Things to know if you’re thinking about getting a fringe

By Katie Wright

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 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.”

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…

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.”

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.”

Some fringes require more maintenance than others

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.”