How to Style Curtain Bangs

Blow drying, straightening, curling, and more!

So, you’ve cut curtain bangs—they’re so cute! But how can you give them that signature swoop? Styling curtain bangs may seem intimidating, but it’s actually easier than you may think. There are multiple ways to give your bangs that voluminous bounce, and we’ve laid them all out here. With our help, you’ll learn what styling technique is best for your hair length and texture so you can look fabulous.

This article is based on an interview with our expert hair stylist, Jenny Tran.

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• Blow dry wet curtain bangs using a round brush for a quick, easy, and classic style.
• Curl your bangs using a flat iron or straightener for a flatter but super cute look.
• Wrap wet hair around a hair roller and let it dry to style curtain bangs without damaging heat.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Round Brush & Blow Dryer

1. Wet your bangs. If you’ve just taken a shower and washed your hair, perfect! If not, simply spritz your bangs with some water or soak them under the bathroom sink. Styling them while they’re wet will help them stay voluminous and hold their shape.
   
   • Consider putting some holding or texturizing spray in your hair. This can help your hair stay in place and give you even more volume.^[1]
   • This technique works best on wavy or straight hair types.
2. Mist your bangs with a heat protectant spray. Always, always, always use a heat protectant before using heat tools on your hair—that includes blow drying! Simply spritz the product on wet or damp hair and start styling.^[2] This small step will help protect your beautiful locks from heat damage.
   
3. Blow dry the roots of your bangs up and away from your face. Hold your blow dryer in your dominant hand and a round brush in your non-dominant hand.^[3] Then, brush both sides of your bangs down in front of your face and curl the round brush up. Aim the blow dryer near your roots and keep twirling the brush and your hair upwards.^[4]
   
   • Attach a narrow nozzle to your blow dryer, so it’s easier to direct where the air blows.
4. Dry each side of your bangs in the direction you want them to fall. Once the top and roots are dry, focus on the 2 individual sides of your bangs. Typically, the right side of curtain bangs fall to the right and the left side falls to the left, creating that classic framing swoop. Get this look by grabbing the right side of your bangs with your round brush and flicking the hair away from your face at a right angle. Repeat on the left using a left angle.^[5]
   
   • Make sure to curl the hair away from your face to achieve a soft and swoopy look.^[6]
   • Who says your bangs have to flick out? Try rolling your brush towards your face so the tips of your bangs curl inward.
5. Brush your bangs forward and fluff them out. If your curtain bangs don’t have as much volume as you’d like, repeat the second step, rolling the middle section forward and away from your face while blow drying. Use your fingers or brush to tousle them in place, and you’re done!^[7]
   
   • Set your styled bangs with hairspray to lock everything in place.^[8]

[Edit]Flat Iron

1. Pull your bangs away from the rest of your hair. Tuck your hair behind your ears or secure it with a hair elastic. How you pull the rest of your hair back doesn’t matter as long as your bangs are loose.^[9]
   
   • This styling technique is great if you’re looking for a flat and straight look and have straight or wavy hair.
2. Separate the left side of your bangs into 2 parts. Part your hair and bangs as you normally would. Then, section the left curtain of your bangs into 2 equal parts.^[10]
   
3. Curl each section of hair into a “C” with a flat iron or straightener. Grab the section closest to your face, put it between the flat iron’s tongs, and curve the hair into a “C” shape towards your eye. Repeat this curling method on the other left section of hair. Let the “C” curls rest and cool on your face as you move to the right side of your bangs.^[11]
   
   • Make the outer section of hair on each side looser than the first. Basically, it’ll look like a little “C” and a big “C” hugging each other.
4. Tousle your bangs and brush them out. Once the curls have cooled, use your fingers to flick the tips out and away from your face. Tousle them with your fingers or gently brush them until they fall the way you want them to.^[12]
   
   • Try holding onto the roots of your bang with one hand while you flick the ends out with the other.
   • Consider curling the pieces of hair framing your bangs away from your face for added texture.^[13]

[Edit]Curling Iron

1. Separate your curtain bangs from the rest of your hair. Pull your hair back with an elastic or tuck it behind your ears. Just make sure your bangs are out.
   
   • Do this style on dry and relatively straight bangs for the best results.
2. Wrap your bangs around a curling iron barrel. Put the iron on the underside of your bangs with the clip on top. Clamp down on the bangs and curl forward while pulling the iron up until the ends are under the clip.^[14]
   
   • The larger the barrel, the looser your curl will be.
3. Clip your bangs in place to cool. Wind or curl the hair until the curling iron barrel hits your roots. Then, carefully slide the iron out of your hair. Use a bobby pin or barrette to clip the large barrel curl in place until it’s cool to the touch.^[15]
   
   • Using a bobby pin or barrette isn’t necessary, but it can keep your curl from falling out while you wait.
4. Direct your bangs with a round brush. Once your bangs have cooled, remove your clip and let them fall—it’s okay if they’re a bit wild at first! Use a round brush to gently curl them out and away from your face at an angle.^[16]
   
   • Brush the left side of your bangs to the left and the right side to the right.

[Edit]Hair Rollers

1. Pull everything but your bangs away from your face. Use pins or hair ties to separate the rest of your hair out of your face. This way, you can focus on your bangs.
   
   • This styling technique gives you a blown-out look full of volume and bounce.
2. Heat your bangs with a straightener or blow dryer. Hair rollers help form your hair, but they can’t do their job without a little bit of heat. Quickly run a straightener through your bangs or blast them with hot air from a blow dryer.^[17]
   
   • Try using a blow-drying brush to heat and brush your hair all at once.^[18]
3. Roll your hair using a velcro roller. Slide the roller through your bangs, as if you were brushing them from underneath, starting at the roots. Stop at the ends and start rolling the curler towards your face, wrapping your hair with each roll. Continue rolling until you reach the roots.^[19]
   
   • If the roll is a little messy, that’s okay! Simply tuck the loose strands under the roller.
   • The size roller you use is totally up to you and your hair type. If you have thinner hair, stick with a small barrel. If you have thick hair, go with a medium or large barrel.
4. Take the roller out after about 30 minutes. Keep the roller in your hair until it’s cool to the touch (this can take between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on your hair’s thickness and type). Once it’s cool, release the bangs from the curler and push the left side to the left and the right side to the right.^[20]
   

[Edit]Heatless Styling Methods

1. Wrap curlier bangs around a velcro roller while they’re wet. Wash your hair and towel dry it. Then, twirl your curtain bangs around the roller towards your face. Wait for your hair to dry completely before taking the roller out. This technique gives thinner, curly bangs volume and helps your natural curls or waves go in a desired direction.^[21]
   
   • Clip the roller in place with a salon clip or bobby pin so you can get ready without it falling out.
   • Try using a curl-defining cream or oil all over your head before you style your bangs to help your waves hold.
   • The roller size you use depends on your hair type. If you have spiral curls, opt for a smaller barrel. If you have loose waves, try a medium-sized roller.
2. Pin wet, curly bangs to the side of your head. If you have curly or wavy hair, this no-heat method is perfect for you! Comb your wet bangs to remove any tangles. Then, twist them together into one section. Use a salon clip to pin them to one side of your natural part, wait an hour, and move them to the opposite side of your part.^[22]
   
   • Take the clip out once your hair is completely dry, and fluff your bangs into place with your fingers.
   • Try this technique when you're braiding wet hair for an effortlessly wavy look.
   • Wear this hairstyle to bed, so you wake up with beautiful bangs in the morning.
3. Hide curtain bangs with braids and bobby pins. We get it! Sometimes doing your hair isn’t an option, especially for hectic mornings. If you don’t have time to style your curtain bangs, braid or twist them away from your face. Use bobby pins to hold them in place, and it’ll look like you put in a ton of effort.^[23]
   

[Edit]The Dos & Don’ts of Styling

1. Do: use a heat protectant. Your bangs will probably get styled the most, and any form of heat can damage and decrease growth. Protect your hair by using a heat protectant spray or oil before you use any heat tools.^[24]
   
   • Apply heat protectant serums or gels when your hair is wet, and use heat protectant sprays on damp or dry hair.
2. Do: add in a bit of a holding product. Defining serums, memory stylers, and volumizing mousses help your curtain bangs hold their shape. If your hair loses curls easily, try putting one of these products in your hair before styling.^[25]
   
3. Do: trim them regularly. Bangs grow out fast, and curtain bangs look the best when the ends are perfectly framing your face. Aim to have your bangs trimmed every couple of weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows, so they look absolutely flawless.^[26]
   
   • If you have curly hair, you may only need a trim every 4 to 8 weeks.
   • Head to the salon for a quick touch-up or try cutting your bangs at home yourself.
4. Don’t: work against your bangs. Curtain bangs are typically low-maintenance for all hair types.^[27] Just make sure you’re styling in a way that works with your hair, not against it.
   
   • For instance, if you have naturally frizzy hair, try methods that don’t involve a blow dryer or use an anti-frizz serum before you style.
   • If you have long layered and straight hair, style your bangs by brushing them up and back to draw attention to your eyes and frame the face.^[28]
5. Don’t: hesitate to wash your bangs separately. Bangs can get greasy and oily much faster than the rest of your hair since they rest on your face. If your bangs look run-down, spruce them up with a quick shampoo and rinse in the sink or a spritz of dry shampoo.^[29]
   

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://www.hercampus.com/style/how-to-style-curtain-bangs-without-heat/
2. ↑ [v161426_b01]. 19 May 2020.
3. ↑ https://www.hercampus.com/style/how-to-style-curtain-bangs-without-heat/
4. ↑ https://youtu.be/ApL3a2L228g?t=303
5. ↑ https://youtu.be/ApL3a2L228g?t=329
6. ↑ https://youtu.be/I2bWYUDWOJk?t=342
7. ↑ https://youtu.be/ApL3a2L228g?t=345
8. ↑ https://youtu.be/_SH4CfvKm0o?t=348
9. ↑ https://youtu.be/8iKV-aOzt4c?t=62
10. ↑ https://youtu.be/_SH4CfvKm0o?t=399
11. ↑ https://youtu.be/_SH4CfvKm0o?t=399
12. ↑ https://youtu.be/_SH4CfvKm0o?t=469
13. ↑ https://youtu.be/2QlWBFhNtlY?t=579
14. ↑ https://youtu.be/_SH4CfvKm0o?t=730
15. ↑ https://youtu.be/_SH4CfvKm0o?t=752
16. ↑ https://youtu.be/_SH4CfvKm0o?t=764
17. ↑ https://youtu.be/WX_4Jmj2rRg?t=278
18. ↑ https://youtu.be/-YBa_Tipga4?t=641
19. ↑ https://youtu.be/4P62piDY6VY?t=38
20. ↑ https://youtu.be/SN6RCosqjlA?t=536
21. ↑ https://youtu.be/KoV5uSQjnio?t=91
22. ↑ https://youtu.be/oiW3I-XhFoE?t=329
23. ↑ [v161426_b01]. 19 May 2020.
24. ↑ [v161426_b01]. 19 May 2020.
25. ↑ https://youtu.be/_SH4CfvKm0o?t=139
26. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a35038462/how-often-should-you-cut-hair/
27. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a34688054/curtain-bangs-trend-2020/
28. ↑ https://www.self.com/story/should-i-get-bangs
29. ↑ https://youtu.be/paAStsQ-7So?t=140

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How to Live a Healthy Lifestyle

The ultimate guide to improving your physical and mental well-being

Living a healthy lifestyle is all about choosing to make healthy choices each day. Adding more nutritious foods to your diet, making an effort to exercise throughout the week, and prioritizing your mental health are just a few of the things you can do to begin living a healthier and happier life. We’ve compiled an extensive list of tips and advice from professionals about what you can do to improve your physical, mental, and emotional health. By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to start changing your life for the better.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Create specific health goals.

1. Come up with specific, actionable goals to improve your health. When you have specific goals you want to achieve, you’ll be more motivated to implement healthy changes in your life. Identify what parts of your lifestyle you want to improve (physical fitness, food, mental health, etc.) and set SMART goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound to better guarantee your success. An example of a SMART goal is:^[1]
   
   • Specific: I’m going to be more physically active by walking every day.
   • Measurable: I’ll walk for 30 minutes to 1 hour each day for a month.
   • Attainable: I have plenty of time before and after work to fit in walking. My neighborhood is also extremely walkable.
   • Relevant: I spend most of my day sitting and need to consciously make an effort to get more physical activity in.
   • Time-bound: I’ll maintain this routine for 1 month then reassess my needs and adjust my goals.
   • Ask friends, family members, or co-workers to join you on certain goals. Having people there to support you will make working toward your goals much more fun.

[Edit]Eat well.

1. Choose nutritious foods and create a well-balanced diet. It’s no secret that eating healthy is one of the keys to achieving a healthy lifestyle. When you follow a healthy diet, you reduce your risk for obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancers. Not only that, but healthy eating can also improve your mood and make you happier. Here are some tips to follow:^[2]
   
   • Eat whole fruits such as apples, oranges, berries, and mangos.
   • Include lots of colorful vegetables in your diet like sweet potatoes, beets, spinach, and peppers.
   • Choose whole grain options when you eat things like pasta, crackers, cereal, and bread.
   • Eat a variety of proteins including lean meats, chicken, tofu, eggs, seafood, and beans.
   • Go for low-fat or fat-free dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt.
   • Include healthy oils in your food such as vegetable oil, olive oil, and oils from foods like avocados, seafood, and nuts.

[Edit]Practice mindful eating.

1. Pay attention to your portion sizes and enjoy your meals. Eating mindfully means being aware of and paying attention to what you’re eating without any distractions. Solely focusing on the act of eating when you sit down for a meal helps promote better digestion, leaves you feeling full with less food, and make you more conscientious of your food choices. Here are some tips on how to practice mindful eating.^[3]
   
   • Avoid eating while doing other activities, such as watching TV or reading.
   • Take smaller bites and chew each one thoroughly before swallowing.
   • Create a meal plan that includes plenty of nutritious ingredients.
   • Make an effort to cook your meals yourself instead of ordering fast food.

[Edit]Drink plenty of water.

1. Make a conscious effort to stay hydrated throughout the day. Just like nutritious food, water is essential to keeping your body healthy. Water helps you digest food, keeps you hydrated, and flushes out toxins from your body. For adults, drink around 13 cups (3.1 L) of water a day to stay properly hydrated, though this amount can vary depending on your age, weight, environment, and physical activity level.^[4]
   
   • Other things that count toward your daily water intake include things like flavored waters, decaffeinated coffees and teas, and even some fruits and vegetables with high water content.
   • Avoid drinking sugary drinks like sodas, juices, and sports drinks.
   • Signs of dehydration in adults include less frequent urination, dark-colored urine, fatigue, dizziness, and confusion.^[5]

[Edit]Take supplements as needed.

1. Ask your doctor about taking supplements to get more nutrients. Taking dietary supplements is a good option when your diet isn’t giving you enough of the vitamins and nutrients you need to stay healthy. It’s definitely possible to get all the nutrients you need purely from the food you eat, but supplements are there to fill in the gaps. If you think you might benefit from taking supplements, consult with your doctor about which ones you should take.^[6]
   
   • The most common supplements people take are calcium (bone health), vitamin D (calcium absorption), and Vitamins C and E (antioxidants).
   • Vitamin B12, which comes from meat, fish, and dairy products, keeps your nerves and blood cells healthy.
   • Research suggests that fish oil supplements can promote heart health.

[Edit]Exercise regularly.

1. Find a type of physical activity that’s enjoyable for you. The benefits of physical activity are endless. Being active lowers your risk of things like stroke and high blood pressure, helps you lose weight, improves your cognitive function, and can improve your overall mental health.^[7] Experts recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week.^[8]
   
   • Moderate-intensity aerobic activity includes things like brisk walking, bike riding, water aerobics, dancing, and rollerblading.
   • Vigorous-intensity aerobic activity includes exercises like jogging, running, swimming laps, and playing basketball or soccer.
   • Along with doing aerobic workouts, do muscle-strengthening activities 2 days out of the week that work the major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms).
   • Find yourself a workout buddy who can help keep you motivated and make exercising more fun.

[Edit]Get enough (good) sleep.

1. Aim for at least 7 hours of quality sleep each night. A good night’s sleep can help you avoid getting sick, focus better during the day, maintain a healthy weight, and improve your overall mood. Most adults need at least 7 hours of quality sleep each night, and children need anywhere from 8 to 13 hours depending on how old they are. Some tips to help you sleep better include:^[9]
   
   • Sticking to a sleep schedule so that you get consistent sleep each night
   • Going to sleep in a dark, quiet room that’s set at a comfortable temperature
   • Avoiding large meals, caffeine, or alcohol before bed
   • Exercising during the day
   • Avoiding using electronics before sleeping

[Edit]Allow yourself to relax.

1. Do relaxing activities to combat stress. Another very important part of leading a healthy lifestyle is keeping stress at a minimum. Stress can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, chest pain, and fatigue, and it can make you restless and irritable. Exercising, getting good sleep, and eating healthy can all help fight stress, but it’s also good to set aside time each day to do activities that you find relaxing. This might be things like:^[10]
   
   • Setting aside time for your hobbies, such as writing or listening to music
   • Reading a book
   • Spending time with friends, family, or a significant other
   • Going outside and spending some time in nature
   • Caring for and playing with a pet

[Edit]Practice mindfulness.

1. Focus on the positives and get in touch with your emotions. Practicing mindfulness can help create healthy changes in both your physical and mental well-being. Physically, mindful exercises help reduce stress and can possibly reduce blood pressure and improve sleep. Mentally, practicing mindfulness can help reduce anxiety and depression as well as simply help you live in the moment and form a more positive outlook on life.^[11]
   
   • Do meditation or practice yoga to help clear your mind and focus on the present moment.
   • Another idea is to spend some time each day doing breathing exercises to keep yourself calm and present.
   • Journaling is an activity that allows you to write down your honest thoughts and feelings and reflect on them later on.

[Edit]Take a break from the news.

1. Too much negative news can affect your mental health. As important as it is to keep up to date on current events, being bombarded with too much negative news can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed by what’s happening in the world, skip watching the news for a day or more. Even just a single day of rest can leave you feeling calmer and more content.^[12]
   
   • If you still want to read some of the news, avoid potentially stressful topics, such as politics or world news.
   • If the news tends to pop up on your social media timeline, curate your feed to get rid of any sources of negative information. For example, unfollow or block political accounts or controversial figures.

[Edit]Limit your screen time.

1. Constantly being on your phone can affect your emotional health. Research suggests that excessive cellphone use has been linked to physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, memory disturbances, and impaired concentration. Along with that, people who are constantly on their phones actually tend to be more stressed and anxious.^[13] To improve both your physical and mental health, limit your cellphone use to around 1 hour a day and spend your time doing other things that make you happy.
   
   • Constant exposure to social media can potentially cause depression, loneliness, and self-esteem issues as well.

[Edit]Nurture your relationships.

1. Make an effort to maintain your social connections. When you have stable, healthy relationships with the people around you, you’re more likely to make healthy choices and have better physical and mental health. Take time out of your week to spend quality time with your friends, family, significant other, and the people in your community. Meet up for a meal, spend your holidays together, go on a trip, or just catch up at the end of the week to maintain those close connections.^[14]
   
   • If you can’t meet up in person, still work to maintain communication by texting, calling, video chatting, or interacting over social media.
   • Getting involved in your community is also a great way to form new, meaningful connections.
   • For example, volunteer with a local non-profit, participate in community events, or practice your faith at a place like a local church, mosque, or synagogue to meet new people.

[Edit]Practice self-love.

1. Be kind and compassionate toward yourself. Loving yourself is all about viewing yourself and your life through a positive lens. When you show yourself kindness and compassion, you’re much more likely to feel happy, confident, and content with your life, which can all work to improve your mental health.^[15]
   
   • Use positive affirmations to raise your self-esteem and confidence. Tell yourself things like, “I am strong,” “I am capable,” and “I am loved by many” every single day.
   • Forgiving yourself for past mistakes is also an important part of loving yourself. Forgiveness can help get rid of feelings of anxiety, stress, anger, and hurt.

[Edit]Limit your alcohol intake.

1. Cut out alcohol or limit yourself to 1 or 2 drinks a day. Consuming too much alcohol or making a habit of drinking every day can lead to some serious health concerns. The risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, stroke, and certain cancers increases dramatically with excessive alcohol use. To keep yourself healthy, quit drinking altogether or limit yourself to 1 or 2 drinks a day.^[16]
   
   • Health professionals typically recommend that women consume no more than 1 alcoholic beverage daily and men consume no more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily.^[17]
   • 1 drink is equal to 4 ounces (118 ml) of wine, 2 ounces (59 ml) of liquor, or 12 ounces (355 ml) of beer.^[18]

[Edit]Quit smoking.

1. Stop smoking to prevent diseases and cancers. Smoking can have a negative effect on nearly every organ in your body, and it puts you at risk for things like cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and immune system problems. Quit smoking to improve your health and protect yourself from various health issues and diseases.^[19]
   
   • Quitting smoking can certainly be difficult, and many people need more than one attempt to completely stop this habit. However, completely stopping is the quickest way to start getting your body back to a healthy state.
   • If you’re having trouble quitting, talk to your doctor. They might be able to prescribe you a medication or refer you to a smoking cessation program.^[20]
   • Research has shown that vaping also puts people at risk for certain health complications, such as lung disease and cardiovascular disease.

[Edit]Visit your doctor often.

1. Schedule regular check-ups to monitor your health. An important part of improving and maintaining your health is scheduling regular visits to the doctor. Your healthcare professional will be able to give you recommendations about how you can improve your health, as well as point out any unhealthy habits you may need to stop.^[21]
   
   • If you take medication for chronic conditions, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician at least once a year.
   • Come prepared with any questions or concerns you may have about your health to help potentially cut down on follow-up appointments.
   • Also visit your dentist. It's typically recommended to go twice a year for routine cleanings.^[22]
   • Book appointments with other medical professionals if you have any specific health concerns, such as an OB/GYN, allergist, dermatologist, or endocrinologist.

[Edit]Talk to a therapist.

1. Consult a therapist if you need help to manage stress. If you ever feel like you need extra support in forming healthy habits to improve your mental or physical health and fight stress, talking to a therapist might really help you take steps in the right direction. Talking to a licensed professional will give you a safe space to discuss what’s on your mind, and your therapist will likely be able to give you advice and exercises to help improve your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.^[23]
   

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Start Your Own Exercise Regimen and Stick to It
• Establish a Diet Plan

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/setting-smart-goals
2. ↑ https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/health-conditions/diabetes/eat-healthy
3. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5556586/
4. ↑ https://extension.psu.edu/water-water-everywhere
5. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/symptoms-causes/syc-20354086
6. ↑ https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2013/08/should-you-take-dietary-supplements
7. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/about-physical-activity/why-it-matters.html
8. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm
9. ↑ https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/mental-health-and-relationships/get-enough-sleep
10. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-symptoms/art-20050987
11. ↑ https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2021/06/mindfulness-your-health
12. ↑ https://hbr.org/2015/09/consuming-negative-news-can-make-you-less-effective-at-work
13. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9368281/
14. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/emotional-wellbeing/social-connectedness/affect-health.htm
15. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/click-here-happiness/202111/how-love-yourself-more
16. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm
17. ↑ http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm
18. ↑ http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm
19. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/health_effects/index.htm
20. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/cessation/smoking-cessation-fast-facts/index.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Ftobacco%2Fdata_statistics%2Ffact_sheets%2Fcessation%2Fquitting%2Findex.htm
21. ↑ https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2019/how-often-you-should-visit-doctor.html
22. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11187-dental-check-up
23. ↑ https://www.mhanational.org/therapy

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How to Flirt

Flirting, at its most basic, is playfully showing you are romantically attracted to someone. It can feel scary to try to flirt and put yourself out there, but don’t worry—it's normal to be nervous around someone you really like, and there are ways you can seem more confident and become great at flirting. To help you out, we've gathered all of the best flirting tips recommended by the experts. These tips will work whether you're flirting over text, online, or in person, and they're surprisingly easy to pull off. Keep reading to learn how to flirt with confidence and have fun doing it.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Flirting In-Person

1. Make eye contact. Eye contact is the best and easiest thing you can do to start flirting. You can look deeply into the person's eyes while also taking the time to break eye contact to keep things from getting too intense.^[1] Here are a few ways to try this flirting technique out:
   
   • Get caught looking. Throw small glances at your crush. Keep doing it until they catch your eyes. Hold the gaze for a second, smile, and look away.
   • Look into their eyes when you talk, particularly at meaningful points in the conversation like when you're giving them a compliment.^[2]
   • Wink or raise your eyebrows at your crush. It's cheesy, but it works if used sparingly. Do it when you're looking at someone from across a room, or if you're talking in a group and say something really meant for them.
   • You can also try lowering your gaze and looking up again slowly.
2. Smile. You'll probably smile automatically if you're talking to someone you like, but you can use your pearly whites to your advantage before the conversation even starts.^[3] You can even smile at the person when you pass them by in the halls or just from across the room. You don't have to grin from ear to ear, either; just a simple, subtle smile will do the trick. Try these variations:
   
   • Smile slowly. If you're looking at someone but not talking to them, try letting a slow smile spread over your face instead of breaking into a huge grin. Slow, languid smiles are generally considered attractive.
   • Smile when you make eye contact. If you're suddenly looking into someone's eyes, toss in a smile for extra appeal. (If it's a genuine smile, the other person will see it without even looking at your mouth — it will crinkle your eyes, and is known as a Duchenne smile.)
   • Try smiling with your eyes, not just your mouth. Make your whole face light up when you smile.
3. Talk to your crush. Introduce yourself — or maintain the mystery (optional). If you don't already know the person you're flirting with, an introduction (or lack of one) can be a great thing to build flirting around. Avoid the urge to have a cheesy pick-up line. Saying "Hi" followed by an introduction or a simple question is much more effective and less forced.^[4]
   
   • If your crush doesn't know your name and you're a naturally gregarious person, try introducing yourself at some point. It can be as simple as, "Hi, I'm [name]. And you are...?" Make sure you get the other person's name. To help yourself remember it, try repeating it after they say it to you. (Such as "Lily. I love that name.")
   • Or, if you want to make yourself seem like a bit of a challenge, work to keep your identity a mystery for a little while. If the other person really wants to know, they will ask around or keep pursuing you.
   • If the person you are interested knows another language like Spanish, pick up a few words of the language before you strike a conversation.
4. Initiate a conversation. Whether you already know the other person or not, a conversation is the best way to move the flirtation forward. The person you're flirting with will be impressed by your boldness and confidence.^[5] Here are a few guidelines:
   
   • Talk to someone you don't already know by starting with an observation that ends in a question.^[6] Try something like, "I can't believe how much it's rained this week" or "This place sure is packed, eh?" What you say isn't important — you are simply inviting the person to talk with you.
   • Find common ground with someone you do know. If you've already met the other person, strike up a conversation based on a shared experience or interest. For instance, you might talk about a class you're taking together, or the train you both take to work. Again, the topic itself doesn't matter — what matters is that you're inviting them to interact with you.
   • Gauge their response. If the person responds pleasantly, continue the conversation. If the person doesn't respond or seems preoccupied or disinterested, they probably aren't interested in flirting with you.^[7]
5. Keep it light. Don't bring up anything too personal when you're talking. Talk about the environment around you, the show you just saw, or your favorite hobbies. Keep personal information (like money, relationships, education, and so on) out of it, unless the person enjoys intellectual debates. Generally, it's best to avoid debating topics personally relevant to either of you (like religion) and to instead talk about topics you don't have a personal stake in.
   
   • It's easier to flirt when you're talking about fun things like your pets, reality television, or your favorite vacation spots. This doesn't mean you have to dumb yourself down to flirt, but it does mean you have to relax and avoid the deep talk for a while.
   • Be playful and use humor. Being playful means not taking yourself too seriously, being a bit silly, playfully hitting your crush, or talking about something slightly offbeat or unexpected. It also means not putting too much pressure on yourself over the course of the conversation.
6. Use body language to communicate your intentions. Non-verbal cues can say a lot more about how you feel than what's actually coming out of your mouth, so make sure you're communicating how you feel. Try the following:
   
   • Keep your stance "open." Don't cross your arms or legs, as these are generally signs that you wish to isolate yourself from the other person.^[8]
   • Turn your body toward the other person. Stand or sit so that you're facing the person you're flirting up. Angle your torso toward them, or point your feet in that direction.
   • Break the "touch barrier". Casually initiate physical contact by touching them on the forearm as you talk, or by "accidentally" walking too close and brushing up against the other person.^[9]
   • Play with your hair. Playing with your hair is usually a sign of nervousness, which is a good thing if you like the other person — you almost want them to know you're nervous because it means you're interested.^[10] To consciously communicate this, slowly twirl a strand of hair around your finger as you talk, or, if you have short hair, run your hands through your hair.
7. Break the touch barrier. The first few times you touch your crush, be careful not to "trap" them. Depending on the area, the contact should be long enough to be more than accidental, but no more.^[11] Avoid grasping a hand or arm, and instead try gestures such as brushing an imaginary speck of dirt off of their arm, or "accidentally" touching feet or knees without pulling away.
   
   • All of these touches can be rejected without humiliation or offense, so if your crush is not ready for that kind of contact, you will not be forcing them to reject you entirely.
8. Compliment the other person early in the conversation. It might seem too forward, but letting them know you're interested in dating before a solid friendship begins is the easiest way to avoid the friend zone. Get confident, and don't let the opportunity slip by — you never know when you'll get another one.^[12][13] Here are some techniques to try:
   
   • Maintain eye contact while you're complimenting. Looking away might accidentally make you seem insincere.
   • Lower the tone and volume of your voice slightly. Paying a compliment in a slightly lower register than your usual speaking voice makes it seem intimate and sexy. Plus, it might also coax the other person to come closer to hear you.
   • Use your crush's other interests to your advantage. If you know this person is dating (or interested in) someone else, you can use this to your advantage in a compliment.
   • Try weaving the compliment into the conversation. For instance, you could say something like, “I saw you play at the game the other day. I’m a huge soccer fan. How’d you get so good?”
   • Be careful about complimenting looks. People might feel uncomfortable if you focus on complimenting their body. Play it safe and stick to these physical features:
     • Eyes
     • Smile
     • Lips
     • Hair
     • Hands
9. Keep your interactions short and sweet. Remember that the key to creating demand is making supply scarce, so try to limit your interactions with the object of your flirtations. Don't talk to your crush every single day. Make it a special event and save it for a few times a week.
   
   • Don't let conversations drag on for more than 5-10 minutes. The longer they go on, the higher your odds of running into an awkward silence.
   • Let the other person come to you. After you've put in the work of starting up the interaction and sparking an interest, pull back a bit and see if they seek you out for an interaction. This can be a good way to gauge interest, as well as build tension.
10. Ask your crush out. If your flirting has been successful so far, and you want to get to know the other person better, it's time to see if you can turn it into a date.^[14] Here are a few approaches:
    
    • Ask if the other person has plans at a later date. For instance, you might say, "So, what are you up to on Saturday night?" Try to keep this an open question, instead of one that requires a yes or no answer — you'll get more information that way. Don't ask someone what they are doing tonight, or even tomorrow. Try to schedule the date a few days out so that you don't come off as overly desperate.
    • Suggest a specific event and ask if they would like to come along. This is the best approach if you're trying to arrange a group date. You could say something like, "So a bunch of us were going to see a movie on Friday, and I'd really like it if you came with us."
    • Be straightforward. If you're feeling extra confident, go in for the kill without any pretense. For instance, you could say something like, "I'd really love to take you on a date. When are you free?"

[Edit]Flirting over Texting and Online

1. Keep your approach casual. Don't let yourself get so nervous that you forget basic conversational skills. Instead, try to stay calm and open the conversation in a low-pressure way. If you've never chatted with the person online before, you may even find an excuse for talking to him, like asking a question about homework or talking about a sports team you both like. If you're texting a person for the first time, make sure they know who you are and that they don't feel creeped out. Here are some ways to start a conversation through text or chatting:
   
   • "Hey, how's it going?"
   • "Did you see/hear [insert event you both know about here]?"
   • "How's your week going?"
2. Don't talk about yourself too much. The majority of people are most comfortable talking about themselves because it's a topic they know well. Instead of taking the easy way out and discussing you endlessly, encourage the other person to talk about themself. However, you can and should occasionally throw some personal facts in the person's direction to help them to ask questions about you in turn. The key is to leave it up to them to pursue an interest in things relevant to yourself.
   
   • This tactic actually serves two purposes: Not only does it keep the conversation going, but it allows you to find out more about your crush.
   • You don't need to know a lot about the other person to do this step. If you don't know them very well yet, you can ask:
     • "How did your day go?"
     • "So, what do you do with your free time?"
   • If you do know the other person a bit, focus on a hobby or interest you're already aware of. For instance, maybe she's really into basketball, or you know he loves to read.
     • "Did you see the game last night?" or "Have you read any good books lately?" would be great starts.
3. Know when to press for more information. You can keep the discussion lively and interesting without probing too deeply on personal topics. For instance, asking your crush what exactly they like about running cross-country would be a great idea; asking them for more details on family relationships or close friendships would be too much, too soon. You can do it in a joking, flirtatious bantering way that doesn't feel too serious, or like you're interviewing the person. Here are some ways to ask for more information flirtatiously:
   
   • "So are you planning on spending all night online or do you have more exciting plans for this evening?"
   • "Are you going to kick some butt in tonight's game?"
   • "I've noticed the cute kitty in your profile picture. Is that who you spend most of your time with?"
4. Compliment your crush early in the conversation. Don't chicken out and skip this step — it might seem difficult, but it's incredibly important. A compliment communicates that you're potentially interested in dating, and steers you away from the dreaded friend-zone.^[15] If you skip paying your crush a compliment and simply keep the conversation on a friendly level, it might be too late next time. Here are some basic compliments you could use:
   
   • If you don't know your crush very well yet, but you're working on it, use a compliment oriented in this direction. Say something like, "It's so easy to talk to you," or "I kind of can't believe I'm getting to know someone as interesting as you."
   • Try weaving the compliment into the conversation. For instance, if the girl you like is talking about how she had a terrible day, you could say something like "I hate seeing someone as beautiful as you feel so unhappy. What can I do to help?"
5. Be bold. If none of the suggestions above appeal to you, go for broke and pay your crush a bold compliment. Try these possibilities, using the adjective that fits your crush best or substituting your own:
   
   • "I hope you know you're gorgeous/beautiful/amazing/my favorite person to talk to/etc."
   • "Sorry if this is too forward, but I have to say that you're incredible/an amazing person/so beautiful/etc."
6. Don't come on too strong. Avoid loading compliments with feelings too early. Leaving a person slightly uncertain of the extent of your feelings for them can increase your attractiveness, giving you a bit of a mysterious edge. The point is not to make the person question whether you like them at all, but to make them wonder how much you like them. If you just openly say, "I have a big crush on you" or "I've always thought you were so hot," then you're taking the mystery out of the exchange.
   
   • Instead, you can send a text or a message that says something like, "You looked cute in your new sweater today" or another comment that is nice and flirtatious without giving it all away.
7. Convince your crush to pursue you instead of having to do the work yourself. Though flirting should let the person know that you like them, you shouldn't make it seem like you're doing all of the work. Instead, you should be just flattering enough so that the person knows you're interested, but leave them to wonder just how much you care. Try phrasing compliments objectively rather than subjectively. Here are examples of objective vs subjective compliments:
   
   • "I really like your eyes, they're so pretty." On the surface, this compliment may seem fine, and it probably would be appreciated. However, a common flaw in phrasing a romantic compliment is to constantly use the words "I like/love *insert trait here*". They tell the person that they've succeeded in winning your heart. This is great if you've already built up a solid relationship, but early on it can make you seem overeager.
   • "You have great eyes, they're very pretty". Although both compliment versions say that you like the person's eyes, this one makes it more of an observation than a personal opinion. It implies that you find the person attractive but doesn’t confirm it outright. As a result, your crush might feel both flattered and drawn to figure out how attractive you find them.
8. Tease gently. Because you can't use body language to communicate over text or chat, you'll have to rely on your words to keep the mood light and fun. Rely on inside jokes (based on events you were both present for), sarcasm ("Yeah, I'm SURE you look like an ogre in the morning ;)"), and exaggeration ("You're probably a million times better at this than I am") in the beginning.
   
   • Make it clear that you're kidding. The drawback of using text to communicate is that you can't always read the emotion behind the words. If you're going to flirt with someone by teasing them, make extra sure that you're implying it's a joke. You can use winking smiley faces, all caps, or exclamation points to communicate this. Just don't overdo it with the emoticons or it'll begin to feel corny for the other person.
     • If you've already sent something that could be interpreted the wrong way, make your meaning crystal clear. Say something like "(joke)" or "jk" to make a quick save.
9. Always leave your crush wanting more. As much as you might want to text this person forever, it's best to bow out before the conversation goes stale (as all conversations are bound to do at some point). The best way to avoid an awkward pause is to leave before one happens. Ending the conversation on a good note will lead your conversational partner to look forward to the next time you can chat.
   
   • Set up your next interaction before you go. Throw out something like "Hey, so I'll see you around tomorrow?" or "I'll talk to you soon."
   • If you're chatting online, note that you enjoyed the conversation just before you leave. It doesn't have to be complicated — a simple "This was awesome" or "I had a good time talking to you" is enough. If you're texting, you can be a bit more casual about it.
   • Be careful not to over-compliment your crush. Your compliments will have a lot less meaning if you bestow them for every single positive trait the person has. Instead, reserve them for meaningful things that are important to the person, such as complimenting a skill they take pride in.
10. Don't take it too seriously. Keep in mind that flirting is supposed to be fun and try not to be crushed if your efforts aren't successful — not every interaction will be a perfect 10. Stay positive, and try again with someone else. As with anything else, flirting improves with practice. Flirting also doesn't have to have an endgame; not every flirtation ends in a date. Sometimes, you may just want to flirt for the fun of it, instead of hoping it will go somewhere.
    
    • Flirting can help you meet new people, feel more comfortable, and learn to mingle. You don't need to put any pressure on yourself to make it mean something or to be perfect.

[Edit]What Are the Dos and Don’ts of Body Language When Flirting?

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• Let go of any neediness you might have. Neediness is a precursor to obsessiveness, and obsessiveness is creepy. Needy people are imbalanced and unstable people because their happiness hinges too greatly on someone else, rather than a stable sense of self-worth. If you're projecting a vibe that you'll be devastated if a person doesn't want to be your friend or romantic partner, the lightheartedness that makes flirting fun will be extinguished.
• Don't flirt with someone you're not romantically interested in, unless you are 100% sure that they are not romantically interested in you. Otherwise, you risk accidentally leading them on, which can lead to an embarrassing moment and uncomfortable interactions afterward.
• Don't use your phone (that means no texting) while you are flirting with someone. This shows that you are more interested in talking to somebody else who isn't there or that you are already involved in a relationship.
• If you don't feel comfortable asking for their number, try giving them your number. If they are truly interested in you, they will give you a call. You could also pass them your email address.
• If you're thinking about breaking the touch barrier, test the waters with impeccable manners. For example, offer your hand when they might need to keep their balance, such as when they're getting into or out of a car, or stepping over a puddle or any other uneven surface. How do they respond when you offer your hand? Do they seem receptive? Or do they hurry to let go?
• If you have long hair, try flipping it or doing the realistic version of the bend and snap. However be careful not to hit anyone in the face with your hair while doing this.
• Don't complain when flirting. Remember, the world does not revolve around you. If you complain too much, others will find you depressing and avoid you. This also goes for constantly insulting yourself, which is not humble — it's another form of self-absorption.
• Flirting is not appropriate everywhere. Funerals, for example, are generally not good places to flirt. Flirting in the workplace is also generally a no-no. If you happen to flirt at work, be on your best behavior, and don't press the issue if the other person isn't interested.
• Use flirting that is appropriate for the setting. Meeting at a library or loud dance hall, for example, might not be conducive to talking too much. In this case, |smile, act interested, and wait for a spontaneous opportunity to meet at the punch bowl or in the lobby. Do not, however, follow them around for a while because you're too nervous to approach the person; this will make you seem creepy. Talk to them the first chance you get.

[Edit]Warnings

• In some contexts, flirting may be unwanted. Unwanted flirtatious behaviour can be considered sexual harassment. Sexual harassment hurts its victim emotionally, and also might be illegal or at least violate your workplace or school policies.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Understand the Difference Between Flirting and Social Interaction
• Start a Conversation with Someone on the Train, Bus or Subway
• Communicate With Body Language
• Flirt with a Guy
• Flirt Physically
• Flirt With a Pretty Girl
• Cope With a Flirtatious Co Worker
• Have a Witty Conversation

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0092656689900202
2. ↑ [v161213_b01]. 20 December 2019.
3. ↑ [v161213_b01]. 20 December 2019.
4. ↑ https://www.scienceofpeople.com/how-to-flirt/
5. ↑ [v161147_b01]. 10 June 2021.
6. ↑ [v161213_b01]. 20 December 2019.
7. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/flirting
8. ↑ [v161147_b01]. 10 June 2021.
9. ↑ https://www.scienceofpeople.com/neck-body-language/
10. ↑ [v161147_b01]. 10 June 2021.
11. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/love-digitally/202006/how-flirt-effectively
12. ↑ [v161147_b01]. 10 June 2021.
13. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-attraction-doctor/201302/avoiding-the-friend-zone-becoming-girlfriend-or-boyfriend
14. ↑ [v161147_b01]. 10 June 2021.
15. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/200403/the-art-the-compliment

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