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You may feel confused about creating hairstyles for African-American tresses that make the shorter hair in front work with longer tresses in back. Whether you've recently visited your stylist for a full set of fringey, angled bangs or you're sporting grown-out bangs that look more like short layers in the front of your hair, you have tons of hairstyle options. From soft updos to everyday casual hair, try out a variety of looks, then stick with those that mesh best with your personal style.
Wear It Straight
Blending shorter layers in the front with longer hair in the back can feel a bit choppy, particularly when you're growing your tresses out. Save yourself a less-than-desired finish by smoothing out your entire mane for a blended appearance. Add a couple drops of smoothing serum to your hair, then blow it out as smoothly as possible with a paddle brush and a blow dryer. Part your hair down the center to avoid awkward shorter pieces that fall into your eyes when you wear a side part. Create your sleekest look by flat-ironing 2-inch wide sections of hair until it's completely smooth. Lovely.
Go for a Pony
Go for a playful yet sweet appearance by opting for a ponytail. Mussed-up ponies are on trend, so celebrating the different layers within your hair makes for a chic look. Blow your hair out smooth, then pull your longer tresses into a loose, low pony. Don't worry about creating a sleek look -- the goal is a barely messy finish. Sweep your shorter layers in the front to the side so they swoop gently over one eye. Allow any longer side pieces to frame your face. It's that easy.
Rock a Side Bun
Work with your hair's natural texture by pulling your hair into a side bun. Whether your hair is super-curly or straight, the messy side bun offers an easy-to-accomplish, on-trend look that accommodates your shorter and longer layers. Create an uneven center part and leave your shorter tendrils loose on either side of your face -- curl them with a jumbo-barrel curling iron if you want a more polished look. Sweep the rest of your locks into a messy bun just beneath one ear. Secure any short strays as well as the bun with tonal bobby pins.
Go for Curls
Opt for an all-over curly look to seamlessly combine bangs and shorter front layers with longer hair. Wear your curls in a free-spirited manner to avoid creating any jarring sections within your coif's shape. Add a couple drops of smoothing serum throughout your wet hair. If your hair is naturally curly, hang over and dry it with a blow dryer and diffuser, allowing the curls to fall where they may when you stand up. To create curls, blow your hair out smooth, then curl all of your hair with a 1-inch-barrel curling iron.
