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The best fringe haircuts that everyone should get in 2022
Stylish, practical and youthful fringes, forehead-skimming styles are everywhere from the catwalks to film, but what type will suit you?
So far in 2022, the zeal for radical changes just isn’t there. “What women want now are easy, versatile hairstyles that look as good dressed up as they do left alone – cutting in a fringe is the perfect way to refresh your style without the high-maintenance commitment,” says Luke Hersheson, CEO of Hershesons salons and hair stylist to a roster of celebrities including Victoria Beckham, Dua Lipa and Keira Knightly.
Fringes were popularised in Ancient Egypt on wigs and were often cut into natural hair until, according to The Encyclopedia of Hair: A Cultural History, 16th century England when the church presided over politics and fashion – cut and curled fringes became controversial and were seen as sinful.
It was the 20th century Jazz-age era which made the fringe fashionable again most famously by enigmatic flapper Louise Brooks known for her ‘Dutch Boy’ haircut.
The style was first seen on actress Mary Thurman in 1921, but its influence is still apparent today – see Vogue’s Anna Wintour, who never strays from a modern interpretation of the geometric, fringed bob.
From presidential wives such as Jill Biden and Brigitte Macron to actresses including Dakota Johnson, Margot Robbie, Sharon Stone, Sienna Miller and Jane Seymour, the fringe is more prominent than it has been in years. Should you get one? Absolutely, but not before doing your research.
Hairdresser and salon owner George Northwood, who invented the choppy ‘Alexa’ bob on his friend and muse Alexa Chung says that before jumping in you should take a step back; “You can’t just decide on a fringe without assessing your full hair style, otherwise it could end up looking really out of place.”
Interestingly, says Northwood, it’s not simply a question of which fringe suits your face shape, the balance between your existing haircut and your fringe should seamlessly coexist in order to pull it off with confidence.
“People with longer hair may be more inclined towards French girl fringes, while those with shorter cuts might be better with a micro fringe,” advises Northwood, who says it is always worth discussing any restyle with your hair stylist at a consultation before committing.
In simple terms, Hersheson suggests focusing on one thing at a time. “If you’re having a fringe for the first time, don’t change too many elements at once,” he cautions. “Executing one thing masterfully is the most classy way to nail a new haircut - then you’ve created a foundation to build on. You can always take the length shorter later on.”
There is a fringe for everyone no matter what your age, hair type, texture or face shape. But if in doubt, follow this guide to the four main fringe types to find out which one is best for you.
The best fringe haircuts to get in 2022
The curtain fringe
The face-framing curtain fringe is loved by almost every tastemaker French model and actress out there, including Caroline De Maigret, Jeanne Damas, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Brigitte Bardot, Francois Hardy and Lou Dillon.
Brits with the long cheekbone skimming bangs include Felicity Jones, Twiggy and Alexa Chung, plus Kate Moss at times. “Soft, curtain bangs are the most universally flattering fringe shape there is.
"The outer edges blend into the sides of the hair which creates this diamond shape that brings out the cheekbones and frames the face. It suits everyone and is incredibly youthful,” says Hersheson.
- As seen on: Goldie Hawn, Twiggy, Caroline De Maigret
- Best for: everyone
The blunt, straight-across fringe
The classic straight-edged fringe is best worn by women with a confident sense of personal style such as Anna Wintour and Claudia Winkleman whose bangs are the anchor to their whole look. To avoid it appearing lego-like, be mindful not to go too wide.
“Even with a blunt fringe, ideally the line should begin to taper slightly longer from the middle of each eyebrow outwards which is more forgiving,” says Hersheson. Don’t go there if you’re self-conscious about emphasising a wide face.
- As seen on: Claudia Winkleman, Anna Wintour and Dakota Johnson
- Best for: Those with a heart shaped face and thick hair.
The textured fringe
“A rounded, textured fringe is very romantic; Although it’s a feminine look, it’s not too girly and still has bags of attitude – to get the look, ask your hair stylist for a choppy fringe with soft, rounded edges and can be adapted to work with any face shape fairly easily,” suggests Northwood.
- As seen on: Taylor Swift, Stevie Nicks
- Best for: those with curly, coily or textured hair who don’t want the maintenance of daily blow-drying
The micro fringe
It is this type of fringe that Jennifer Lawrence’s character is sporting in the Golden Globe nominated Netflix film Don’t Look Up. Yet her micro-short style is hard to make flattering. “Her character is a little kooky and off the wall, and her fringe deliberately reflects her rebellious nature,” explains Hersheson.
Can a micro fringe ever work? You need two components: the chutzpah to carry it off with confidence and/or the gamine features of Audrey Hepburn or Mia Farrow who both wore their fluffy, ultra-short bangs with aplomb.
In essence, such a wide gap between your eyebrows and your fringe suits a short, pixie cut. But you can soften the look by styling it with texture and wearing it to the side.
- As seen on: Jennifer Lawrence, Sharon Stone, Audrey Hepburn, Mia Farrow
- Best for: those with a short, pixie cut or a bold, fearless fashion style
The butterfly fringe
The butterfly haircut has bangs that hang just below the cheekbones. Longer than a curtain fringe, the idea is that when you put your hair up, the long, middle-parted fringe hangs down in soft tendrils that give the illusion of a short hairstyle. Perfect for women who are used to having long hair, this is the best way to ease into a fringe.
- As seen on: Halle Berry
- Best for: transitioning from an all-one-length cut for the first time
Get the look
Gone are days when having a fringe meant daily straightening. Today, it’s all about enhancing your natural texture. If you prefer a polished look, arm yourself with a good bristle brush or a heated tool to softly make your natural hair type look its best. Babyliss’s 9000 Cordless Hot Brush, £180, will help fine hair in particular to exude more bounce.
For minimal shine that won’t weigh your hair down, try a pea-sized amount of styling cream warmed into your hands first, such as Undone by George Northwood Moisturising Cream (£15, Boots) or Hersheson’s Almost Everything Cream, from £10. Hair naturally limp? Then Sam Mcknight Cool Girl Barely-there Texture Mist (£10, Cult Beauty) cult is a godsend for creating both texture and volume.
This article has been updated for 2022.