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The main deterrent if you’re considering getting bangs is probably the painfully long growing-out phase. (I’m currently suffering from this a year and a half after going under the scissors.) However, hair does grow back—albeit very slowly sometimes.

“Growing out your bangs is a true test of patience and an even better test of a great hairdresser,” says Julien Farel, founder of the salon of the same name. “A good hairdresser will take you from point A to point B, but a great hairdresser will make you look fabulous during the entire transition. Depending on how long and thick your bangs are, it takes typically three to four months to grow out your bangs—and it also depends on your ideal hairstyle and how fast your hair grows.”

So while you’re waiting it out, follow these simple tips to camouflage awkward bang lengths. 

Transition Your Cut
“It’s all about the transition to side-swept bangs and reshaping everything in the front,” says Farel. Face-framing layers help to blend the bangs into the rest of the cut. Expect to get your hair (and bangs) trimmed every six to eight weeks to maintain the growing-out phase, says Clyde Elezi, creative director at The Drawing Room in New York.

Curl, Curl, Curl
“Using a curling iron to create waves or curls in the hair helps to blend the in-between lengths in with the rest of the hair,” says celebrity stylist Charles Baker Strahan. “Finish with a flexible hairspray, such as Herbal Essences Naked Flexible Hold Spritzer ($6.99, us.herbalessences.com) to give your style hold but still allow it to be touchable.”

Style Strategically
“Adding a braid or twist is a great way to blend shorter lengths into the hair,” says Strahan. If pieces do pop out throughout the style, he suggests tucking them back in and adding a bobby pin.

Another option: Position bangs with product. “Using a firm-hold gel or pomade, try a tight slicked-back ponytail,” says Elezi. “Or start adding volume toward the back, and create a pompadour for an edgy style.”

Play Up Accessories
“Headbands and bobby pins are perfect accessories to push growing bangs back or over to one side,” says Strahan. It’s like your hair has a memory. The more often you pull it back, the easier it’ll stay in the future.

Change Your Part
Repositioning your part can completely transform your look. “Once it grows in a little, change your part to a side part,” says Ric Pipino, a celebrity stylist and Alterna Haircare’s vice president of Global Creative. “This can camouflage the growing-out process.” He also recommends pairing the side part with clips so you can pin back your bangs.

More From Women’s Health:
8 Celebs Who ROCK Short Hair
The Right Type of Bangs for Your Face Shape
6 Ways to Style Your Hair While You Sleep