While classic haircuts can work year-round, there's something about a fringe that feels perfect for autumn. Just as adding extra cosy layers to your outfit can up your fashion game, a little face-framing, hair-layering action can do the same in the beauty stakes. And – bonus – there's less chance you'll want to scoop it up and out the way as the weather cools.
It's just as well because whether they're curtain, blunt, side-swept or French; fringes are currently having a moment. "It's fringe season right now," expert hair stylist, Dionne Smith, confirms to GLAMOUR. With the new season tip-toeing in, it's a good time to switch things up with a new 'do. And there's no easier, cheaper or more transformative way than with a fringe.
But before you make the cut, you might want to think about the type of fringe you want. With dozens of renditions – from Birkin to baby – fringes are about as versatile as they are stylish.
The curtain fringe is trending
This season? No surprises, the curtain fringe is still headlining, and that's because the universally-flattering, Brigitte Bardot-inspired ‘70s style fringe is the perfect entry level cut. Rather than chopping your strands straight across from temple to temple, this offers a lower commitment option that also flicks out at the ends to perfectly frame eyes and cheekbones. “It starts mid way between the eyebrow and the bridge of the nose, but has more length at the sides so you can tuck it back,” explains Dom Seeley, International Creative Director at ColorWow. “It has a flowy vibe, rather than being a solid bang,” he adds.
“The corners by the edge of the eyebrow are left longer giving an arch shape, while the layers behind the fringe have to work back so they flow into the rest of the haircut,” concurs international session stylist and Babyliss ambassador, Syd Hayes. “So, when you grab your hair and take it up into a ponytail, you have a softness that sits around your face and jawline,” he adds. "It’s easy to wear, easy to maintain and suits a variety of face shapes," agrees Declan Haworth, Colour Director at Blue Tit hair salon. "It's also a great way to add shape to your hairstyle if you’re not ready to commit to a full fringe."
Even better, it look equally as good when grown out, making it one of the lower maintenance options. “An extra long fringe and curtain bangs are a super cool way to change your look, without a hair-length change for example," says celebrity hairstylist, Danielle Priano. “They are easy to maintain and grow nicely in case you decide it’s no longer for you.” Plus it works perfectly with The Shag, The modern Rachel and the Fox Cut that are all trending for autumn.
The barely-there fringe
Another fringe we're seeing a lot of is the barely-there fringe, or wispy fringe, which allows you to dip a toe into fringe territory, slowly, without fully committing. It's a cute soft, style in its own right, with a very light, see-through feel, but equally, it's a pretty first-step if you're scoping out how you'd feel about a heavier fringe. It works beautifully with a range of textures, be it delicate curls, waves or straight.
Some others to consider
That said, there's plenty of other styles to consider. You could try the nonchalant, French-girl fringe (which is slightly cropped, with the point cut in just above or sitting on the eyebrow, rather than skimming lashes. The trick is to ensure it doesn't look too neat. Insouciance suits this style), the shaggy fringe, a favourite amongst celebrities like Jenna Ortega, or a plush, swishy full fringe, like the one Jennifer Lopez keeps toying with.
Then there's classics like a long, side swept fringe (great if you don't want a huge change), blunt-cut bangs like Taylor Swift's or Naomi Campbell's, or Birkin bangs which offer up some of the structure of a fringe, but feel more flirty and less heavy.
Maintenance and styling tips
Before you leave your hairdresser, ask for a quick tutorial on everyday maintenance – especially if it's your first fringe. Fringes can require slightly more effort than the rest of your hair, since they are more likely to get greasy. They're in constant contact with your forehead (which might be a consideration if you are prone to breakouts or have acne), and can also be more prone to the effects of bed head.
You might want to stock up on the dry shampoo, as well as invest in some styling tools that will fix up your fringe in a flash. If you go for a blunt fringe, some straighteners will help you to achieve a sleek finish, whereas if you have a French girl fringe, comb through with a wide barrel brush and a hair dryer to give it some volume, and finish with a texturising styling product to mess it back up.
Here's some of our favourite inspiration to get you started...
Retro curtain bangs
Piecey curly fringe
Flicky curtain bangs
Medusa bangs
Poker straight fringe
Grown-out micro fringe
Grungy wispy fringe
Softly spiky fringe
This article was originally published on Glamour UK.
