How to Get Your Hair Out of Your Face

Last Updated: December 25, 2019 References

If your hair constantly falls in your face, covers your eyes or flies around it and tickles your skin, you may wish to keep it off at times. Even if it's a hairstyle you usually rock, it might be necessary to pull the hair back for work or sport, so that you can see properly or appear tidy. There are various ways to keep the hair off your face.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Clipping your hair back

1
Divide a section of hair from the roots. Do not take a lot, just the edges that are bothering you on the face.^{[1]
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Pull your hair back. Don't stretch it all the way back or you might find it's too tight, which can bring on a headache. Just enough that you find it tolerable.^{[2]
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3
Clip these edge sections of hair back. Use bobby pins, clips, clicker clips, etc. You might even use decorated clips, for something fancier.^{[3]
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4
Finished.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using a hairdo

1
Put your hair into a ponytail or braid. Draw back all of the hair from the sides of your face into the ponytail or braid. A braid is often good because it can "knit" stray pieces into it. Some examples include: a ponytail, a French braid, a fishtail braid and a curly ponytail.^{[4]
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2
Do a hairdo that requires gelling down. You can use the gel to keep the stray hair stuck down firmly against your head.^{[5]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Other options

1
Use a hair accessory comb. This isn't the comb you comb the hair with, it's the comb that remains in the hair. Use it to draw in the edge hairs that are bothering your face, and then firmly push the comb in place on your head, taking care to capture all the pieces. You can also use hair spray on top for added assurance.^{[6]
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2
Use a hair net. If you're working with food or in a medical/science lab environment, you will probably be asked to wear a net.^{[7]
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Research source} A net will keep the hair back and prevent it from bothering your face. Use while you need to perform the tasks, then remove when you're finished.
- Slide the net over your head from the front, gathering the loose hairs into it as you pull the net back over the rest of your hair at the back.
- Adjust by tucking under any hair not caught yet and to ensure that the net is fitting comfortably.
3
Use hairspray. Comb or brush back the offending hair, then spray it liberally. It should stay in place for as long as the hairspray manufacturer promises. However, on a windy day, you are probably safer to use clips and hairspray together.^{[8]
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4
Get a hair cut. While a fairly obvious answer, it's not always easy to part with a hairstyle that you feel defines you. However, it is important to weigh up how much annoyance you're experiencing along with the potential for feeling free from the hair problem; maybe it's time for a makeover.

Community Q&A

Question

I tried holding my hair back and hairspraying it. It still falls in my face right after, but then it’s all matted no matter how much or how little I use. Any advice?

Community Answer

Try a tightly-cinched braid tied very tight. Also, try mousse instead of hairspray. If all else fails, use a large clip to hold it away.
Question

What do I do when my hair is wet but I want to get it out of my face?

Community Answer

Gently brush it back and tie it into a ponytail or braid. This is quick and simple, yet effective. You can also use snap clips.