From Jane Birkin to Zendaya, Alexa Chung to Audrey Hepburn, many of the world’s most referenced style icons have, at some point or another, sported a fringe. A face-framing detail that can totally transform not only your haircut but your entire aesthetic, it comes into its own during the autumn and winter months, when cold weather means it doesn’t require quite as much washing and styling. In other words, it’s lower maintenance.
Still, even those who appreciate the timeless allure of a great fringe inevitably find themselves asking the perennial question: will it suit me? With stars including Jennifer Lawrence, Demi Moore, Pamela Anderson and Zoë Kravitz embracing new variations this year, stylists say the secret lies in choosing a fringe that suits your face shape and lifestyle.
“Like bobs, there are infinite ways to cut a fringe,” says Joel Goncalves, senior stylist at Nicola Clarke Salon in London. “It’s a standalone hairstyle, and there’s no one-size-fits-all option. A full fringe can look airy and natural on one person yet dramatic on another. A good stylist tailors it to your bone structure, hair type and aesthetic.”
As a general rule, says hairstylist Paul Edmonds, narrow fringes elongate the face while wider shapes add breadth. “A fringe’s shape influences which facial features are emphasised and how the eyes are framed,” he explains.
Read on for our guide to the best fringes for every face shape.
Long fringe
The “Birkin bang” remains one of the most enduring hair trends in recent years. Named after Jane Birkin and her effortlessly Parisian long fringe, the style shows no sign of disappearing – Google searches for “French fringe bangs” were up more than 5,000 per cent in November 2025.
“This wispy, eyelash-grazing fringe is incredibly versatile and especially flattering on long, oval and heart-shaped faces,” says Goncalves – though most face shapes can wear it with the right tweaks. Peaking slightly in the centre, it can be worn full and forward or swept to the side. The key: texture and definition. Try using Hair by Sam McKnight’s Cool Girl Texture Mist or Kevin Murphy’s Bedroom.Hair.
Hair by Sam McKnight Cool Girl Texture Mist, £28, Cult Beauty
Kevin Murphy Bedroom.Hair, £30, Cult Beauty
Curtain bangs
Another fringe that is universally flattering? The curtain bang, which hairstylist Luke Hersheson calls “flexible” because it is easy to adapt to every face shape. “They start slightly shorter in the middle of the forehead and gradually lengthen towards the temples,” he explains, hence the curtain-like effect.
He cites Brigitte Bardot as the quintessential example, but other women who have showcased strong curtain bangs include Dakota Johnson, Sandra Oh, Mia Goth and Kelly Rowland – even Demi Moore gave them a spin earlier this year. The beauty of a curtain fringe is that they can be worn at any length, making them ideal for anyone hesitant to commit to a shorter style. And when you’re ready to move on, they grow out seamlessly, with none of the arduous in-between phases other bangs often bring.
“Pretty much anyone can wear a curtain bang,” Hersheson confirms. For best results, comb them forward when wet, secure with section clips and let them air-dry.
Hershesons The Section Clips, £12, Hershesons
Blunt fringe
A blunt – or full – fringe is defined by its straight, horizontal line from temple to temple. Typically worn at or just above the brows, it can also dip slightly lower for moodier, more dramatic appeal. This type of bang is a bold, fashion-forward choice that requires upkeep (expect monthly trims), but is suitably impactful for the right wearer. Taylor Swift, Claudia Winkleman and Naomi Campbell offer good inspiration.
Blunt fringes flatter oval faces by emphasising the eyes and cheekbones. On long or rectangular faces, they add width and balance, while on heart-shaped faces they soften the chin and draw attention upward. “A structured, graphic fringe like this can be harder to pull off, especially for those with smaller foreheads,” notes Hersheson. “Avoid pairing it with overly soft cuts – it risks looking dated. Keep the overall look sharp.”
Micro-fringe
It’s been a big year for the micro-fringe, a divisive style that can be more difficult than most to pull off. That hasn’t stopped everyone from Anderson and Kravitz to Miley Cyrus and Ayo Edebiri embracing the look. “You need real confidence to wear the micro-fringe,” says Hersheson. “It works best with a centre parting and lends a 1990s grunge energy. Keep it choppy and piecey for a more ethereal, pixie-like feel.”
Best suited to slim or angular faces, Edmonds advocates softening the line of the fringe by lightly cutting into ends to avoid harshness. “It brings edge, attitude and a strong sense of personal style,” he says. “It’s a great choice for someone confident and fashion-forward.”
A fringe that can easily go awry, if you do go for the baby bang, make sure you have the tools and techniques down for everyday styling. Think small barrel round brush (see Denman’s Thermoceramic Hot Curl Brushes) to make blow drying a breeze, and Larry King’s Flyaway Kit to address frizz and add definition.
Denman Thermoceramic Hot Curl Brush, £12, Denman Brush
Larry King Haircare Flyaway Away With Me Kit, £20, Cult Beauty
Wispy fringe
A softer take on a full or curtain fringe, the wispy fringe is light, airy and subtly frames the face without overwhelming it. Monica Bellucci – who has worn several excellent fringes over the years – is the perfect reference. “Piecey or textured fringes are ideal for rounder faces because they add structure and elongation,” says Goncalves, advising against heavier styles as they can create the illusion of width.
Wispy fringes typically peak in the centre, have a slightly curved shape and look sheer on the forehead. They don’t need as much maintenance as fuller styles – think trims every five to eight weeks – and are quick to blow-dry using a heated round brush (see the Hershesons Multi-Tasker) or hairdryer. “When rough drying, sweep them from side to side,” says Hersheson. “It boosts texture and eliminates cowlicks.”
Hershesons The Multi-Tasker, £164.99 (down from £195), Hershesons
Choppy fringe
A favourite among women like Julia Roberts, Halle Berry, Aimee Lou Wood and Nicole Kidman, the choppy fringe is one of this year’s most sought-after looks. Its intentionally-shattered ends create movement and softness, making it flattering for all hair types and ages. Ideal for those with angular features – think square or diamond-shaped faces – as well as oval and heart shapes, this fringe is cool, perfectly imperfect and works just as well on those who prefer an undone aesthetic as it does more polished looks. “Even a slight sweep or angle can instantly slim, lengthen and highlight bone structure,” says Goncalves.
Side fringe
“Side-sweeping bangs are great for those who want a low-maintenance option,” says Edmonds. Softly cut and blended into the sides of the hair, side fringes are easy to grow out and easy to style – ideal for anyone fringe-curious but cautious. They work on pretty much every face shape – Emma Stone, Helena Christensen and Pénelope Cruz have all nailed the look in style.