Fringes can suit just about anyone (and we have the proof)

I’m pretty sure all of us can say that we’ve experimented with fringes at least once in our lifetime. Whether you dabbled in the soft side bangs or a full fringe, it’s one of those universal styles we all try at some point.

When the Duchess of Cambridge stepped out with her newly-fringed hairstyle in 2015, the media went mad. It’s a subtle look and one that really works if you don’t want to go for full-on blunt bangs. And just about every supermodel has experimented with a fringe and put their own stamp on it, from Kate Moss to Naomi Campbell and Sienna Miller.

The good news is that if you’re thinking of joining the fringe camp in 2020, whether as a newbie or returning member, there are now so many versions that you’re guaranteed to find one that works for you.

‘Soft fringes with a shag hair cut are a key look for 2020,’ says Antony Rawlings, Creative Director at Lockonego for Redken. ‘More of a risky style is the micro fringe. It’s still a key for trend for 2020 and can work for any face shape.

‘For a rounder shape, opt for a curve, so it’s longer in the middle and shorter on the sides to bring the eyes down the face to elongate the shape and frame the face.’ See our guides to hairstyles for round faces and hairstyles for square faces for more inspiration.

So, how should you style your newfound fringe? ‘With a heavy fringe, you need it to look healthy, shiny and glossy,’ says ghd Global Ambassador Adam Reed. He advises using a natural bristle round brush like the Natural Bristle Radial Brush, £19.50 at Fabled, to ‘give your fringe the perfect shape, plus shine and gloss.’

Don’t forget his number one styling tip: ‘Don’t spray hairspray directly onto your fringe! Spray it onto a brush and then brush through for a very soft hold.’

So, whether you’re looking at trialling a wispy or full fringe for the first time, or just want a new-season update, keep reading for all you need to choose a fringe.

How to choose a fringe for your face shape

‘You should approach a fringe the same way you would approach dressing,’ explains Antony. ‘Wide faces should stay clear of wide, horizontal, boxy fringes. You would want to go for a “peekaboo” curtain fringe, rather than a full fringe. You would want to have broken fringe to draw the eye down and elongate the face.

‘Parting placement is important to consider when opting to have a fringe cut in. A side parting is perfect for a longer face, as this will draw the eye to the side of the face – a centre parting would draw the eyes down and lengthen the face, creating more height rather than width.’

Fringes with long hair

A fringe can add uniqueness to much longer styles, as seen here on Selena Gomez, and can also help to frame and flatter your face shape. Even the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton famously experimented with the style back in 2015, sending royal fans into a fringe frenzy. Safe to say it’s a winning look.

Celebrity inspiration: Selena Gomez, Naomi Campbell and Kate Middleton

Fringes with bobs

A full fringe paired with a bob is a timeless nod to 1960s fashion icons of a decade gone by, and looks good on pretty much any face shape with the right layering towards the ends. Zendaya is no stranger to experimenting with hairstyles, pulling off the (temporary) bob perfectly. Read our guide to bob hairstyles for even more hairspo – you’ll leave desperate to go for the chop.

Celebrity inspiration: Zendaya and Lara Condor

Fringes with short hair

Short hairstyles with fringes are a winning look every single time, and Kerry Washington’s newest look is physical proof of that. Pixie crops are made complete with the addition of a sweeping, layered fringe.

Celebrity inspiration: Kerry Washington and Jennifer Lawrence

Fringes with curly hair

Forget everything secondary school taught you about having to straighten the life out of your fringe every morning – fringes look seriously great worn curly, as demonstrated by the gorgeous Ciara.

Celebrity inspiration: Ciara and Jessica Biel

Time for a new ‘do? Check out the hottest 2019 hairstyles with bangs and fringes below to take straight to the hairdresser’s chair.