Back

11 chic fringe styles for every aesthetic and hair texture

Or as we like to call it, 'the bangs bible'

By Delaney Loane

Digital Beauty Editor / September 27 2022

Few phrases elicit more visceral responses from people than "I think I'm gonna get a fringe."

Basically, everyone will assure you that it was either the absolute worst or absolute best decision of their lives; it could really go either way.

And while we understand that a bad set of bangs can be pretty damn devastating, we happen to think that as long as you do your shape and style research prior (and recruit a solid hairdresser, of course) there truly isn't such thing.

So, in order to make sure you leave the salon feeling stoked, we've rounded up all the chicest fringe styles, to help you pick out exactly what will work for you...

Classic bangs

A classic fringe is, well, a classic for a reason. There's something both elegantly retro and glamorously modern about the look, and as long as you're down to style it (pretty much on the daily), it's a tried-and-true winner.

Image via: @therealhannahsimone

Feathered bangs

So you want something a little softer than a blunt bang? A feathery curtain-esque feel will work a treat, and is great if you want to opt for a vintage feel, or ease into the fringe game.

Image via: @_edwardsandco

Wavy bangs

Gone are the days of straightening your fringe, natural texture be damned (and thank God for that). Instead, embrace it all over – curly bangs are chic as hell.

Image via: @_edwardsandco

Curly bangs

The same rule goes for tighter curls and coils, too; if you thought textured hair didn't work well with bangs, allow this glorious set to prove you wrong.

Image via: @_edwardsandco

Arched bangs

Front fringes don't have to be harsh; arched shapes like this ensure that they're soft and swishy instead. Be warned, though – while your hairdresser can start you off strong, the arched look does require some serious styling.

Image via: @_edwardsandco

Flared fringe

The flared fringe is a take on arched bangs; only instead of all of the hair swooping one way, the two sides meet in the middle and flare out toward each side. Consider your face well and truly framed.

Image via: @maneaddicts

Long bangs

We know, we know: fringes that obstruct your eyesight aren't exactly ideal re: practicality, but there's just something incredioly effortlessly cool about a set of long, lived-in bangs.

Image via: @brittsully

Swoop bangs

An amazing option if you want to frame your face without covering your forehead completely, swoop bangs sit somewhere between the 'side' and 'full' ends of the fringe spectrum.

Image via: @_edwardsandco

Shaggy bangs

'Straight across' isn't the only shape in the 'front fringe' game. Keep your cut a little shaggier for an extra cool-factor by keeping the fringe ever so feathery and letting a little forehead peak through.

Image via: @_edwardsandco

Baby bangs

The vibe for this look? Audrey Hepburn but with 2021 energy. There's just something about the short, sharp finish of baby bangs that screams 'Parisian chic' and we are completely here for it.

Image via: @duckiethot

'90s bangs

Craving a too-cool-to-care aesthetic? A piecey punk-rock fringe is the obvious choice. They borrow their bluntness from baby bangs, but the longer length and separated texture leave them looking less elegant, more edgy.

Image via: @brittsully

Main image credit: @_edwardsandco

Need some more hair inspo? Here are our favourite celebrity bobs...