Everyone goes through a phase in their life (at least once) where they consider getting a fringe cut. Whilst it can seem like a daunting commitment, this classic hair trend is also one of the easiest ways to change up your hairstyle if you want to try something new. Plus, there are plenty of options to choose from no matter your hair type, texture or face shape: curtain, blunt, micro, side-swept—the list goes on…
"Fringes are timeless because they’re so flattering," says hairstylist and salon owner Melissa Timperley. "They’re a great way to draw attention to your eyes and also to contour the face.” Believe it or not, they can also be pretty low-maintenance too. Timperley tells me that the "grown-out bangs" style is super popular right now because it's easy to maintain, you can push the fringe to one side or the other, and it's easy to style back in an updo hairstyle.
However, most styles do require a certain degree of maintenance. According to Timperley, most fringes need a monthly trim to keep them looking fresh. "My top tip for daily fringe maintenance is applying dry shampoo," she advises. "Think of it like deodorant—you wouldn’t put deodorant on after you’ve sweated; you put it on before. So spray a little bit of dry shampoo in your fringe right after you’ve washed it."
If you’ve previously committed to a fringe and regretted it, Timperley recommends asking your hairdresser for tips on how to style your particular fringe, since without this knowledge it’s easy to become frustrated and fall out of love with the style. "To dry any fringe, it’s got to be really, really wet, and for most you’ll want to 'wrap dry' it from side to side using a brush," she recommends. "Your head needs to be down slightly so the hair dryer is angled from above your hair."
Since there’s no one-size-fits-all fringe, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite stylish fringe haircuts to spark your inspiration (and send to your hairdresser).
19 Stylish Fringe Hairstyles to Try This Season
1. Full Fringe
A full fringe paired with a French bob is a truly iconic look.
2. Blunt Fringe
The blunt finish on Taylor's full fringe makes her whole hairstyle look so polished.
3. Blocky Fringe
Amy's full, blocky fringe paired with a shaggy bob is giving us all the inspiration this season.
4. '70s-Style Fringe
This flared-out '70s-style fringe looks incredible on Saasha Burns.
5. Layered Fringe
A long and layered style like this one makes for the ultimate low-maintenance fringe.
6. Light Choppy Fringe
Paired with a retro updo, this light, choppy fringe looks amazing on Ella Balinska.
7. Textured Fringe
We're loving this full but slightly textured fringe with Daisy Edgar-Jones' mid-length hair.
8. Wispy Fringe
For a stylish look, opt for a long, wispy fringe like Ellie Delphine's hairstyle above.
9. Micro Fringe
A totally cool way to wear a fringe, although it will require the most commitment.
10. Shaped Fringe
Leaving it longer at the edges can make experimenting with a micro fringe feel less overwhelming.
11. Tousled Fringe
Choppy and tousled, Isabel Hendrix's mini fringe pairs perfectly with her short curls.
12. Layered Micro Fringe
Emanuelle Koffi's layered look offers the perfect micro-fringe styling option for curly hair.
13. Classic Side Fringe
The perfect introductory style to a fringe (or a chic exit style if you're growing out an existing full fringe).
14. Sculpted Fringe
Loïcka Grâce demonstrates a chic and modern way to style a side fringe.
15. Braided Fringe
Jessi Garcia complements her super long lengths with a dramatic side-swept fringe.
16. Curtain Bangs
The curtain or parted fringe is one of the most versatile and low-maintenance fringes around.
17. Layered Curtain Bangs
These layered curtain bangs suit Ella Purnell perfectly.
18. Centre-Part Fringe
As your fringe grows out, it can be parted in the centre and heat-styled away from the face for bouncy volume.
19. Long Fringe
Depending on the length, you can either part your fringe in the centre for sweeping bangs or pull it forward and style it as a longer full fringe.
The Best Products for Styling a Fringe
Fringes easily pick up oils from your face and fingers, so rather than wait for them to look greasy, follow Timperley’s advice and spritz this through your fringe immediately after washing and drying. This option is also great for adding volume.
Timperley recommends avoiding round brushes for fringe maintenance and sticking to classic hard-bristled styling brushes for better control. Bonus points if, like this one, it has wide vents that allow the heat to pass through.
If styling your fringe means picking up the heat tools more frequently, then you’re going to need a good heat-protectant spray in your arsenal. Formulated with lightweight oils, this will help not only to protect hair from damage but also keep it sleek and soft.
This multitasking cream helps to add texture, shine and definition, and it’s lightweight enough to maintain movement and bounce.
For those who worry about their fringe looking flat, this styling cream adds instant (and long-lasting) volume.
Ideal for enhancing curly or wavy fringe hairstyles.