It's a fringe thing

2020 has been full of surprises. One of the biggest fashion comebacks has been that of the fringe, and when you consider that our hair seems to bear the brunt of any moment in which life gets tough (baby pink hair dye and a messy breakup seem to go hand in hand these days) maybe it’s not all that shocking. 2020 was the year that women all over the world typed ‘fringe inspo’ into Pinterest and reach for the scissors. 

The Curtain Bang

One of the most popular styles that has sprung onto the Instagram explore page in recent months is the curtain bang, although I resent the Americanised form of the term ‘curtain fringe’. It doesn’t quite have the same ring to it does it? It’s easy to see why this particular fringe has become so popular. Consisting of slightly shorter, face-framing sections of hair, the curtain bang is low maintenance, universally flattering and mildly less daunting than many of its hairy counterparts. 

Being a style that seems to have been a go-to for generations of women, the curtain bang has a retro 60s/70s vibe and yet remains distinctly modern. From Bridgette Bardot and Farrah Fawcette to J.Lo, countless women have rocked the curtain bang, its versatility making it an easy way for many to take those first tentative steps into the ‘fringe world’.

The Baby Bang

Moving from the least to potentially the most intimidating fringe style, we have the baby bang. The baby bang looks something like the front section of a young child’s bowl cut. A very sharp and crucially, very short, full fringe resides on the forehead (to varying degrees of success). Made famous by the flappers in the 20s and again by the Mods in the 60s, only a few have been brave enough to try this style since. Beyonce gave it a go a number of years ago and the Beyhive did not take to it kindly to say the least. 

However, there is something distinctly cool about the baby bang due to its difficulty to pull off. It’s a fantastic example of one of those hairstyles that you really wish you had the confidence to try but you just know it wouldn’t look the same as it looks on her. Equal parts feared and admired, the baby bang is for the brave and the few. But when done right, it exudes glamour and sophistication. And also, a considerable hairdresser bill as it needs constant trimming to keep its sharp blunt style (and to stop it from getting in your eyes – the bane of any fringe wearer’s life). 

Being a style that seems to have been a go-to for generations of women, the curtain bang has a retro 60s/70s vibe and yet remains distinctly modern. From Bridgette Bardot and Farrah Fawcette to J.Lo, countless women have rocked the curtain bang, its versatility making it an easy way for many to take those first tentative steps into the ‘fringe world’.

The Side Fringe

For many of us the side fringe conjures up immediate and terrible memories of our most awkward school years when the style reigned supreme. However, the side fringe, without pubescent grease and styling a la Seventeen Magazine, is back for 2021. 

Taylor Swift is a keen side fringe connoisseur and shows how the style can be used to create a whimsical, soft look whereas Kate Middleton brings out the sophisticated and put together quality of the side fringe. Other celebrities such as Emma Stone, Hailey Bieber and Alexa Chung have all been known to turn their fringes to the side, proving just how versatile the style is. Ladylike, retro, rough and tousled – the side fringe can really do it all.  It also looks great with an updo, easily transitioning from day to night with only a bobby pin and five mins in front of the bathroom mirror after work and before heading to the bar. 

The Blunt Bang

The older sister of the baby bang, the blunt bang is a slightly more common form of the full fringe. It maintains the sharp, straight cut but falls lower on the face, usually meeting the eyebrows rather than lingering an inch below the hairline. This has been a widely popular style for eons and it’s easy to see why. It’s simple, chic and somewhat easier to style and maintain than some of the other forms of fringe on this list. 

Tried, tested and timeless, the blunt bang really is something that every woman should try at some point in their life, just to see. Styling is a no brainer – there’s no question of how to wear it every day as it is enough of a statement in its natural form. Straight and sharp are the only requirements, unlike many other types of fringe on this list which require less rigidity. Hair up, hair down, the fringe will always make it look like you’ve put effort in (even if you just ran the front section under the tap and blow dried earlier that morning). It’s a glamorous yet lazy girl’s best friend. 

So why not bite the bullet, grab the scissors (or phone your hairdresser which is probably a lot safer) and try a new do for 2021? You might find a new version of yourself that you never knew existed and actually like quite a lot. Or if you decide once and for all that the fringe life isn’t for you then don’t worry. The best thing about changing up your look with a new hairstyle is that it’s only hair and most importantly it grows back! There’s nothing to lose.

WRITTEN BY

Gabriella Sortiriou

Having been born and bred in North London, Gabriella’s keen love for beautiful things began from a young age when she would be taken by her mum to the myriad of art galleries that the big city has to offer. Two decades later, she still has an eye for anything gorgeous and the gallery trips are usually accompanied by a spin around Selfridges hoping to pick up a product or two that will hopefully leave her looking canvas worthy herself. Her interests and topic focuses are as varied as the hairstyles she’s has since she was twelve - but hopefully considerably better executed.

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