Getting a new hairstyle is a big commitment, especially when it involves bangs. Being that I have naturally curly hair makes creating bangs all the scarier; there are endless possibilities on how to botch the job. After mulling this decision over in my mind for months…fast-forward to Saturday, January 4th, 2014: I finally decided to get bangs! (Translation: I have decided to take the easy route and buy a clip-on set.)

On a whim, I took the express train to Harlem to visit all of the beauty supply/hair stores on 125th Street in order to understand all of my options. Having never delved into the weave/wig/extension world, I really didn’t know what I was looking for; all I knew was that I wanted my bangs to look “real,” and that I didn’t want to spend a small fortune on them. I spoke to the Korean and African “experts” behind the counter at my very first stop and they steered me in the right direction. For the mere price of $17.99 I was able to procure this lovely little piece that they guaranteed would look like my own hair that I grew myself:

Honestly, I didn’t believe them. Regardless of the package’s claim that the clip-on piece was 100% human hair and that it was part of Vivica A. Fox’s hair line, it looked rather fake to my untrained eyes. The women behind the counter were nodding their heads so enthusiastically that I felt compelled to go for it. Hey, for under $20.00, why not? I could afford to take this little gamble.  After I finished all of my skincare, beauty, and clothes shopping, I hopped on the train back home, super excited to start experimenting with this creature (which is exactly what it looks like if you come across it lying on a surface). Don’t fail me, Vivica!

Since my hair was curly that day, I slicked it into my usual bun so that the bangs would blend in more seamlessly. Here’s the result:

Did I pull off Kourtney Kardashian’s look successfully? Albeit a little bushy/thick,  I’d like to think I did! Maybe I’mjust not used to bangs, and they really are supposed to be like this…? I consulted a friend who confirmed that this is indeed the desired length and density women seek out when getting bangs. This made me more confident about my new look. Check out the side view and you tell me if these bangs are convincing. I want to make sure my friend isn’t lying to me.

Don’t you just feel the confidence in my pose?! I’m going to give it a road test this weekend to see people’s reactions to them. If agreeable, I’ll be able to change my hair like I change my lipstick!

Smooches!

P.S. I do know that there’s a way to use my own hair to create bangs by leaving fringe out of your top knot and styling it to hang over your forehead, but my hair isn’t long enough to do that when it’s curly, and again, this is so much easier!