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.”

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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

Portrait of confident young businesswoman. Close-up of female professional is with short brown hair.

“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

 

Long haired woman with fringe
(Alamy/PA)

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 post shared by Helena Alicia Kocsisszucs (@helena_banana_)

 

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

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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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A post shared by VisaliaCA•Stylist/Colorist/MUA (@sydniiee)

“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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A post shared by Gwen Stefani (@gwenstefani)

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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A post shared by Emma Corrin (@emmalouisecorrin)

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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A post shared by MADS-SUNE (@madssune)

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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A post shared by ELIZABETH OLSEN (@elizabetholsendaily)

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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A post shared by FKA twigs (@fkatwigs)

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 post shared by Emma Mackey (@emmatmackey)

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

L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.ART Pli Shaper
(L’Oréal/PA)

2. L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.ART Pli Shaper

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Christophe Robin Luscious Curl Cream with Flaxseed Oil
(Christophe Robin/PA)

 

3. Christophe Robin Luscious Curl Cream with Flaxseed Oil, £27

Sisley The Cream 230
(Sisley/PA)

 

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!

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