Thinking about getting bangs? Or maybe you already have a new fringe and noticed a dreaded forehead acne situation cropping up? 

If you’ve ever wondered if bangs could be the root cause of your breakouts, you’re not alone. From baby bangs to long layers that frame the forehead area, bangs are a fun way to switch up your look—but are they bad news for your skin health?

The short answer: Bangs can be a contributing factor to forehead breakouts, but they’re not the sole cause of acne. Your skin type, hair type, and hair care routine all play a role, as do other factors like excess oil production, hormones, styling products, and even your skincare products.

In this post, we’ll explore why bangs sometimes cause acne, how to prevent potential breakouts and the best ways to care for both your hair and skin. So, whether you’re rocking Zooey Deschanel-inspired bangs or just dealing with an occasional flare-up in your t-zone, keep reading for all the tips and treatment options to keep a clear complexion.

Why Bangs Might Be Causing Breakouts

Bangs are cute, and I love ‘em, but they can be troublemakers for your forehead area. They sit directly on your skin’s surface, trapping oil, sweat, and product residue right where pimples love to form. Combine that with natural oils from your hair and sebaceous glands working overtime in the T-zone, and you’ve got a recipe for dreaded forehead acne.

Styling products like waxy hair products, pomades, or even dry shampoo can block pores and lead to what’s known as pomade acne. The longer your bangs sit on your skin without proper care, the more likely dead skin cells, excess oil production, and dirt can build up and form pimples.

And let’s not forget: oily hair, combined with lauryl sulfate-filled hair care products or coconut oil-based treatments, can easily transfer to your forehead. This is especially true if you’re skipping steps like cleaning your hair or face regularly.

Does this mean bangs are the sole cause of acne? Not really. Hormonal changes, skincare products, and other contributing factors can play a role, too. But bangs can definitely amplify the problem, especially if you’ve got acne-prone skin or sensitive skin.

The good news? You don’t have to ditch your bangs. With proper care and some preventive measures, you can keep forehead breakouts at bay and still enjoy your new look.

Tips to Prevent Breakouts While Rocking Bangs

If you love your bangs but hate the acne breakouts, don’t worry. You can keep them without sacrificing your skin health. Here’s how:

1. Keep Your Bangs Clean
Bangs can trap oil, sweat, and dirt, so the first step is to wash them regularly. If daily use of shampoo feels like too much, dry shampoo is a great way to absorb excess oil without overwashing. Look for a gentle, sulfate-free option to avoid irritating your forehead area.

2. Avoid Oily Hair Care Products
Products like pomades, coconut oil, or waxy hair products might be great for styling, but they’re not forehead-friendly. Opt for non-comedogenic products to style your bangs—these won’t block pores or cause dreaded forehead acne.

3. Pin Them Back When Necessary
When you’re working out, cleaning, or applying skincare products, use a headband, bobby pins, or hair clips to keep your bangs away from your skin. This minimizes the transfer of product residue and natural oils onto your forehead.

4. Prioritize a Good Skincare Routine
Make sure your face wash and skincare products are working for you. A salicylic acid-based cleanser or one with glycolic acid is an easy way to prevent buildup on your skin’s surface. For painful acne or severe acne, consider treatment options like benzoyl peroxide or zinc pyrithione to target the root cause.

5. Be Gentle with Your Skin
Using lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser is the best way to care for your skin. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can irritate acne-prone skin and lead to more breakouts.

6. Keep Styling Products Off Your Forehead
Apply your hair care products sparingly and keep them away from the surrounding skin. Even the best method for perfect bangs isn’t worth risking excess product buildup.

Best Treatment Options for Forehead Acne Caused by Bangs

If those pesky pimples still show up despite your best efforts, don’t worry—there are plenty of treatment options to help you achieve a clear complexion. Here’s how to tackle forehead breakouts.

1. Spot Treatments
Use products with active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to target pimples directly. These are some of the best acne treatments for reducing inflammation and clearing clogged hair follicles.

2. A Gentle Cleanser
Switch to a salicylic acid-based cleanser or a mild face wash to clean your forehead area without causing further irritation. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin.

3. Moisturize with Care
Choose non-comedogenic moisturizers to hydrate your skin without blocking pores. Look for options with calming ingredients to soothe skin irritation.

4. Consult a Board-Certified Dermatologist
If you’re dealing with severe acne, a dermatologist can recommend personalized treatment options like prescription medications or topical treatments to address your specific type of acne.

5. Address Hormonal Changes
Fluctuating hormone levels can be a root cause of forehead breakouts. Managing these hormonal changes with proper care and possibly medical guidance can help control excess oil production and occasional flare-ups. If your acne is hormonal, you might need an oral medication, like spironolactone.

6. Exfoliate Regularly
Use glycolic acid or other gentle exfoliants to remove dead skin cells that can trap oil and block pores. Be careful not to overdo it, as over-exfoliation can lead to more irritation.

7. Incorporate Zinc Pyrithione
This ingredient, often found in anti-dandruff shampoos, can also help reduce acne caused by oily hair touching your skin.

Remember, consistency is key. With a good skincare routine and the right products, you’ll be able to manage forehead acne and enjoy your bangs without the stress of constant breakouts.

Balancing Bangs and Skincare: First Steps for a Clear Forehead

If TikTok makes you feel like bangs are the ultimate makeover, you’re not alone. But before diving into new bangs, let’s talk about balancing them with your skin care. 

The forehead, being part of the t-zone, is naturally prone to oily skin, which increases the risk of breakouts. Bangs can add to the challenge, but with a little prep, you can avoid those forehead frustrations.

1. Consider Your Skin Type and Hair Type
Are you prone to oily skin or using hair oils to style your bangs? Both can affect how your forehead reacts. Long hair that rests on your skin can trap oil and sweat, so knowing your tendencies is a good idea when styling and caring for your bangs.

2. Your Face Shape Matters
While bangs can highlight fine lines or frame your face shape beautifully, the way they interact with the rest of your hair and skin varies. If you’re worried about different types of forehead acne, it might help to experiment with styles that give your skin some breathing room.

3. Opt for Natural Products and Active Ingredients
If your new bangs are causing flare-ups, look for skincare products with active ingredients like salicylic acid or zinc pyrithione—both contenders for the best acne treatment. These can keep your forehead area clean without being harsh. Natural products are another great way to gently care for your skin while protecting it from unnecessary irritation.

4. Factor in Your Routine and Location
Life in a busy place like New York City, or anywhere with environmental stress, can exacerbate skin issues. Balancing the amount of time you spend outdoors, using the right skincare, and keeping bangs fresh are essential. The Sunday Edit suggests incorporating a routine that addresses both hair and skin maintenance to prevent clogging your pores.

5. Small Adjustments for Big Results
Managing bangs means managing your skin, too. Whether you pin them back for a while, wash them separately from the rest of your hair, or choose a cut that minimizes contact with your skin, these steps will reduce the risk of breakouts. Simple tweaks can make all the difference.

Incorporating these tips into your daily routine ensures that your new bangs are a fun addition to your look—not a cause for skincare woes.