It seemed as though 2018 was the year of the bang. People began trading their cascading, face-framing layers for the fringe. Having not had bangs since fifth grade (gentle reminder that they were ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE AND UNEVEN), I decided that it was time for a change and that I should get bangs again. What could possibly go wrong? (Hint: EVERYTHING).

1. You are both excited and scared out of your mind for the new cut.

You look for hours to find juuuusst the right picture, and you're excited beyond belief once you finally find the "one." New hair, new you. You watch as the hairs begin to collect on the floor, and all you can think is, "This better be worth it." After your hair is blown dry, your hairdresser shows you the big reveal and you're stunned.

2. Either you love the new you or you regret ever trying to switch things up.

If you love your bangs, congrats. You get a gold star. But the rest of us here are having near panic attacks at the thought of having to show our new do to that hot guy we've been seeing.

3. You can't stop touching your bangs...

It's a strange, new phenomenon having hair on your forehead, and you feel the need to constantly put your bangs in place and fuss with them 24/7. You refuse to listen to your hairdresser who specifically told you that the less you touch your fringe, the better. But what does she know? (For the record, she knows anything and everything.)

4. ...so they become a greasy mess.

Your bangs are now sticking to your forehead, separated into thin strands of ugly. No amount of dry shampoo can suck up the oil and sweat (and blood and tears) that have attached to your new hairstyle. You wish you could just cut them off at the root and run far, far away. Also, you think they are actually causing breakouts, but they are also hiding them at the same time. It's not a lose-lose situation, but it's def not a win-win.

5. You wash them and try to style them by yourself for the first time.

No amount of Youtube tutorials can prepare you for the agony that is trying to figure out the best way to style your bangs.

6. You give up and just straighten them.

Congrats, you look like an emo kid from 2008.

7. You force yourself to try a new styling technique every time you wash your hair.

You thought this would be easy, that you would just roll out of bed and wake up with Camila Cabello bangs like THAT. Haha. You cute.

8. You complain to your friends, your mom, your cat, and the ever-expanding universe that you regret your decision.

You think, "How could I have been so dumb to ever think that having freakin' wisps of hair on my face would be FLATTERING?!!? Also they are in my eyes constantly and I can't see anything!! ARGGGHH!!"

9. You accept the fact that the bangs aren't going away and pray for them to grow out ASAP.

Three months longer...only three more months.

10. Your bangs are now too long to wear across your face but too short to look good parted to the side.

This is almost worse than when you first got them cut.

11. You find creative ways to grow them out.

I use the word "creative" lightly. You're really just using bobby pins and hoping that someone doesn't mistake you for a five-year-old.

12. You can finally push your bangs off to the side!

Glory glory hallelujah, the end is almost near.

13. Just as soon as you grow them out, someone with BANGIN' BANGS breezes past you.

Wait. Those look really cute...should I just get bangs again?

Listen. Not everyone has a negative experience with bangs, but I think I'm going to wait another decade (AT LEAST) until I get me some fringe again. But more power to you if you can handle the bang bang. I am forever jealous of people who can make them #werk.