6 Helpful Tips For Growing Out Your Hair Without Losing Your Mind

A few years ago, I had a pixie cut that I loved but whose growing-out process gave me what I called the "Mistake Haircut" for at least a year.

Currently, I'm in that stage of growing out bangs where I google "growing out bangs not awkward" once every few days. But in the interest in being the change I wish to see on the internet, I decided to call in a professional.

Jessica Fitzpatrick, a stylist at Devachan Salon in New York, gave me the low-down on the grow-down (yeah, sorry).

I know, you've heard this one before. But when you're growing out your hair, frequent trims are key.

"There will be awkward phases to the shape, so it's my best recommendation as you grow out a short cut to commit to a stylist with goals in mind, as it will need minimal shape-ups along the way — ideally every three to four months," Fitzpatrick says.

Okay, but what about for bangs?

"As the bangs grow in, have the bluntness of your bangs softened with a trim so that they move to the side more easily."

OKAY, FINE, I'LL DO IT.

In my experience, the nice (???) thing about Mistake Hair is that it pushes you out of your comfort zone. According to Fitzpatrick, you should lean into that follicular discomfort by trying out a bunch of different ~lewks~.

"Switch up your style often so you don't feel defeated!" she advises. "Try slicking the sides back to create a faux pompadour, or molding it into finger waves. Apply DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel to wet hair to ensure that you are locking in more moisture and then mold the hair into the position that you want. Or use DevaCurl Beautiful Mess to embrace the awkwardness and encourage texture and movement."

When I was growing my pixie, I also had good luck with TGI Manipulator Matte Gel for hold.

Get a 12 oz. bottle of Ultra Defining Gel for $22 at Sephora, a 3.8 oz. Get a tub of Beautiful Mess at Jet for $18.40. Get a 2 oz. tub of Manipulator Matte Gel on Amazon for $9.09.