In Defence of the Side Fringe: Photographic Evidence the Style Is Still Cool

Leave it to the internet to wage war on our most beloved beauty trends. The latest beauty casualty? Side fringes. Yes, first TikTok declared that side-partings were under fire and with them came our beloved side fringes. How can this be? Side fringes are widely accepted as the most flattering style for every face shape and forehead length, not to mention their uncanny ability to conceal overgrown roots and scraggly lengths. To put it plainly, side fringes aren't just pretty. They're useful, too.

In return for their decades of loyal service, it's only right that we step in to defend them now and take a firm stance on this polarising subject. We're pro side fringes in this house! And we're not just being stubborn. We actually believe the classic style still has legs. But don't just take our word for it. Ahead, find 25 of our favourite examples of side fringes in all their glory. Scroll on to see the proof and prepare to recommit.

Zoë Kravitz

side-bangs-291909-1614645013494-main

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Kravitz's micro-fringe looks so chic all the time, but especially when pushed to the side.

Lupita Nyong'o

side-bangs-291909-1614638810516-image

(Image credit: @lupitanyongo)

The subtle side part in Nyong'o's curly coif makes for the perfect fringe.

Lily Collins

side-bangs-291909-1614638811702-image

(Image credit: @lilyjcollins)

This fringe has a slight bend, so it looks even better swept to the side.

Camila Morrone

side-bangs-291909-1614638812689-image

(Image credit: @chadwoodhair)

There's nothing like a loosely curled tendril to add the most elegant touch to any hairstyle.

Kris Jenner

side-bangs-291909-1614638814262-image

(Image credit: @ash_kholm)

Jenner is the queen of the power pixie and always finishes her hair with a piecey side fringe. Iconic.

Normani

side-bangs-291909-1614638816036-image

(Image credit: @normani)

This smooth side fringe is giving major '90s vibes.

Get the look:

Dua Lipa

side-bangs-291909-1614638817124-image

(Image credit: @patrickta)

So much yes to Lipa's pseudo-fringe. Just flip your bob to one side and you can get the look, too.

Tessa Thompson

side-bangs-291909-1614638818526-image

(Image credit: @ninapark)

Thompson demonstrates how to get a similar look with box braids. Just gorgeous.

Kerry Washington

side-bangs-291909-1614638820392-image

(Image credit: @kerrywashington)

The only thing better than a coily fringe is a coily, side-swept fringe like Washington's.

Kate Mara

side-bangs-291909-1614638821441-image

(Image credit: @mararoszak)

Mara's new haircut is really doing it for us, especially that built-in fringe.

Rowan Blanchard

side-bangs-291909-1614638835113-image

(Image credit: @rowanblanchard)

Blanchard's shaggy fringe is so perfect, even when pinned back with dainty hair clips.

Get the look:

Emily Ratajkowski

side-bangs-291909-1614638822293-image

(Image credit: @jennifer_yepez)

This vintage-looking fringe may or may not be a clip-in, but either way, it's so good.

Bella Hadid

side-bangs-291909-1614638823459-image

(Image credit: @jennifer_yepez)

This tousled side fringe gives Hadid's cropped wig some serious edge.

Cindy Crawford

side-bangs-291909-1614638824070-image

(Image credit: @cindycrawford)

This long, layered side style is timeless.

Jasmine Sanders

side-bangs-291909-1614643723109-main

(Image credit: @goldenbarbie)

Loose, cascading curls are so pretty, too.

Vanessa Hudgens

side-bangs-291909-1614638826393-image

(Image credit: @ckaedingcolor)

Here, Hudgens demonstrates how to up the ante on a sleek side-fringe moment with this face-hugging style.

Lili Reinhart

side-bangs-291909-1614638827533-image

(Image credit: @lilireinhart)

The side fringe plus all that volume is a recipe for success.

Get the look:

Ashley Graham

side-bangs-291909-1614638829050-image

(Image credit: @justinemarjan)

We're living for this retro-inspired high ponytail and smooth swoop courtesy of our girl Graham. 

Michelle Williams

side-bangs-291909-1614638830298-image

(Image credit: @michellewilliams)

Side-swept beach waves are always a vibe.

Jenna Dewan

side-bangs-291909-1614638830987-image

(Image credit: @kristin_ess)

Even with an eyebrow-grazing fringe, a side-swept moment coupled with beachy waves just never gets old.

Yara Shahidi

side-bangs-291909-1614638833852-image

(Image credit: Getty Images)

A curly fringe gives us life, especially when it leans to one side like Shahidi's.

Get the look:

Kristen Stewart

side-bangs-291909-1614638832728-image

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Still recovering from Stewart's undone, textured side fringe. From cut to colour, it's all working.

Rihanna

side-bangs-291909-1614638831799-image

(Image credit: Gettty Images)

Riri got it right with this mod look complete with a flip and side swoop.

Megan Thee Stallion

side-bangs-291909-1614642242153-image

(Image credit: @theestallion)

See? Side fringes are hot-girl approved.

Miley Cyrus

side-bangs-291909-1614643402544-image

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Cyrus's edgy texture is so cool, right down to the effortless sweep of her fringe.

Up next, the 8 biggest hair trends for this spring.

Associate Beauty Editor

Courtney Higgs is a Cancer sun, Libra rising beauty enthusiast with about six years of experience in the editorial space. She was previously Who What Wear's associate beauty editor after spending many years working on the West Coast edit team at InStyle Magazine. She graduated from California State University, Northridge, with a BA in communication studies and pivoted to editorial after spending her college years working in the legal field. Her beauty philosophy is simple: She believes there are no wrong answers and that discovering our favorite beauty products and rituals is a journey, not a sprint. When she's not geeking out over products, she can be found adventuring around L.A. with her fiancé; watching reality TV with their French bulldog, Bernie Mac; or relating way too hard to astrology memes.