new and temporary change that can easily be “styled” away if I need to. And also, they should grow out pretty nicely too!

My feelings immediately following?

“uh oh.”

“no, no. this is okay. it’s new! give it a chance!”

“i feel alive and also regret.”

And then after about 4 minutes, I calmed down and reminded myself that they are just bangs and I should probably be working on unread emails right now. So back to work I went.

Hair is very personal, I know that for sure. When I worked behind the chair, women would come in after major life events (from weddings to break ups) and ask for big hair changes. I could usually gauge whether what they were asking for was a wise choice or not, and either talk them into it or something new that may be a slightly less dramatic change.

I’ve contemplated bangs for awhile, and not only does it give me something new to style on my self, but it also presents a fun challenge to blog about here: how to style bangs and how to grow out bangs and not want to shave them at the root during the process.

Is this entire blog post just me justifying my choice? It’s starting to sound like it, so I’ll wrap up with the biggest contributor to my decision to go for it.

Reese Witherspoon did it, rocked it, and she’s my hair icon.

Looking to change up your style? Some fun (& non-permanent) style ideas here and here!

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Velma says · 09.29.16

Nice shocked face!

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Debi says · 09.29.16

I think you rocked it too !

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gena says · 10.02.16

I love her bangs too. Nice change and it bring her eyes out.

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Lori says · 09.29.16

GORGEOUS! GORGEOUS! GORGEOUS! I would not spend one minute of regret. The look is much more sophisticated and edgy and modern. Bravo!

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Allison Hubbard says · 09.29.16

Love, Love Love! Not that you need it but it’s taken years off you!!

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Katie says · 09.29.16

I *LOVE* this!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Man, I wish I could look this great with bangs like that!!

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Monica says · 09.29.16

I love them, they are so incredibly cute!!!

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Katie Simcik says · 09.29.16

Kate I honestly love them! I’m convinced you can pull any hair style off! And like you said, you can always grow them back! They’re just bangs!

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Susan Schnitzler says · 09.29.16

I love it on you!!! I’ve been thinking about going back to bangs, too. 🙂 Is your hair styled with the beachy waves you showed us recently? It’s super adorable.

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Paige Cowart says · 09.29.16

You were my inspiration for my bangs being cut yesterday!! If I were you I would have no regrets…and I definitely wouldn’t grow them out anytime soon. Very chic, sexy and modern!!

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michelle says · 09.29.16

LOVE LOVE A MUST KEEP!!!!!

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Sandy says · 09.29.16

Love that you have the confidence to try new things. That gives me the inspiration to try something new with my hair. Love following your blog and love your new bangs!!

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Kim says · 09.29.16

I love them!!! Nice change! Makes me think about bangs again!!!

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Asya says · 09.29.16

I’ve been wanting bangs for a while but my husband always complains about women who have them. He doesn’t notice much like that so I know he really doesn’t like them, I personally think you look lovely though. That being said, I totally get worrying about them 2 seconds after committing but these look great and should be fun to style. Your hair never looks bad! Lucky you!

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Jane Wootton says · 09.29.16

Very nice ❤️❤️

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Leigh says · 09.29.16

Love Love Love them.

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Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says · 09.29.16

You look gorgeous! Love the new look!

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Abbey says · 09.29.16

Ahhhh!!!! ADORABLE. You totally pull the bangs off- love them!!!!

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Cathy says · 09.29.16

You always look great! Please advise on how I describe your bangs to my hair dresser. Your bangs look thinner than the Pic of Reese. (Does that make sense?) I like that! I don’t want “kindergarten bangs” ? Also, nervous about making the change too. ?
Thanks!

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Stacy says · 09.29.16

Love it!!! I’ve been contemplating it too. I think I’m too old (40) ha to have my forehead hanging out like it is! HEHE

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LA says · 09.29.16

Would love to see your hair styled straight with the bangs!

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Kerilyn says · 09.29.16

Too funny!! I have been going back and forth for about a month on whether to have bangs again. I have a cowlick and natural wave so it isn’t easy but need something new. There is a reason you blogged this 🙂

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Melissa G says · 09.29.16

I think they look great. I think it makes you look younger. I’m not about doing things “because they are trendy” or “because a YouTuber says to”. However, I am considering this. I do find it a little interesting that you are ALREADY talking about the “growing the bangs out” process.

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Doreen Arteaga says · 09.29.16

Beautiful!!! It total changes your appearance!

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Tiffany J says · 09.29.16

I LOVE THIS! I have been feeling the same way about my hair but with our wedding coming up I didn’t want to do something that didn’t look like “me”. But, I’ve been on the hunt to find something like this to do after and just couldn’t find anything but, now I think I’ve found it! Bangs look beautiful on you!

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kathy says · 09.29.16

You look so fresh and beautiful! I love the bangs!!

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Alyssa says · 09.29.16

They look so amazing! I love the message of your post too. It’s okay to take risks like this!

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ashlye says · 09.29.16

Love your fresh look! Definitely keep them for awhile – if you want. ???❤️

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Crystal says · 09.29.16

OMG I love it!!!! I have been going back and forth to about getting bangs. I have had them several years (like 6) ago. Now my hair is super long and thought I don’t want to cut too much off the length I think bangs could change up the style a bit!!

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Brenda says · 09.29.16

I love bangs have had them my whole life and I’m sixty one. I wear glasses would love to see you with your glasses on and how you style them.

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Andrina says · 09.29.16

Cute! I miss mine but I’ve had two hairdressers tell me my forehead is too short for bangs, and the double cowlicks in the center of my hairline don’t help a bit. How will you braid around them?

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Tabatha says · 09.29.16

I can totally see the Reese Witherspoon vibe. I’ve been considering bangs as well. Maybe I will go for it now!

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Stephanie says · 09.29.16

Love love love love them!

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Nicole says · 09.29.16

Can you share what color lipstick you are wearing in this picture? I feel like it really completes your Reese Witherspoon look!

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Rebecca Rosales says · 09.29.16

I’m obsessed with your bangs. I JUST finished growing mine out (hated them as soon as I got them cut!)
This is a great look on you. I am excited to see how you continue to style them! I too love Reese Witherspoon with bangs!

http://beauty.about.com/od/bangswelove/ss/bangs3.htm#step14

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Angie says · 09.29.16

Oh so pretty! Don’t hesitate one bit. You look younger and your beautiful eyes stand out. I’ve been thinking about a change as well and thinking bangs. So I can’t wait to see how you style them and maybe change your eye make-up. And then how you grow them out. That’s the one reason why I haven’t gotten them yet, is the grow out. Thank you for the inspiration.

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Susan says · 09.29.16

You are totally rocking this look!! They look awesome!

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Sydni says · 09.29.16

You look SO cute!! Love them on you way more than on Reese :O

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Jennifer says · 09.29.16

You are so brave! I haven’t had bangs in 20 years.
You look great though and I agree with another commenter that you look a lot younger with them.
I may have to try bangs again!

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Kim says · 09.29.16

Love the bangs! And funny you shared that Reese hair photo. I’ve been staring at that same photo all week contemplating on taking the plunge myself.

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Jen says · 09.29.16

Love the bangs! I’ve also been bored with my fine, thin, straight hair. I’ve been thinking about getting a perm because my hair won’t hold a curl AT ALL!!! Is this a wise style choice? Or are perms still kind of out of style?

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Liz says · 09.29.16

You look beautiful with or without bands….can’t go wrong! ?

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Liz says · 09.29.16

Oh silly autocorrect…you know I meant bangs!

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Mary Catherine says · 09.29.16

Love the bangs! They look fabulous!

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Angie says · 09.29.16

So cute!!! Looking forward to hair style tutorials with bangs?

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Pearl says · 09.29.16

Simply lovely! We in Britain call them a fringe, love it on you XX

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Terri says · 09.29.16

You look fabulous!! Love them on you!!

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Renee says · 09.29.16

I LOVE your bangs!!!! Could you please post about styling hair (bangs or not) if you have a widow’s peak?! Thank you!

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anna says · 09.30.16

I agree with Renee! I love bangs but have a widow’s peak but my stylist can make them look great so I KNOW it can be done. But I have no luck when I try so I just grew them out.

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gturn62 says · 09.29.16

I have a forehead large enough on which to land a small airplane, so I’ll be stuck with bangs for the rest of my life. I’m okay with them, but it would be a nice change not to have them. You look cute, Kate!

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Lydia Cyrus says · 09.29.16

You look so great it bangs!! Love them.

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Lydia Gray says · 09.29.16

This post made my heart smile. I’ve been on the fence for months contemplating this exact decision. This weekend I go on vacation where I go to spend time with my Auntie and cousin who are hairdressers. This time I will be getting the two Bs, balyage and bangs! Thanks for encouraging me to take the plunge! Besides, it’s just hair..right?! Love your posts. It’s been a delight to glean from your wisdom.

From one Hairdresser to another,
Lydia

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Tracy Page says · 09.29.16

You look so much younger!! I love this look on you – pretty much any look actually. You are such a wonderful example to so many. Thanks, Kate!

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Bee says · 09.29.16

Oh, Kate, what have you done? Now I’m going to have to have bangs, too!
No, no, seriously, you look stunning! I LOVE the bangs on you! I can’t decide if you look like Reese Witherspoon or Barbie!! Love it, love it, love it! And the 1st picture here is too cute!! 🙂

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Marissa says · 09.29.16

Yay! You’re rocking them. 🙂 I’ve been wanting to try bangs but too chicken to take the plunge. Can’t wait to read your styling tips!

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Jocelyn says · 09.29.16

They look great! I have bangs myself and am excited to see some more styling tips and ideas. 🙂

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Nicole K says · 09.29.16

Is the rest of you hair styled in a way that has a tutorial for it? Is it just wrapped around a curling iron or actually curled? It looks pretty & like not too much effort was put into it.

Nicole K.

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Lauren says · 09.29.16

Love! I’m also jealous! Is there anyway someone with a cowlick could have bangs? I’ve wanted them forever…. :/

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Ashley says · 09.29.16

Absolutely adorable and simply stunning!! These bangs looks amazing on you. Looking forward to new blog posts about bangs.

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Deborah says · 09.29.16

The bangs highlight your eyes and make them look bigger! Love them!

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Blush & Pearls says · 09.29.16

I totally understand – I’m contemplating getting a fringe myself for fall. These are super cute on you, so don’t fret!

Angela / Blush & Pearls

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Shawna says · 09.29.16

I LOVE them on you!! I have tried many many times to grow my bangs out and once they get about jaw length, I cut them back…I just do NOT have a face shape that is good without them. Then I regret all the time I wasted growing them out…it’a a vicious cycle! LOL!! I was JUST contemplating growing them out again when I saw this…I will be Keeping my bangs!!!!!
Seriously, they look really really good on you! And yes, we all love Reese!!!

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Sarah Chavis says · 09.29.16

I love love love the bangs on you! They look so nice and fresh!

I have had bangs my entire life whether it be a side bang or a full bang, so I definitely can’t wait to see your future bang posts on your blog.

I don’t know if it’s me, but I think some “up dos,” formal or informal look better if you don’t have bangs or a side bang. Maybe you’ll be able to help a girl out, with hairstyles with bangs!

Anyways, you totally rock them! The nice thing about hair is if you don’t like it, it grows back!!

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Jocelyn says · 09.29.16

You look great! What a fun change to make. I have cut bangs a couple of times in the last five years, and Reese Witherspoon is always the photo I’ve brought to my stylist. Enjoy!

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Lyndsey Ratliff says · 09.29.16

I Love that you did this. I have been thinking about Bangs (have had them several ways several times). Was waiting till it got a little cooler and a little less humid here in Texas (college station). Can’t wait for your other blogs about the “bang” endeavor!

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Robin says · 09.29.16

LOVE the bangs!

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Jana Duresky says · 09.29.16

Love your bangs! In fact it inspired me to cut bangs this morning myself! I figured its just hair and it I didn’t like them I could brush them over until they grew out! Gave me a different look without cutting my hair which I am trying to grow out!

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Arijana C. says · 09.29.16

I can’t even….I now want bangs, too! 🙂
You look wonderful

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Lipsounette says · 09.29.16

You’re simply gorgeous !
I’m 43 and I cut my bang a year ago and I’m happy with it ! I think i look a little bit younger 🙂
Don’t regret : it was a good idea !

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Alicia @ Turquoise Grace says · 09.29.16

I LOVE it! They look great! I think you will be starting another round of bang-trending!! 🙂

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Amy says · 09.29.16

I love your bangs and bangs in general. I have worn bangs my entire life and find they make me look younger, draw attention to my eyes, hide a multitude of sins (aka break outs, wtinkles) and can be styled lots of different ways keeping my look fresh.
Good for you for giving them a try!

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Lisa says · 09.29.16

I like the “edge” it gives you. You went from sweet looking to modern and cool in the best possible way.

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Lynn Case says · 09.29.16

Love it!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Kari says · 09.29.16

Yes, please! ALL the bangs tutorials. I totes need this advice!!! I’m currently growing out thick bangs, and am thinking of cutting them again. And I LOVE yours!

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Kim S says · 09.29.16

Oh WOW!!! Love it! Can you give us more info on the cut and how you styled your hair? My daughter is a hair dresser and I want her to see this!!

Thanks!

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Julie says · 09.29.16

Side note: Reese may be your hair icon, but YOU are a lot of ours. Rocking those bangs. If I could pull them off and not look like my 5 year old self, I would.

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Marina says · 09.30.16

Yes – agree 100%! You are totally my hair icon.

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Carla says · 09.29.16

They look fantastic! They really brighten up and make your eyes an even bigger focal point of your face – sorry Justin not sad eyes! 😛 You’re totally rocking them and I think they’re a great compliment to your hair style!

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Meagan says · 09.29.16

You can rock the bangs so why not? Not everyone can do it!

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Sarah says · 09.29.16

I think you look better without bangs, BUT your face is beautiful so you really look great both ways!

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Stacy says · 09.29.16

Killing it.

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Nikki says · 09.29.16

So pretty! I’m excited for hair tutorials with bangs now. I’ve had bangs for years and some styles just don’t work with them.

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Kristen says · 09.29.16

I agree with Kim S, please please please show us how you styled them. I have been wanting bangs again too but I hate that I always had to do them everyday to get them to look decent.

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Brooke says · 09.29.16

Saw the bangs on snapchat and I LOVELOVELOVE! I’ve been a bangs girl since 2011 and I don’t think I could ever go back. I’ve learned a lot along the way about taking care of them and keeping them as coiffed as possible (ACAP)- dry shampoo & a fine toothed comb will be your bangs’ bffs. Also, if I’m not actually washing my hair in the shower, often I’ll just give the ole’ bangs a shampoo. Also, I ALWAYS blowdry my bangs first thing when out of the shower. I’m looking forward to some tutorials featuring bangs!

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Mandy says · 09.29.16

Love the bangs! I’d be interested in reading more posts about styling and growing out bangs. I used to have sideswept bangs and have been contemplating bringing them back at my next haircut.

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Heather says · 09.29.16

Bangs look great on you! I have no doubt they will look great in all their phases for you. I tried bangs for 2 or 3 years and it felt like they were always too long, too short, too poofy, too flat, etc.

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Bettye rainwater says · 09.29.16

Okay, you are always adorable, but the bangs make you look like A Whole New Person! Plus, you’re one of the few people I’ve seen that I wasn’t always thinking “she needs bangs,” and you STILL look great in them!

Bangs – It’s Not a Haircut, It’s An Adventure

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Missy June says · 09.29.16

Well, you happen to be my own hair icon – and I love the bangs…I’m just almost done growing mine out. Enjoy!

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corriemae says · 09.29.16

I LOVE your bangs!! They give your eyes a pop! Wow makes me think I want some bangs too!!

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Lauren says · 09.29.16

Love! I just cut bangs last night! Lol

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Emily F says · 09.29.16

I love them! You look great!!!

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Gerley says · 09.29.16

I think it looks great- though I feel they might need to be a tad thicker? Maybe thats just the picture though 🙂

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Kelli says · 09.30.16

Yes, I thought the same thing. Either way, they look great. I love bangs!

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Sandy says · 09.29.16

Super cute on you!
I love that you agonize over bangs. I have a total love hate relationship with them so it is reasurring really.

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Debbie B says · 09.29.16

I love the bangs……they look great! I have had bangs for years and struggle with how to style them on second day hair…..maybe you can help with that now?!?

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Becah says · 09.29.16

I love it! The bangs actually seem to help make your blue eyes pop a little more 🙂

I hear you on the hair boredom struggle. My hair is too thin to grow long, so it’s always chin or shoulder length for me. I’m over the bob thing, and just don’t know what’s left. If you ever get bored of the bang posts, I’d love for you to throw a few thin & short hair styling or cut ideas my way.

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Mae Moldenhauer says · 09.29.16

I’m so glad you did it!!! I’ve wanted to just snip, snip, snip away at my hair, too!!! I’m inspired — Bangs for the Fall 🙂
New look! Revived and ready for Autumn! 🙂

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Ramona says · 09.29.16

Well hot damn!!!

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Dorian says · 09.29.16

A D O R A B L E ! ! Gotta keep ’em ???

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Brenda says · 09.29.16

I’m almost 45. At the point where it’s bangs or Botox, so this has inspired me to call my hairdresser! The only thing that stops me though is that how do I make sure she doesn’t cut them too short? This has happened in the past and it makes me nervous! I’m almost tempted to cut them myself but unlike you, I’m no professional!!!

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sahara says · 09.29.16

It’s so cute I love it

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Nicole says · 09.29.16

Girl, I LOVE your bangs. You look super cute with them!!

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Dylan (girl) says · 09.29.16

Hi. Love your bangs! Quick question/request
Would it be possible to not use the deer filter (I think its a deer anyway???) going forward on your snaps? It’s really difficult to understand what you’re saying and the high pitch voice changer is a lot to handle haha
I love your snap stories, but I find myself skipping through all of the deer ones. Surely I am not alone on this one. Would appreciate so much 🙂

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Anna says · 09.30.16

I agree with Dylan. I love your snaps but the deer ones are hard to understand and well to be honest it just is annoying. (Well to me anyway). You don’t need no filters, girl, just be your awesome self!!

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Lisa Hays says · 09.29.16

I have always loved your hair – everything about it. But THIS is great! You look better than Reese. Enjoy it. But with bangs comes …bangs tutorials!!

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Cindy says · 09.29.16

Love the bangs!! Really makes your blue eyes pop! Beautiful!

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Jasmine says · 09.29.16

You look fab with bangs! And, gah. My ‘bangs’ have grown out to chin length and I was JUST thinking about cutting them again – I feel like my hair is pretty great right now but I’m bored. Maybe my bangs will return too.

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Anne says · 09.29.16

Kate,

You look great! I am proud of you. Selfishly I am hoping you do a tutorial on how to style bangs. I have wavy bangs that misbehave in rainy and humid weather. I begging for you to include tips on how to help prevent this. I would really appreciate it! I think I look plain without bangs. Plus, my nose is dramatic as in big. Thank you!

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Claire says · 09.29.16

Kate- These bangs are AMAZING on you! I never would have imagined you with bangs, but I love them!

I’ve been rocking the messy bun a lot for work lately (I’m a teacher) and I would LOVEEEEEEE some ideas for more similar styles, maybe with a cute braid thrown in or a wrap to make it look a little different sometimes.

PS- My high school students ask me how I learned to do my hair ALL THE TIME and now the girls are rocking great messy buns!!!! 🙂

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Denise says · 09.29.16

Absolutely LOVE them!!

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Courtney says · 09.29.16

Yassss!!! The Small Things Blog God(dese)s have answered my prayers! As a full fringed gall I’ve been waiting anxiously for some bang lovin. Can not wait to see what you do with this look! Looks fabulous on you, btw 😀

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CJ says · 09.29.16

Love love love your bangs!

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Chelsea says · 09.29.16

You are my hair icon! You totally ricked it! I just recently got bangs as well. It’s my usual go to fall style because I love my long hair (for now! I’m one of those dramatic changers!) Now if only I could get the curling down :/

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Kathryn says · 09.29.16

I love your bangs. Very cute. When I first saw them on snap I did think of Reese Witherspoon!

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Rebecca K. says · 09.29.16

The bangs–Such a fresh new look for you! You definitely rock them!

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Stephanie says · 09.30.16

You are my hair (& beauty) icon!

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Andrea says · 09.30.16

you’re rocking those bangs Kate! Reese is also totally my hair and style icon too!! Love her!!!

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Jane Jones says · 09.30.16

Eek! I love your bangs. They look fabulous.

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Emily says · 09.30.16

Love love love the look on you!! Now making me want to cut mine. How do u cut these without having a full thick set of bangs?

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DB says · 09.30.16

Love this look on you. You can totally pull this off…in fact, I think I like them better on you than not!

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A New Old Fashioned Girl says · 10.01.16

They look great on you!
A New Old Fashioned Girl

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selfmade says · 10.01.16

Very inspiring post, you go girl!
Our online magazine has a similar vibe, full of interviews and fashion/beauty related posts http://www.selfmademag.co.uk

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Ray J. says · 10.02.16

Love the bangs!!

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Mari says · 10.02.16

Nice!

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Mel says · 10.03.16

I’m OBSESSED!! You look gorgeous!!!!

Mel | http://www.thegossipdarling.com

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Debra says · 10.10.16

This is so funny. I haven’t read your blog in several days, and started just now from recent going backwards. In every post I thought, “wow! She looks so pretty- I wonder what’s up?!” You’ve always been pretty, but now even better. I couldn’t tell if your hair color changed slightly, maybe your skin care routine had been tweaked, your weight changed one way or the other…but It was definitely noticeable and positive. And now I see this post, and I (obviously) think it was a great move. So so good!

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Pepper says · 10.21.16

You look amazing with bangs. I LOVED my bangs (back when I had the energy and desire to straighten my hair every day). Rory Gilmore was my hair icon. Maybe the revival will spark a new ‘do for me.

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Melinda says · 10.24.16

With or without bangs, long or short hair; you are always gorgeous!
My hair is your length, please tell me at this length, how do you get the exact style in this photo? My hair is poker straight! Please tell what product and what equipment you used? Thank you so much! Love all your tutorials!

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Michaela says · 11.11.16

Kate your bangs look awesome! I decided to take the plunge and cut straight across too! I feel like mine are always kind of flat and staticky though… have you any suggestions on how to style straight across bangs?

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rachel lyons says · 12.01.16

i heart them! so i copied you! now i need tutorials! help! 🙂

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