Forget High-Maintenance Fringes—This Easy Style Will Be Everywhere This Autumn

Fringe curious? Listen up. There’s no doubt that getting a fringe cut in is risky business—but it's also a great way to switch things up when you don't want to dye your hair or remove length. And whereas in recent years, blunt, full fringes were all we could talk about, 2026 is the year of genuinely wearable hair trends, including low-maintenance fringes that won’t require a trip to the salon every two weeks. In fact, there’s one fringe dominating right now that allows you to reap the face-framing benefits of classic bangs without the upkeep—the curtain fringe.

Taking inspiration from the iconic Bardot fringe, and in line with the current trend for retro '70s waves, the curtain fringe is making a comeback and is already big news for autumn. Cut with shape so that it curves and frames the face, the curtain fringe is easily parted to create a chic, easy look, even as it grows out. And the best bit is that it can be tweaked for every hair type and style, and suits every face shape.

What Is a Curtain Fringe?

“A curtain fringe is a softer, more graduated take on a traditional fringe,” confirms celebrity hair stylist Sam McKnight MBE. “It is generally shorter through the centre and gets progressively longer towards the cheekbones and jaw, with a central parting that allows the hair to sweep away from the face. The effect is flattering because it frames the eyes and cheekbones without feeling too heavy or severe.” While McKnight points to celebrities like Daisy Edgar-Jones for a “lovely, effortless ‘70s quality with soft, wispy fringe” or Sabrina Carpenter for a “fuller, more glamorous interpretation”, the beauty of the curtain fringe is that it is incredibly versatile.

“It can be adapted to most hair types and textures, but the important thing is that it is tailored to the individual,” explains McKnight. “With finer hair, I would keep the section lighter so it doesn't look sparse; with thicker hair, the weight needs to be considered; and with curls or coils, you need to respect the natural curl pattern and allow for shrinkage. The best fringe works with the hair's natural movement rather than fighting it.”

How to Style a Curtain Fringe

The appeal of this fringe is that it looks entirely effortless, but is that really the case? McKnight says that the key to this look is to create movement without making the fringe look overly styled. “Start with the fringe damp and blow-dry forward, brushing side to side so it has some softness to how it falls and to control any cowlicks. Then use a round brush to lift the roots and gently sweep each side away from the face,” he explains.

As for the product? The key is to keep it light. “A light texture spray will give the fringe grip and body, but if you have naturally wavy or curly hair, I’d enhance the natural texture using a diffuser on low heat rather than trying to force it into a completely smooth shape,” McKnight says. To keep the shape, he recommends a trim every 4-6 weeks, but for a softer, more lived-in look you can stretch your curtain fringe to nearer the 6-8 week mark.

Below, we've rounded up 19 curtain fringe styles (plus the best styling products for the job) that will provide all of the 2026 hair inspo you need.

The Best Curtain Fringe Hairstyles

Bruna Marquezine's ultra-glossy lengths look so chic paired with this full, 70s-style curtain fringe.

Soft layers always work well with curly cuts, as Emma Laird's centre-parted fringe proves.

The perfect accompaniment to Mia Goth's glamorous, ultra-long blowout? A swooping curtain fringe, of course.

Saffron Hocking's tousled curtain fringe adds so much texture and shape to a simple updo.

Daisy Edgar-Jones's textured style absolutely nails the effortless appeal of this year's take on curtain bangs.

Emma Mackey goes for glam with this retro bouncy blowout and sleek fringe combo.

You don't have to cut in a huge fringe to make this look work. Greta Lee's wispy style looks so chic on her finer hair.

A gallery of curtain fringe inspiration simply wouldn't be complete without the queen of the cut, Suki Waterhouse.

Layers + choppy fringe = never-ending volume.

Everything about Sadie Sink's style here oozes old-school glamour, from the colour and cascading waves to the perfectly flicky fringe.

Keep lengths long and healthy by keeping shaping and layering exclusive to the fringe. We can't get enough of this ’70s style.

Not sold on a fringe just yet? Ease into it by starting with short, face-framing layers.

We couldn't be more obsessed with Samantha's curly curtain fringe if we tried. Keep curls soft and defined with a curl cream.

A blunt curtain fringe is the perfect way to take weight out of thicker styles, keeping things soft and low-maintenance at the same time.

Opt for a feathered, parted fringe to give your style a no-fuss, carefree edge.

Okay, Joan Smalls wins. This feathered, voluminous fringe is basically all of our 2026 hair dreams wrapped up in one.

Jennifer Lopez's balayaged curtain fringe is all the evidence we need to give it a go ourselves.

For a shagged, retro vibe, embrace short, choppy layers.

Style your curtain bangs into loose, face-framing waves for Hollywood glam results.

The Best Products for Curtain Fringes