HOW TO STYLE FRINGES, ACCORDING TO THE EXPERTS

With the new season fast approaching, it’s time to switch up your look and make a change – and nothing says ‘new me’ quite like bangs. 

While we understand this can be quite the hair care commitment, all it takes is some knowledge of how to style fringes to guarantee minimum maintenance, maximum pay off. Here at Cult Beauty, we caught up with professional hairstylist and founder of JVN, Jonathan Van Ness, and Oribe’s Educator, Kathryn Dartnell,to get all the tips and tricks on how to style fringes – the right way.  

BUT FIRST, WHY SHOULD YOU GET A FRINGE 

“A fringe is a fantastic way to reinvent your look, offering an effortless way to express yourself. It can be fun, edgy, soft, sexy. The right fringe will flatter and accentuate different parts of the face and can be a real confidence booster” says Kathryn. “Adding a fringe can be a nice way to create a high impact change that doesn’t have the financial commitment of a colour change. It can also create a dynamic new look on folks who don’t want to lose their length” adds Jonathan. From Suki Waterhouse’s boho chop to Emily in Paris’ break up bangs, there’s a style to compliment every face shape, tress texture and hair type. “The hottest fringe right now is Sabrina Carpenter’s sexy, flirty curtain fringe. It really works for so many face shapes – with a close second being wavy and curly fringes which I’m obsessed with.”  

SO, WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT FRINGE TYPES 

Before we get into the nitty gritty of how to style fringes, Kathrynexplains how “important it is to choose a fringe style that complements your natural hair type. A fringe with little wave or texture is often the easiest to style because there are different ways you can manipulate it into shape, while bold, blunt, geometric fringes may need commitment to daily styling. Or your could embrace your natural waves for a softer finish.” 

Fringes are making a statement this year, and they’re not just passing through they're here for a long time as well as a good time. “From timeless icons to contemporary muses, in 2024, we’re seeing many people cutting a fringe to jump on the trend or do something to frame the face differently for a seasonal change or to complement their new wardrobe” continues Kathryn.  

Not sure which style is for you? No worries. Kathryngives us a rundown of the most popular fringes right now and how they frame different faces.  

Curtain Bangs 

Curtain bangs have stolen the spotlight. This face-framing style is the go-to request at salons everywhere at the moment because they’re versatile and universally flattering. They offer the perfect blend of softness and structure and the ease of transitioning from one occasion to the next is effortless. 

Wispy Bangs 

The enchanting wispy bangs are light, airy fringes that bring a playful yet sophisticated edge to your look. They add texture without overwhelming your features and are ideal for those looking to channel a laid-back, bohemian vibe with minimal effort. 

Full Bangs

The iconic full bangs are an elegant and bold choice synonymous with confidence and sophistication. They frame the face while adding depth to your overall hairstyle. Perfect for those seeking a transformative change, full bangs can be styled sleekly for a polished look or tousled for a more casual appeal. 

Baby Bangs 

Baby Bangs echo the glamour of icons such as Audrey Hepburn. Short and striking, they redefine your look and add an element of surprise to your style. They’re more suitable for those who aren’t afraid to push the envelope and stand out from the crowd. 

Side-Swept Bangs

And last but not least, side-swept bangs offer a touch of timeless elegance – perfect for adding movement and softness, creating a romantic aura that’s ideal for any occasion. 

HOW TO STYLE FRINGES  

So now we know the why and what, it’s time to reveal the how. Keep scrolling to uncover the experts’ top tips on how to style fringes… 

Prep on wet hair

The key to any good hair day starts with the preparation – and it’s no different when it comes to how to style fringes. “So much of the prep depends on your fringe goal vs your hair type. If your desired fringe is to be smooth and your hair is fine, straight or curly go straight in with heat protectant. If you need a sleek fringe or need more control, use a heat styling cream. If you need volume, try a volumising mousse spray” explains Jonathan.  

JVN Complete Air Dry Cream 147ml

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Oribe Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse

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47.46€

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Oribe Maximista Spray 200ml

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Hair By Sam McKnight Save The Do Heat Protection Spray 150ml

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Olaplex Volumising Blow Dry Mist 150ml

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Color Wow Money Mist 150ml

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Pick your tools and style

Use a flat brush to roughly dry in a side-to-side motion across your forehead if you’d like to wear your fringe straight. This will give a little volume boost and create movement. “If you want a finished look with even more volume, style with a round brush. For a super straight final look, go in with a straightener when dry. To achieve the more ‘feathered’ curtain fringe effect, part your fringe in the middle, then curl each side back and to the side with a large barrel curlers instead of towards your forehead.”   

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amika The Chameleon 5 Barrel Interchangeable Curling Kit

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Add the finishing touch

“To finish off use a soft clip right at the end of drying to clip your fringe together in the centre and allow your hair to cool. This will keep it from splitting too much in the middle, making your fringe appear denser.” 

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TOP TIPS ON HOW TO STYLE FRINGES  

1. Ensure you get regular cuts by following a trimming schedule. This will help you maintain a fresh polished finish.  
2. Sleep in a silk or satin bonnet, or at least on a silk or satin pillowcase, to help prolong your fringe’s style. This can help to minimise friction while you sleep that can leave your fringe looking frizzier the next day. 
3. Don’t go too heavy with applying finishers like pomades that could leave the fringe looking oily. Instead add a tiny amount of product for hold or volume. 
4. For those with more oily hair types, apply dry shampoo on day two to keep your fringe looking fresh.  
5. Finish your look with a with a light spritz of a light or medium hold hair spray to keep your fringe locked in place all day long.  
6. Use the right tool for the trade. A case in point? Use a round brush for longer bangs and a vent brush or comb for shorter, blunter styles. 
7. Keep it clean. A fresh fringe is a happy fringe – regular washing is essential to minimise oils and banish product build up. 
8. Prolong your fringe’s freshness by gently sweeping it off your forehead and secure it with a non-denting clip or by wearing a shower cap while washing your face to help maintain its shape and cleanliness. 
9. If you are longing to cut a fringe in but aren’t 100% ready to commit, try a clip in! This is a great way to try the look before you book in your appointment.  

HOW TO STYLE FRINGES FAQS 

How do you style a grown-out fringe? 

There are many ways you can style a grown-out fringe. The easiest option? Pin it back. But if this isn’t the look, you’re going for you can also switch up your style by twisting or braiding them away from your face, using a head scarf to pull them back or even embrace a slick back style by using your go-to stylers to keep them in place.

How can I make my fringe look fuller? 

Dry shampoo is a great way to give your fringe an extra lift and make it look fuller. Other options also include using a hair thickening shampoo weekly or styling your bangs with a heated rounded brush.

What glasses shape is best for fringe? 

Glasses with a straight top or a thicker rim work well with a fringe as they frame the eyes without getting in the way of your tresses.  

Et voilà! It’s time to make a date with your stylist and discover that the benefits of fringe are more than fringe.