20 modern takes on a timeless hair staple
Few hair choices feel as instantly transformative as a fringe. It can soften sharp features, highlight your eyes, or completely shift your look—all without committing to a dramatic length change. That might explain why fringes are quietly having a moment again in 2025.
This year’s styles feel more personal, less prescriptive. Think cuts that work with your texture, not against it. The kind of fringe that feels natural, easy to style, and like an extension of your signature look, not just a Pinterest pin you pulled up for your stylist in a panic.
Coming up: We’re spotlighting 20 fringe hairstyles that are making waves this year, including plenty of fringe hairstyles for long hair that bring softness and shape without sacrificing length. Whether you're fringe-curious or ready for a refresh, there’s something here that makes the chop feel a little less risky.
What makes a fringe so endlessly wearable?
Fringes have evolved far beyond the school-photo blunt cut. Historically, they’ve moved through countless reinventions. Edgy in the punk era, breezy in the '70s, heavily stylised in the Y2K years. What makes them stick? Versatility. A fringe adapts to the wearer, not the other way around.
They also bring subtle structure to a haircut. The right fringe can balance proportions, create movement, or add just enough contrast to keep your style from falling flat. No matter if it's paired with loose waves, a sleek bob, or coily curls, it acts as an anchor, shaping the look without overpowering it.
Trending fringe hairstyles in 2025
1. Classic straight fringe
This is the Audrey Hepburn of fringes: elegant, clean, and instantly recognisable. A straight-across cut that skims the brows adds structure and intention to any style, especially when paired with sleek lengths or a polished bob. It draws attention to the eyes and works best on oval and long faces. It’s Parisian chic with a touch of prim, sharp enough for a red lip, soft enough for everyday wear.
2. Wispy fringe
The cool girl’s gateway bang. Feather-light and softly parted, wispy fringe hairstyles whisper rather than shout. This one is often seen grazing cheekbones on It-girls like Alexa Chung and Jenna Ortega, blending flawlessly into layered cuts. It adds movement without committing to a heavy shape, perfect for angular features that benefit from a little softening. Low effort, high impact—especially with beachy waves and undone texture.
3. Curtain bangs
Equal parts Brigitte Bardot and Matilda Djerf, curtain bangs are the poster child for wearable fringe. Split down the middle and swept to the sides, they frame the face like soft drapes and grow out like a dream. Best for anyone flirting with the idea of a fringe but not quite ready to commit. They pair well with voluminous blowouts, claw clips, and just about every face shape.
4. Side-swept fringe
Side-swept bangs have never really left—but 2025 brings a sleeker, more intentional version. Worn long and styled diagonally across the forehead, this look is a favourite on red carpets for its flattering, face-sculpting effect. Think early-2000s Reese Witherspoon, reimagined with modern polish. It’s casual enough for day-to-day wear but elegant enough to elevate an updo. Ideal for round and square face shapes craving definition.
5. Blunt fringe
This is not a fringe for wallflowers. Thick, straight, and bold, the blunt fringe makes its presence known—think Zooey Deschanel meets a power brow. It’s structured, dramatic, and perfect for heart-shaped faces that want to balance a wider forehead. Best worn with equally confident styles: sharp bobs, long sleek lengths, or graphic cuts. Want your hair to say “editorial edge”? This is it.
6. Messy fringe
Messy fringe hairstyles have that lived-in, slept-on-it-on-purpose feel. Tousled and imperfect, they lean into texture and movement rather than precision. Often paired with shag cuts or air-dried waves, they bring a relaxed, boho mood to any length. You’ll spot this fringe on festival-goers, indie musicians, and people who pair oversized jumpers with vintage jeans. Great for casual styling and skipping wash day without looking like you did.
7. Micro fringe
Short, sharp, and unapologetically bold, the micro fringe sits well above the brow and gives major fashion-editor energy. It brings instant edge to pixie cuts and sharp bobs, often spotted on the runways of Prada or Loewe. The style puts your whole face front and centre—jawline, cheekbones, all of it—so it works best on those who love a statement. Not for the shy, but perfect for the style-forward.
8. Choppy fringe
Choppy bangs are all about texture and movement. Slightly uneven by design, they add volume and an undone edge to finer hair that might otherwise fall flat. You’ll see this fringe on layered cuts and low-maintenance styles, often finished with a spritz of dry shampoo and no brush in sight.
9. Curly fringe
Gone are the days of straightening your curls into submission. The curly fringe embraces your texture in its full glory—ringlets, coils, spirals, and all. It frames the face beautifully and adds bounce, especially when paired with a round shape or layered cut. It’s seen a huge resurgence on natural hair TikTok and curly-hair influencers who are reclaiming fringe styles for all textures. A curl-defining cream is its best friend.
10. Layered fringe
This fringe is a crowd-pleaser for those with thick hair in need of movement. Cut at varied lengths, it softens the weight at the front while keeping things dynamic. Layered bangs blend effortlessly into face-framing cuts or long shags and give that “fresh from the salon” swish with minimal effort. It suits wavy and thick textures especially well, adding depth without bulk. Hair that feels heavy suddenly feels like it can breathe.
11. Arched fringe
This style curves gently downward at the centre and lifts slightly at the sides, creating a soft, face-framing arc. It’s a subtle sculpting trick that flatters strong bone structure and draws focus to the eyes. Arched fringes were a favourite in the '90s and are now making a sleek comeback, especially with glossy finishes and centre-part hybrids. It pairs beautifully with long layers or structured lobs, adding balance without harshness.
12. Shaggy Fringe
Born in the '70s, thriving in 2025. The shaggy fringe is textured, layered, and always a little bit rebellious. It’s part of the larger shag cut movement and works best when styled with a little wave and grit. It’s the fringe equivalent of wearing cowboy boots to brunch—unexpected, cool, and borderline chaotic in a good way. Loved by those who want their hair to feel effortlessly undone but entirely intentional.
13. Thick fringe
This is the full-fat version of a fringe—heavy, straight, and high-impact. Thick fringe hairstyles add drama and density to any look, especially when paired with sleek styling or bold lips. Often seen on high-fashion editorials and retro revivals, this look gives hair a structured, statement-making front. Best for thicker textures that can carry the weight without going limp, and for anyone unafraid of a little extra maintenance in exchange for maximum payoff.
14. Feathered fringe
Light, airy, and always in motion, feathered fringes soften the face with fine, tapering ends that blend effortlessly into the rest of the haircut. This fringe is all about fluidity—it moves with you, catches the breeze, and never feels static. It’s a favourite for adding a romantic edge to longer styles or adding softness to square and angular face shapes. The kind of fringe that works with a bike helmet and still looks good.
15. Asymmetrical fringe
Edgy, angular, and slightly offbeat, the asymmetrical fringe is cut on a diagonal to create an unexpected shape. It’s not about balance; it’s about interest. Perfect for short crops, undercuts, or avant-garde bobs, this fringe works best on those who treat hair as an accessory, not just a feature. It’s been spotted on runways and album covers alike, bringing a futuristic, editorial edge to any look.
16. Braided fringe
Equal parts playful and practical, the braided fringe isn’t a cut—it’s a styling twist. Small braids are worked into the fringe area, either woven across the forehead or tucked into longer bangs. It’s a go-to for festival season, editorial shoots, or days when you want to switch things up without heat or scissors. It’s been all over Coachella and Instagram, bringing Y2K energy with a boho edge. Ideal for natural textures or second-day hair.
17. Pinned-up fringe
Fringe, but make it flexible. The pinned-up look is a styling hack for those who want bangs some days and not others. Whether you twist them back with a mini claw clip or sweep them sideways with a bobby pin, this approach keeps things fresh. It’s also a clever trick for growing out fringe without looking like you’re growing out fringe. Bonus: great for gym days, date nights, or simply changing your mind.
18. Fringe with updo
Pairing bangs with an updo is the ultimate contrast—structured in the back, soft and face-framing in the front. You’ll see this combo on red carpets, runways, and every Pinterest bridal board from here to 2030. It works with curtain bangs, full fringes, or soft wisps, and adds instant polish to any bun or twist. Ideal for formal events where you want to look effortlessly styled, not overdone.
19. Fringe with ponytail
Nothing elevates a ponytail like a good fringe. It adds interest, shape, and a little bit of softness to an otherwise sporty style. Whether you’re wearing a slick high pony or a low, loose one, a fringe helps keep the look intentional. Think model-off-duty vibes with just the right amount of edge. Great for second- or third-day hair when you want to look like you planned it.
20. Fringe with bob cut
The pairing of a fringe with a bob is a timeless classic: sharp, clean, and always fashion-forward. It can be sleek and straight for a mod feel, or textured and tousled for a French-girl finish. The fringe gives structure, while the bob keeps it modern. You’ll see it on everything from minimalist street style to luxury campaign shoots.
How to choose the right fringe hairstyle for your face shape
The secret to a flattering fringe isn’t just in the cut, it’s in the shape of your face. A few simple guidelines can help narrow it down.
– Oval faces have the most freedom—almost any fringe style will work, from blunt to shaggy.
– Round faces benefit from lengthening shapes like side-swept or curtain bangs that create vertical movement.
– Square faces look best with soft, wispy textures or arched fringes that offset strong jawlines.
– Heart-shaped faces tend to suit blunt or thick fringes that balance out a wider forehead and draw attention downward.
Of course, rules are made to be bent. The best fringe is the one that makes you feel good, so use your face shape as a starting point, not a restriction. Better yet, bring a few references to your stylist and talk through what will work with your texture and lifestyle, too.
3 quick maintenance tips for fringe hairstyles
Fringes might look effortless, but they need a little upkeep to stay sharp:
1. Regular trims (every 4–6 weeks) keep the shape clean and out of your eyes.
2. A lightweight styling cream or dry shampoo helps control frizz and adds texture without stiffness.
3. To avoid awkward splits or cowlicks, blow-dry your fringe straight down with a round brush while it’s still damp—it sets the direction from the root and saves you from wrestling with it later.
Experiencing hair loss? You don’t have to miss out…
Fringe hairstyles are endlessly adaptable—soft, sharp, romantic, rebellious. Whatever your vibe, there’s a fringe to match. And if you're dealing with hair loss or just not ready to commit to the scissors, The Lauren Ashtyn Collection offers toppers and wigs that can be customized with a fringe, so you can still get the style you love without compromise.
