Haircuts with fringe — or bangs, if you prefer the word — are always in style and always chic. But sometimes the look explodes in a way where it sends us all in search of stylists who will give us the perfect fringe to shape our faces and provide our normal hairstyle a whole lot more oomph. Bangs can be personalized in so many ways to suit your face shape and features. But if you are specifically searching for fringe hairstyles that will make you look younger and more radiant, you’re in luck — there is no shortage of amazing haircuts from which to choose.
Katsu Nakamura, Senior Stylist at Julien Farel, is here to let us in on the fringe haircut stylists love for younger-looking hair, as well as a few more that should be on your radar.
Choppy and natural bang
When we think of chopping, natural fringe, Elizabeth Olsen’s iconic look comes to mind — not a bad siren for major hair inspo.
“This bang has more of a blown out rounded naturally smooth look,” Nakamura says. “This is best paired with a long beachy wave cut. This style gives the appearance of looking put together and feels girlish, natural and effortless. This style works well for anyone who already has thick hair that feels like it has existing volume. Ask your stylist for a bang length that falls to the top of your eyelashes. The ends of the hair should be choppy and texturized to give this effect.”
As for maintenance, Nakamura adds that some clients do not need to spend much time to achieve this style. “If necessary use a round brush to blow it out. I recommend a smoothing serum be added before blowdrying and styling.”
Sleek and over the eyebrow bang
This is a style that could be identified with Heidi Klum, according to Nakamura, with the length of the bang going almost to the top of the eye in a sleek smooth style.
“Often this is paired with a similar sleek hairstyle,” Nakamura says. “This sleek look gives the appearance of a youthful stylish vibe. This would suit anyone who either already has sleek and/or fine hair or someone who doesn’t mind putting in the effort to style their hair style way.”
Nakamura says she recommends speaking with your stylist about the length of the bang, which for this style is very important.
“Ask for a straight across cut that goes just below the eyebrows,” she says. “Ends look best if they are slightly choppy. Remember when hair dries it gets shorter so please speak about your bang length clearly. Style by blowdrying with a large paddle brush and consider flat ironing hair if necessary. For someone with curly hair you might want to consider a straightening treatment like Keratin. Also consider a heat protective spray to be used before styling.”
Face-framing long bangs
This one is a bit more of a friendly starter bang for anyone who is feeling hesitant about fringe.
“First start with a middle part and also include this part in the styling of your bangs,” Nakamura says. “The bang length starts from around cheeks and should be side swept and cut long to appear blended into the hair’s layers. Although the shorter layer at the front gives movement and feels fresh. Honestly it works well for almost any type of hair type. Explain to your stylist that you would like your shortest part to start at your cheek bones and the angled should be texturized based on your hair type or thickness. Use a medium sized round brush and create large back curls starting from the bang and create a natural flow. I recommend a light heat protectant product if heat styling is necessary for your hair type.”
Wispy curtain bangs
Love Dakota Johnson’s hair? Then wispy curtain bangs may be in the cards for you.
“The bang length should start around the end of the nose and be angled towards cheek bones,” Nakamura says. “This type of bang is thicker and gives a feeling of a very natural feminine look. This style works well for anyone with thick hair. You should discuss with your stylist how long you want your bangs to be. The shortest part should start from the middle of the eye and extend to the cheek bones on a slightly extended angle.”
Nakamura then recommends using a medium-sized round brush and creating natural large waves in a backward style starting at the bang. Finish with a light hairspray to set the style.
“There are so many bang styles to try in many shapes and textures,” Nakamura adds. “Finding the right style for you can have a major impact on your look and vitality. If you are experiencing thinning hair, bangs are a perfect way to transition to a new look and try new hair products such as Restore, to nourish hair, scalp and follicle while promoting a healthy growth cycle.”
