Fancying a fringe for the first time? Or returning to the bangs (as Americans call them) you loved in the past? You’re not the only one.
“Fringes have seen a real revival as salons are back open,” says Adam Reed, hair stylist and UK editorial ambassador for L’Oréal Professionnel. People are craving “something new and fresh, but still easy to achieve – this is what makes a fringe so appealing.”
Reed says that Seventies-inspired styles, as seen on the likes of Jameela Jamil, are a major trend: “The curtain fringe is, without doubt, one of the most versatile fringe styles, and the perfect choice if your fringe is now outgrown during lockdown and you’re not sure if you want to go back to a high-maintenance style that needs regular trimming.
“We’re also seeing a rise in the blunt fringe, with thick, straight strands covering the brow in a style that is both sophisticated and on-trend. With the revival of the Seventies shag, we’re also seeing a rise in high texture and curly fringes.”
5 things to consider before getting a fringe
So, there are plenty of options for achieving a trendy and flattering ‘do, but it’s important to remember that not every fringe will suit every face. Here are five things you need to know before going in for the chop…
1. Choose a fringe that suits your face shape
“If you have never had a fringe before, the aim is to bring is to bring out your best features on your face, such as the eyes and cheekbones,” notes Belle Cannan, co-founder of Salon Sloane.
Wondering if the curtain fringe is for you? “Heavy centred parted fringes with a curved shape look very cool, and the good news is they flatter most face shapes,” Cannan says. “A side fringe flatters a square-shaped face, especially if blended into a long layered hairstyle, adding a choppy texture.”
Reed says: “Round face shapes lend themselves well to sweeping fringes that are a little longer and fall around the cheekbones, whereas oval face shapes may look to something that’s fuller and has a blunt style.”
2. Consider your hair length
Not only do you want a fringe that flatters your face, you want it tailored to suit your overall hairstyle and length.
“Short hair looks great with a fringe, as it makes fine hair look thicker and fuller, especially an asymmetric fringe side swept or a pixie haircut,” says Cannan. “And a classic bob haircut looks great with a bold blunt fringe – it really draws attention to the eyes, it’s very French.”
She recommends a softer fringe for longer hair: “A relaxed, laid back, wispy fringe looks great on shoulder-length hair, either on the eyebrow or just below.”
3. Some fringes require more maintenance than others
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A blunt fringe – cut just above your brows – can look very cool, but will require daily styling and regular trims to keep it looking neat and tidy. If you’re not prepared to put in the effort, you might want to stick to a more low-maintenance style.
“Before cutting in a fringe, always discuss your maintenance plan,” says Reed. “If you are looking for something low-maintenance, a curtain fringe can be perfect. Its edges are shattered to allow for a soft sweep that is undone, lending itself well to a grown-out style.”
4. You’ll need the right products
As for styling, it make take a bit of time to get used to your new blow-drying routine, and you’ll need to invest in a few products to keep your fringe in pristine condition.
“Often, people will use heat to style and maintain their fringe, so ensure you have a full arsenal of heat protection to prevent from damage and keep the hair in its best condition,” says Reed. “And ensure you also include a mask in your weekly routine.”
After washing your hair, always dry your fringe first, says Cannan: “Apply products to the roots, and separate the fringe away from the rest of the hair. Take small sections and place the brush at the roots, directing the flow of the hairdryer from the roots to tips.”
Reed adds: “You might find when you first get your fringe, that you’re touching and playing with it a lot, which may produce excess oiliness. Make dry shampoo your best friend.”
And to perfect the trendy Seventies fringe, he says: “Spray a little hairspray onto your fingers and gently part in the centre to create the ultimate curtain fringe.”
5. Discuss fringe options with your stylist
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“Before any style change, always have a thorough consultation with your stylist to discuss the best look for you, taking into consideration various details, from maintenance to hair type and texture,” Reed says.
This will help you decide “how far back a fringe should start on your forehead, dependent on your shape and size. If there’s not much space between your brows and hairline, start two inches back to make a smaller forehead appear longer”.
Still not sure if a fringe is for you? Play around with wigs or clip-in fringes, Reed suggests: “They’re the perfect way to test the look without the growing-out stage. You can also get your stylist to wash and style them so they move in the direction you want – or ask them to cut if necessary.”
Celebrity fringes to copy
Ever since she burst onto the scene as No Doubt frontwoman, Gwen Stefani has rarely drifted from her trademark blonder-than-blonde locks. But the Nineties icon has debuted a dramatic new hairstyle as she made an appearance on The Voice USA.
The singer shared her latest look on Instagram, dark brown with contrasting blonde underneath, complete with short, blunt bangs – “a modern take on a 1940s fringe”, according to Tim Scott-Wright at The Hair Surgery.
We can’t be sure if it’s all her own hair, but her followers are loving the strong style. “This hair is everything”, one posted. “Such an interesting look – a pioneer,” said another.
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Hairdresser Belle Cannan, the founder of Salon Sloane, says there’s currently a revival of the short sharp fringe. “This is an aesthetic evolved from lockdown after restrictions. It’s great, as it lasts longer than the brow fringe. However, you should still maintain it with regular trims. It’s a strong frame for a face, that suits most features.”
As lockdown eases, now is a great time to give your tresses a makeover as you head out into the world again – and fringes are big this year (particularly now you don’t have to trim it yourself).
If the micro-fringe is too blunt for you, Scott-Wright says: “The biggest fringe trends we’re seeing in the salon at the moment is the Seventies grown out fringe, we call it the ‘disco fringe’. It skims down from around the mid-eyebrow to the cheekbone area, think Agnetha Fältskog from Abba and Farrah Fawcett in the 1970s.”
Other celebrity fringes to take inspiration from right now include:
Emma Corrin
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Emma Corrin has had a big year, with awards left, right and centre for her portrayal of Princess Diana in The Crown. Now she’s rocking a Nineties-inspired curtain fringe (think Nick Carter, Backstreet Boys). The middle parting gives it a serious retro feel and the length is beautifully androgynous.
Phoebe Dynevor
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Another huge name to blast onto the scene over lockdown, Bridgerton star Phoebe Dynevor visited the Josh Wood Colour Atelier salon recently and left with a new copper hue and curtain fringe.
Elizabeth Olsen
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Sister of Mary-Kate and Ashley, Elizabeth Olsen has made major acting waves in her own right in Silent House and the Avengers films. This month, she added long eye-grazing bangs to her sleek locks for a classic Seventies feel.
FKA Twigs
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She’s always been ahead of the curve, so we couldn’t leave out micro-fringe queen FKA Twigs. Right now, she’s rocking blonde natural curls with a short fringe. Is there anyone cooler?
Emma Mackey
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A new series of Sex Education is on the horizon, and although she’s known for platinum blonde-pink ombre hair on-screen as Maeve Wiley, Emma Mackey’s look right now is a much more natural brown hue with a full, centre-parted, brow-length fringe.
Fringe benefits: 4 hairdresser-approved products for taming your tresses
1. L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Blow-dry Fluidifier, £11.59, Notino
2. L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.ART Pli Shaper
- Shape memory, grip and hold
- Bouncy curls & wavy hairstyles
- Root lift
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Christophe Robin Luscious Curl Cream with Flaxseed Oil, £27
4. Sisley The Cream 230, £70
Best-selling clip-in fringes
Not sure you want to commit to a fringe? Try a clip-on fringe instead. Check out our list of best-selling Amazon products!
- ✨ CLIP-ON DESIGN: One-piece clip design makes the wispy bangs easy to wear and remove. The bangs hair clips tight and high quality, which could stay in for a long time without falling out, and not...
- 👁️ LOOKS NATURAL: Clip in bangs with the temple are made of human hair ,natural appearance and soft touch, realistic effects as your own hair, can perfectly integrated with your hair, can't tell...
- 🌺 DIY YOUR HAIRSTYLE: You can trim the air bangs according to your preferences and needs to fit your face and your hairstyle, help you change a new hairstyle in seconds, perfect suitable for...
- Real Human Hair: Yamel Clip in bangs made from 100% real human hair, silky, soft, tangle-free, and shed-resistant. Perfect for styling and dyeing to match your look.
- Thick French Style Bangs: Offers 5.5" to 10" length and 15g weight. Perfectly suits various forehead sizes, ideal for instantly looking younger and diverse occasions.
- Secure Clip-In Design: Easy to wear with a one-piece clip that ensures a stable, natural blend. Ideal for quick styling on busy mornings.
- ✿ Human Hair Fringe: 100% Remy human hair, silky, soft, and tangle free, can be styled.
- ✿ Easy to Use: Clip in hair extensions, easy to put into place in just few seconds.
- ✿ Details: Bangs Length: 5"+8"; Hair Weight: 3g; Colour: #02 Dark Brown; Hair Life: 5-12 months according to your care and usage.
- Popular Clip Bangs ~ This natural synthetic flat bangs can change your look in seconds. A new self, never need to wait. This bangs hair extension is temporary and reusable, suitable for wedding,...
- Low-Cost Diy Fun ~ The bangs can be cut to any length or volume to fit your face and your hairstyle as you like. It is cheap and easy to use, you will have more chances and fun to try different...
- Stable Clip in ~ Yamel Bangs hair extensions with two invisible clip-in designs make it easier to put on/off and would stay in for a long time without falling out. Fringe is thick (30 grams) and neat,...
- 👩 Light Bangs Hair Type: 100% remy human hair, grade 7A, silky, soft, healthy, durable (3-12 months).
- 👩 Thanks to real natural hair, you can ✔curl ✔straighten or ✔dye the bangs, so more styles are available to fit your different needs.
- 👩 Clip on Fringe Bangs: 1 antislip clip assure you a solid & reassuring & comfortable wear.
- Bangs Extensions Type - Neat Flat bangs with temples, 100% high-quality Heat Resistant Fiber, looks like human hair.
- Bangs Design: The hair temples on both sides can correct different facial contours and make you look more attractive. If you don't like it, you can cut them off by yourself. Also you can cut the bangs...
- DIY You Hair Style - You can cut the bangs to any length as you like to fit your face and your hairstyle.If the hair bangs is thick or long for you, also you can cut some hair to thin it by the...
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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