How to find out whether a fringe will suit you
There are only a few things in life that truly scare me, and cutting my hair is right at the top of that list. My hair grows at a painfully slow rate, and I’ve stuck to trims for the past six years to avoid any major disappointments. So far, so good. But lately I’ve been thinking: “What would I look like with a fringe?”
RELATED: The best type of fringe for your face shape
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This kind of chop requires a lot of commitment, so before diving straight into the deep end with a pair of scissors, there are (of course) a few things to think about. Get it right, and a fringe will be the best damn thing you’ve ever done. If a face-framer is also piquing your curiosity, here’s what to do:
STEP 1: FIND YOUR FACE SHAPE
There are a hundred things to consider before making the chop, and your face shape is number one. Knowing the curves and edges of your face will help you to determine what kind of fringe is right for you.
Lucky you! Oval face shapes are an ideal canvas for fringes, and as for the most flattering cut? A long and thick fringe that hangs just above your eyebrows.
A long, thin and layered fringe works best. A short fringe will only accentuate your boxy features. It’ll also put you in the same league as these leading ladies. Case in point.
Go the gringe. Since it’s a long side-swept fringe that melts into the rest of your hair, it’ll help to elongate your face.
To balance your pretty heart face, opt for a fringe that is slightly shorter in the centre and longer at the cheekbones. Alternatively, a short side-swept fringe will draw attention away from your pointy chin and towards your eyes.
A long and straight fringe that stops just above your eyes will work to shorten the length of your face.
Rounded bangs that are thin and textured at the edges will fill in the narrow top of your head without drawing attention to your square jawline.
STEP 2: THE FAKE FRINGE
Once you’ve discovered what fringe type will suit your face, use the fake fringe test to see if getting the snip is really worth it. Test out your faux-fringe as follows:
- Tie your hair up in a high pony.
- Drag your hair up over the top of your head so it falls to the front of your face.
- Use your free hand to spread and style your chosen fringe type.
- And voilà, you have a fringe!
Top tip: If you want to see what the fringe would look like with your hair out, only tie up the top section of your hair.
Have you had a fringe before? Would you get one again?
317 Member Comments
I haven't had a fringe for years now but would love to have one.
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Love the look of the long side-swept fringe... One of my faves!
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The number of times I have sat in a hairdresser's chair determined to get a fringe only to chicken out at the last minute. Is it really that big a life decision?
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I had a fringe before. It turned out that i have a cury fringe... So i had to use a hair straightener (by the way, VITI is good https://www.bestadvisers.co.uk/dual-voltage-flat-irons). So i don't like a fringe now)
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I do a partial layered fringe which I can brush back if I want
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I have had a fringe in the past, it was DIY cut and it turned out beautifully. I liked it but my hair is fine, so I needed to use heat to make it sit right. The other downside of a fringe is when you decide to grow it out. A few months back, a hairdresser suggested a side fringe for me (like she had - it looked amazing on her) but she started the fringe quite short (unlike hers) so it kinda popped upwards instead of downwards. I know, I should have mentioned my fine hair but if she'd cut it the same length as her own, it would have been fine. Anyway, I walked away sad and hair sticking up oddly. I think she made other mistakes behind my head because she said, 'Oh noo...' and quickly included, 'I've made you look younger haha' . I won't be back. haha
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Every so often I convince myself I want a straight fringe but only need to look back at old photos to remind myself it's a solid 'no'.
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I had a fringe when I was young , I looked like a had a mullet, I prefer myself without a fringe.
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I have it before makes your face looks younger
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Oh I cut my own fringe last week!! And it's pretty good!
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I love the idea of a fringe but don’t think I would ever get one they look like too much effort
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I have almost no forehead so a fringe is impossible...tho the round face advice is good!
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I have almost no forehead so a fringe is impossible...tho the round face advice is good!
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I would like to try and gringe or curtain fringe, it is just a matter of finding a hairdresser I am confident in for such a big step. I find it hard to find a good hairdresser
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I look awful without a fringe. I've always had one.
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I believe fringe is a great summer haircut! I've found an article that tells you the different ways you can style a fringe! Let me know if it helps :)
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Great information on Fringes always love a Fringe prefer a wispy Fringe not to heavy. Have also had my hair to the side without a Fringe as well.
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I deffs do NOT suit a fringe aha
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Getting a fringe is one of the best things I've done to my hair
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No Just No. My dad use to cut my hair when I was younger and he would cut me a straight fringe (just like the bowler hair cut) across half way up my forehead. I will never again have a fringe I think it scarred me for life, I now have a full length fringe and have for years I love it.
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I had a fringe as a teenager and wouldn't have one again. I cringe at some of the photos, haha.
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Now I want to cut a fringe again! Lol
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I've had a fringe all my life. Grew it out once, and it made my face look like a round potato, so grew it back. Had a side swept one for a while, got too sick of cutting it sideways, so made it a normal fringe. Had it thinned out, and super thick, depended on how I cut it at the time.
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I don't get fringes anymore wither always had one but last year let it grow out and went for a blunt shoulder length cut.
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