Whether you want bangs or a sultry sweeping style, these are the coolest cuts to bookmark for this year
I’m pretty sure all of us can say that we’ve experimented with side fringes at least once in our lifetime. Whether you dabbled in soft bangs or a fuller look, it’s one of those universal styles we all try at some point.
When the Duchess of Cambridge stepped out with her newly-side 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 side fringe and put their own stamp on it, from Kate Moss, to Naomi Campbell, to Sienna Miller.
The good news is that if you’re thinking of joining the side fringe camp this year, whether as a newbie or a returning member, there are now so many versions that you’re guaranteed to find one that works for you.
‘Soft side fringes with a shag hair cut are a key look for 2020,’ says Antony Rawlings, Creative Director at Lockonego for Redken.
‘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 trialing a wispy or full side fringe for the first time, or just want a new-season update, keep reading for all you need to choose the right fringe for you.
How to choose a side fringe for your face shape
‘You should approach a fringe the same way you would approach dressing,’ explains Antony. ‘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.’
Side fringes with long hair
A fringe can add uniqueness to much longer styles, as seen here on Jameela Jamil, 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: Jameela Jamil, Selena Gomez, Naomi Campbell and Kate Middleton
with bobs
A side 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. Rihanna 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: Rihanna, Zendaya and Lara Condor
Side 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
and with an updo
Effortlessley stylish and oh-so-chic. We’re in.
Celebrity inspo: Emma Stone, Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez
Side fringes with straight hair
She’s the queen of the fringe, so why not take inspo from Alexa Chung for your next side fringe cut? You’re so welcome.
Celebrity inspo: Alexa Chung and Emma Watson
Side 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 Halle Berry.
Celebrity inspiration: Halle Berry, Ciara and Jessica Biel
Time for a new ‘do? Check out the hottest hairstyles with bangs and side fringes below to take straight to the hairdresser’s chair.
Alexa Chung
As mentioned, it wouldn't be a round up of the best celebrity side fringes without Alexa Chung. The ultimate cool girl, lived in bangs complement the model's face shape perfectly, and it's the ultimate effortless fringe.
Naomi Campbell
One of the original supermodels, Naomi Campbell looks incredible with or without a full or side fringe.
Sienna Miller
When it comes to celebrity fringes, Sienna's wispy layers are fairly iconic in the A-list ranks. A perfect side fringe for heart-shaped faces.
Emma Stone
Fact: Emma Stone is queen of the side fringe, whether it's a chunky full one or subtle side layering. These days she tends to fall into the latter camp, opting for a softer fringe to the right of her face.
Jennifer Lawrence
It's been a while since J-Law has had this fringed, short cut, but it's nonetheless one of our favourite pixie crops and side fringe combo of all time.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge
Proof that even the royal family like to dabble with a fringe, Kate Middleton sported this side fringe back in 2015.
Kate Moss
Proof that nobody rocks a side fringe like one of the supers, Kate Moss seriously pulls a fringe off. Bring it back, we say.
Rihanna
Rihanna's side swept full fringe paired with a topknot was one of our favoruite beauty looks from the 2017 Met Gala.
