Did you ever wonder what those front pieces of hair are called if they're not technically "bangs"? The ones that are the most important because they literally frame your face, yet seem to also be the hardest part of your hair to keep healthy, and stay styled all day long?  Well, you’re wondering the same thing a lot of us do, especially women since we’re the ones that tend to have longer hair!

Face Framing Hair or Face Framing Layers

Those two are the most common term for this difficult-to-label portion of the hair. And yet it is the exact location where most struggle to keep it tamed, styled, and most of all healthy. 

Why Is this small but important section of hair so difficult to tame?

• Grey hairs tend to congregate most here
• This area of your hair tends to be more susceptible to humidity
• It also tends to be more susceptible to damage

Face framing layers are also more exposed to the elements - sunlight bleaches it out more, stylists who are adding blonding highlights focus on the front layers, humidity can affect it much more since it is typically thinner and more damaged, and it tends to get pulled and heated more than any other sections of hair since so much attention is given to its shape and style. It’s the focal point!

Most natural growth inconsistencies happen here too. So things like cowlicks, differences in texture, growth patterns that go against the rest of the hair, and coloring changes (like greying or fading of color) tend to happen in this important section of the hair. Related: Best Natural Ingredients for Protein Loss in Hair

Add all of these factors together, and what you have is very stubborn hair - right where it matters most.  But there are ways to counteract these unfortunate truths.  They take patience, consistency and a little humility when things still don’t go quite according to plan :)

Heat Breaks Bonds So Your Hair Molds to a Desired Shape or Volume

While heat is definitely an element that can be damaging to the hair, especially when it’s overused, it is also the best way to get your hair to shape the way you want it to. This is because heat is an element that can help break the hydrogen bonds that form your natural hair texture and shape. 

Heat will only provide temporary style, since over time these bonds will just form again. However no matter your cowlicks, parting preference (left or right), or hair type - heat is your friend when it comes to your style’s staying power. 

If you use products that help hold it after it’s styled like mousse, gels, or finishing sprays, it can help maintain your style’s staying power even longer (and help you go longer between washes in some cases).

Also, you can use a heat protectant to help minimize the damage inherent in using hot styling tools, but try to find styling tools that have built in heat protection too, like a protective coating or ionic features. Related: Should You Use a Heat Protectant When Styling Your Hair?