51 fringe hairstyles that cool girls take to the salon
Fringes are one of those haircut trends that never stay gone for long – and right now fringe hairstyles are having a moment in more shapes and finishes than we’ve seen in a long time. Alongside the soft, face-framing curtain styles that have been front and centre (quite literally) over the last few seasons, shorter styles – like micro fringes and baby bangs – are starting to gain traction again, offering an edgier alternative for anybody ready to make a statement.
Part of the appeal is how many versions of the fringe there are now. Whether you’re looking for a style that blends seamlessly into existing layers, or you want a shape that completely transforms the feel of your current cut, there really is a fringe style to suit almost every face shape and hair colour, texture and length.
As celebrity hairstylist and ColorWow’s international creative director, Dom Seeley, says, there’s a huge fringe revival happening right now – and we couldn’t be happier about it. “Fringes are one of the easiest ways to update your look without committing to anything dramatic, and there are so many variations to choose from – whether it’s wispy or blunt or curtain-style, like Sabrina Carpenter,” he adds.
From CK1 layers to buzzy new shade ‘golden dune’.
How do you style a fringe?
Before you leave your hairdresser, ask for a quick tutorial on everyday maintenance, especially if it's your first fringe hairstyle. Fringes can require slightly more effort than the rest of your hair, since they are more likely to get greasy. They're in constant contact with your forehead (which might be a consideration if you are prone to breakouts or have acne), and can also be more susceptible to the effects of bed head.
You might want to stock up on dry shampoo and invest in some styling tools that will fix up your fringe in a flash. If you go for a blunt fringe, some straighteners will help you achieve a sleek finish, whereas if you have a French girl fringe, comb through with a wide barrel brush and a hairdryer to give it some volume. Finish with a texturising styling product for that accidentally perfect finish.
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Fringes are always on trend, but one of the boldest versions that experts are predicting will make a grand comeback is the micro fringe. Sitting well above the brows, the shorter shape instantly changes the proportions of the face, adding a cool girl feel and sharper edge to everything from soft layers to structured bobs.
“Fringes have already been on the rise in the last few months, but we’ll see a lot more of the micro fringe or ‘baby bangs’,” explains Living Proof stylist ambassador Hollie Rose Clarke. “This is a bold and edgy look that typically sits an inch or two below the hairline. These fringes can be tailored to suit any hairstyle, face shape and texture.”
While the look has long been associated with more directional cuts, newer versions feel lighter and softer than the blunt micro fringes of the past, making them easier to wear alongside modern layered styles and glossy, polished finishes.
2. The curtain fringe
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It's no surprise that the curtain fringe is still one of the most requested. The universally flattering, Brigitte Bardot-inspired, ‘70s style fringe is the perfect entry-level haircut. Rather than chopping your strands straight across from temple to temple, this offers a lower-commitment fringe option that flicks out at the ends to perfectly frame eyes and cheekbones. “It starts mid-way between the eyebrow and the bridge of the nose, but has more length at the sides so you can't tuck it back,” explains Dom. “It has a flowy vibe, rather than being a solid bang,” he adds.
Even better, this fringe hairstyle looks equally good when grown out. “An extra curtain bang is a super cool way to change your look, without a hair-length change, for example,” says celebrity hair stylist, Danielle Priano. And, it can help your hair look cushy and healthy. “The cosiness of curtain bangs fit perfectly with the change of season,” notes Tom. Another practical bonus of this fringe hairstyle is that it lets you trim away ends left dry from overstyling.
3. The Audrey fringe
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Alongside big, swooshy curtain bangs, you may have noticed another emerging fringe hairstyle vying for the top spot recently. Enter: the Audrey fringe, also known as letterbox bangs. The Audrey Hepburn-inspired fringe features a brow-revealing length that's been emulated by everyone from Ariana Grande, to Zoe Kravitz, Leighton Meester, Cara Delevingne, Lady Gaga, Lais Ribeiro and Alicia Keys.
“This style is ‘piecey’, and not overly thick, so hints of the forehead can be seen through them,” explains top hair stylist and trend forecaster Tom Smith, who predicted it would take off last year. “And, thanks to the lighter density, it won’t look blocky,” he adds.
4. The boho fringe
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Is it 2004, or is bohemian fashion and beauty having a very modern revival? Led by the likes of Suki Waterhouse, Sienna Miller, and Daisy Edgar-Jones, floaty dresses and floaty fringes are making a comeback. Hair-wise, the key to a fringe hairstyle like this is a softly ruffled shape (nothing too sharp or blunt). The beauty is that it makes this fringe much more versatile. It can be worn straight across (and full and thicker looking) or parted to look closer to a curtain fringe. It should be “quite full, with some separation (but not too wispy),” explains pro hair stylist and Aveda educator, Leah Hill, who notes it can be shaped into a few different styles. Paired with a mussed-up, free-spirited texture, the boho fringe is set to be a headliner.
5. The full fringe
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We love a full, thick, swishy fringe hairstyle and one muse who has committed is Dakota Johnson. Here to endorse going big or going home, her generously chopped bangs offer up endless inspo. Ditto, Taylor Swift who has kept her retro chunky fringe throughout her Eras tour and beyond.
6. The barely-there fringe
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Another fringe we're seeing a lot of is the barely-there fringe, or wispy fringe, which allows you to dip a toe into fringe territory slowly, without fully committing. It's a cute, soft style in its own right, with a very light, see-through feel. Equally, it's a pretty first step if you're scoping out how you'd feel about a heavier fringe. It works beautifully with a range of textures, be it delicate curls, waves or straight hair.
7. Cowlick fringe
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This fringe hairstyle — popularised by London-based hair stylists Nick Latham and Sean Paul Nother, aka The Hair Bros — works with your natural cowlick (a section of hair that grows in a different direction to the rest) rather than against it. “At least a quarter of the clients we see have a cowlick,” they wrote on Instagram. “In the past, when fringes and bangs were perfect, straight and very blunt, it is true, a cowlick would cause chaos. But these days, where everything is softer, hair moves more, then a cowlick can actually work beautifully with your fringe if it’s cut in the right way.” If you have a cowlick, simply ask your stylist for longer curtain bangs with blunt ends to allow more versatility when styling.
8. Wolfie fringe
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The wolf cut (think shaggy layers and plenty of mussed-up texture) isn’t complete without an equally effortless fringe — they just go together. This fringe hairstyle by New York-based stylist David Bullen is a softer take on the otherwise edgy chop, thanks to subtle face-framing.
9. Handlebar fringe
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You heard it here first: the “handlebar fringe” is set to reign supreme this winter and beyond. Think of it as a flickier take on classic curtain bangs, with ends that curl up at the sides after a thorough blowdry. The hair version of a handlebar moustache, if you will — but cooler, obviously.
10. Mini curtain fringe
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If a curtain fringe sounds like too much maintenance, try its little sister — the mini version. Ask your stylist to section off less hair when cutting so the fringe feels lighter and blends seamlessly into the rest of your hair when worn down. Go a little shorter for maximum impact.
11. Sabrina Carpenter '70s fringe
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Sabrina Carpenter’s swooshy, creamy blonde curtain fringe hairstyle is a nod to the ’70s — an era when one beauty mantra reigned supreme: the bigger, the better.
12. Retro curtain bangs
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This blown-out fringe hairstyle frames the face and draws attention to the eyes. Invest in a blowdry brush like ghd's Duet, which makes light work of styling curtain bangs.
13. Plush full fringe
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Fuller fringes aren’t for the faint of heart. If you’re up for the maintenance (regular trims) and know how to work a barrel brush, you’ll love this fringe hairstyle.
14. Wispy fringe
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Think of the wispy fringe as the full fringe’s little sister — lighter, airier and letting the forehead peek through.
15. Sheer bangs
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Thicker hair? Sheer bangs — an airier, breezier fringe hairstyle — are perfect for you. Keep some dry shampoo on hand if your hair tends to get oily quickly.
16. Piecey curly fringe
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Curly hair and fringe hairstyles pair like champagne and canapés — and we’re a little bit obsessed with this cut.
17. Grungy wispy fringe
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It’s the mussed-up texture that gives this fringe a grungy vibe, along with the layered cut and the juxtaposition of warm and cool blonde tones. A texture spray like Oribe's Dry Texturising Spray will help you along your way.
18. Retro micro fringe
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This retro micro fringe transitions into longer face-framing pieces that merge effortlessly with the rest of the lengths.
19. Soft Birkin bangs
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Inspired by none other than Jane Birkin, this fringe hairstyle is choppy and enhances natural movement.
20. Medusa bangs
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The longer, wispier length of these bangs has earned them the “Medusa” nickname. Just ask your stylist for long, wispy curtain bangs, and they’ll know exactly what to do.
21. Shaggy fringe
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The shagginess of this fringe hairstyle comes from a handful of expertly placed layers. Find a wolf cut specialist, and you’ll be sorted.
22. Colour-pop fringe
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This fringe hairstyle is exactly what it says on the tin. We love the colour melt contrast of Billie Eilish's bangs here.
23. Curly fringe
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Curls are made for fringe hairstyles, as demonstrated by the beautiful Alyssa Vigueras here.
24. Poker straight fringe
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This ultra-straight fringe might require a laser focus to cut, but it's so easy to style at home. Just use your trusty straighteners and bend the hair inwards for a little extra volume.
25. Softly spiky fringe
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This fringe hairstyle is usually created using a razor, then a super sharp pair of scissors to slice in some soft texture.
26. Voluminous side-swept fringe
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The side fringe hairstyle is back with a bang and who can be mad when it looks this good? Ask your hair stylist for some textured layers to haul the look into 2025 and beyond.
27. Shaggy Frenchie fringe
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It’s the chopped texture that gives this fringe hairstyle that certain je ne sais quoi, but the jaw-grazing bob really makes it.
28. Plush curtain fringe
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Those with thicker hair will love the plush curtain fringe. It takes more hair from the crown, creating a lighter, more balanced feel. Plus it looks incredible when blowdried.
29. See-through side fringe
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If you’re not ready to commit to a full fringe hairstyle, test the water with a see-through side fringe instead.
30. Swooshed fringe
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The key to nailing the swooshed fringe hairstyle is a large barrel brush and a lightweight hairdryer. Try ghd The Blow Dryer Ceramic Radial Hair Brush Size 2 35mm and BaByliss Air Power Pro Hair Dryer.
31. Fairly full fringe
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This cut stops just short of being a full fringe thanks to the chopped texture in the very centre, though it requires pretty much the same level of maintenance.
32. Lash-skimming fringe
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The lash skimming fringe hairstyle is longer than your average full fringe, but it's more lightweight thanks to the chopped texture. Either way, Claudia Winkleman would be proud.
33. Mussy fringe
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This full fringe blends effortlessly into a handful of long layers, but it's a good styling product that will lend it that mussed-up vibe. Try Color Wow Style on Steroids Performance Enhancing Texture + Finishing Spray.
34. Pin-up fringe
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Not everyone has the confidence to pull off this fang-esque fringe. But if you do? We salute you. It's hot!
35. '90s ladette fringe
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This piecey baby fringe isn't everyone's cup of tea, but it suits a pixie haircut, like this one on Iris Law, just perfectly.
36. Parisian fringe
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Slightly parted fringes like this one are de rigueur among Paris’s fashion set.
37. The full fringe
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This take on a full fringe hairstyle is nothing like your bowl-cut school days. It’s glossier, layered and full of texture.
38. The noughties fringe
Anne Hathaway revisited her Andy Sachs fringe from 2006 film, The Devil Wears Prada, while sitting front row next to Anna Wintour at Michael Kors' SS23 runway show in New York.
39. The graphic side-fringe
Actress Anna Sawai wore her hair in a graphic, blunt rectangular side-fringe while attending the premiere of Apple TV's Pachinko.
40. Soft blunt fringe
Zendaya served up a fairly full, but softly blunt fringe while promoting her film Dune in London.
41. Drape bangs
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JLo's no stranger to trying out a fringe, but more recently she's opted for grown-out curtain, or drape bangs, that blend back into her hair.
42. Razored fringe
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Bridgerton's Charithra Chandran took a razored fringe for a spin with the help of a little faux bang (all the impact, zero commitment).
43. The soft Bardot fringe
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This modern rendition of the Bardot fringe pairs softness with some gorgeous face-framing action.
44. Picture-frame fringe
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Paired with a long sleek cut, HoYeon Jung's blunt fringe creates a picture frame shape around her features.
45. The ‘French girl’ fringe
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Pinterest is one of our favourite sources of hair inspo so when a particular style has a 600 per cent increase in searches, we're already into it. The latest trend to sweep the site? 'Curtain fringes', which are inspired by the ‘60s and ’70s Brigitte Bardot-esque fringe that's a little bit dishevelled and a hell of a lot chic. This soft fringe iteration flatters the face perfectly.
46. Midi fringe
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Worn with centre-parted hair, the midi fringe finishes just above the brows.
47. The sleek fringe
Top model Jourdan Dunn shows us all how to rock a super sleek, straight fringe.
48. The textured fringe
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Alanna Arrington's beautiful relaxed fringe can be worn forward to create textured bangs, but can be swept back or to either side for the days she wants it off her face.
49. Classic bangs
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Taylor Swift and her signature perfect soft blonde fringe is giving us all the laidback vibes we need.
50. Blunt baby bangs
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A very short, blunt-cut fringe looks best with great eyebrows to match.
51. The pixie fringe
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A lesson in how to soften a directional crop: with a soft, side-swept fringe.
