Fringe hair was a style popularized in the ’90s. Fringes are hair strands cut short to fall over the forehead.
Celebrities who rocked fringes were from Audrey Hepburn to Zooey Deschanel. Before this, fringes were already a thing. More than 1,000 years ago, it was popularized by a musician who was nicknamed Ziryab. Egyptians also sported the hair trend for their hair and wigs.
Currently, fringes are making their way back this year and are one of the biggest hair trends in 2024. in this article, we will find out which fringe style is suitable for each hairstyle for all face shapes.
What is the difference between bangs and a fringe?
Bangs and fringe are often interchanged as a term for this hairstyle but they are actually similar. Both are hair strands that cover the forehead.
The difference is fringe is used by countries outside America while bangs was first used as slang by American Youtubers.
What are the best fringe hairstyles for my face shape?
Square or heart-shaped faces
For this face shape, they often look good in wispier and feathered bangs to accentuate their face shape. They both have strong chin shapes which can be paired well with thin bangs to add softness to their look.
Here are some fringes they can try:
1. Wispy Bangs
These fringes are light and have feathering at the end of their strands. It is also soft and low maintenance since it is finer than normal bangs.
PowerYourCurls hairstylist Gwenda Harmon said it can be maintained by using a detangling comb and blow-drying the bangs at low heat.
“You can also try adding in dry shampoo which will allow bangs to move around and refrain from sticking to the forehead when you sweat,” said Harmon.
Batiste Hydrate Dry Shampoo for Normal or Dry Hair can do just the trick to retain moisture.
2. Crisp Wispy Bangs
Harmon also recommends crisp wispy bangs to help with face-framing. It is good for people who want full bangs without thickness.
3. Wispy Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs are long, layered, and center-parted but with a wispier texture. It will help in face-framing and accentuate cheeks and eyes.
Harmon explained that it would add a sexy frame to your face, especially with unique features for face shapes.
Oblong face shapes
Blunt cut fringes and A-shaped bangs can work well with oblong face shapes, said Harmon.
“These bangs can help add softness because oblong face shapes have cheeks that are wider around the jawline. A-shape bangs can help create angles which will draw more attention to your eyes instead of the jawline,” explained Harmon.
Here are some bangs you can try out:
1. Classic blunt bangs
These are often cut across the eyebrows and can look best when you stretch your hair out and cut it at eye level. This will help move bangs a bit higher when they are down.
“You can try to use a straightener and a comb to optimize the look of the bangs. It can also help to pair it with a top knot or high ponytail,” advised Harmon.
2. Blunt bangs with layered sides
It was popularized by anime characters because of its edgy look. It can be done by cutting the blunt bangs and shortening a little hair from either side.
Hairstylists usually use a scissor, holding it diagonally and cutting one side of the hair.
Then, they repeat the same process on the other side and brush the bangs using a round brush. Afterwards, they finish the look by arranging the front side with a fine comb.
Round face shape
This face shape can be ideal for thick-cut and side-swept bangs to add more dimensions. It will also reduce attention to the round face shape.
1. Long side-swept bangs can be flattering for this type of face shape, said Harmon. She recommends getting a choppy and layered look to accentuate the face.
“Long fringes that are side-swept can also work best for round faces especially if you want to sport a longer hair,” said Harmon.
2. Curtain fringes are also ideal for round-shaped faces because they help draw attention to the eyes and cheeks, which can be a charming look.
“Make sure that the bangs are thin layers on both sides of the frame. This is why it was named curtain bangs because they are similar to hanging up curtains on a window frame,” said Harmon.
Oval-shaped face
If you have this face shape, you are the luckiest because you can pull off any type of hairstyle.
“Whether it is wispy, curtain, or A-shaped bangs, every fringe can look good for oval face shapes. This is because the face shape is more balanced than the other face shapes,” explained Harmon.
Micro-bangs which may not be suited for other face shapes can work well with those who have oval face shapes.
“Micro bangs can help flatter oval face shapes because they can stunningly improve face framing. Micro fringe may need some styling such as tousling it or pairing it with accessories depending on the event you will go to or the hair texture,” said Harmon.
What are the best haircuts with fringes for different hair textures?
Curly hair
If you ask curly-haired people if they want bangs, they could be hesitant because of the difficulty of finding which fringe can match their irregularly shaped hair.
It would confuse them to straighten the bangs, leave the curly style on, or just grow back the bangs.
Here’s the good news: curly-haired girls can strut in different bangs just like any hair texture would do.
1. Harmon recommends an old-fashioned curly ’80s bob. It can be done by curling it with a curling iron or using clips to keep the bangs rising.
2. Who says curly-haired girls can’t pull off straight bangs? Harmon recommends choosing subtle side bangs to pair with short and long curly layers.
3. Meanwhile, for those who want to stick with curly bangs, Harmon advises using curl cream or gel to create finger coil bangs.
You can use Tgin Rose Water Hydrating Curl Cream or Mielle Babassu Brazilian Curly Cocktail Curl Cream to aid in your coily curl bang look.
Straight hair
Harmon recommended that bangs can be suitable for straight hair because they are easy to maintain and work with.
Here are some flattering bangs for straight-hair texture:
- Blunt bangs should be heavy and must be right above the eyebrows.
- Side bangs can work perfectly for those with thick and long hair because of layering.
- Piecey bangs can also be flattering for those who have long and straight hair but want to sport a ponytail.
Locs and braids
Locs and fringes may not be a perfect duo but there are ways to customize it.
Harmon suggests doing braided fringes to flatter locs. To do this, gather the locs on top of the head. Then, choose some locs you want to create a structure for your bangs. Afterwards, take about two locs, twist them together and secure the ends with a ponytail.
After this, part them off to any side of the head, gather the twisted locs, and swoop the ends on top of the head. Once you made the loops, you can secure them with a bobby pin. The final step is to apply hair oil such as Afro Naturals: Hair Oil Strengthening to make the fringes look shiny.
Wavy hair
Harmon suggests going with thin bangs if you have wavy hair to elevate the look and emphasize one’s face shape.
“You may also try styling it with sprays and a curling iron,” said Harmon.
Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Curl Refreshing Spray can help hydrate and style thin bangs for wavy hair.
Another fringe style that wavy-haired girls can try is wavy fringes. It can add depth for those with long and wavy hair.
“It adds more grip and can suit with the wavy style of your hair,” explains Harmon.
How to maintain fringes?
Harmon cites some steps to follow to enhance the health of one’s fringe because bangs are at risk of greasiness, and environmental damage, and they can easily grow.
The first step is to wash fringes to avoid build-up, preferably with sulfate-free shampoo like Tgin Moisture Rich Sulfate Free Shampoo.
“If you do not like overwashing your hair, you can opt to wash your fringes because it is most likely the catch basin of the natural oils from your scalp,” said Harmon.
Another tip is to use heat-styling tools to maintain the look. Make sure to use the lowest heat setting and section the bangs if they are thick to avoid burning the cuticle.
“Use a barrel brush to gently curl the bangs to result in bouncy fringes,” said Harmon.
The next tip is to use dry shampoo such as Batiste Dry Shampoo Pretty & Opulent Oriental while constantly brushing it to prevent greasiness.
The fourth tip is wearing a cap when going outside to protect bangs from becoming unruly is also a good way of maintaining them.
Harmon advised securing the fringes underneath the brim of the cap to prevent damage from sun exposure, winds, and rain.
The fifth and last tip is to use a round brush while the fringes are still damp to help style the fringe in the way that you want them.
