Tag Archives: fringe haircut

Is a Fringe Haircut Right for You? 9 Things You Need to Consider

From Louise Brooks’ iconic blunt bangs to Alexa Chung’s curtain-style ‘do, there’s nothing quite like a fringe haircut to get us all in the mood for a makeover. But before you run off to the nearest salon with a photo of Zooey Deschanel, here are nine things you’ll want to consider before you make the chop.

To Chop or Not to Chop: What to Ask Yourself Before Getting a Fringe Haircut

1. Are you a wash-and-go kind of girl?

The first thing to know about bangs is that they’re very high-maintenance — especially at first. They may want to part in a weird spot, or they might cling to your forehead. At the bare minimum, you’ll likely need to blow them dry each time you shower, and you may even have to straighten them with a flat iron. In other words, bangs could put a serious crimp in your laidback beauty routine.

Try:

flat iron for a fringe haircut

Drybar The Tiny Tress Press, $49

2. How often do you visit the salon?

Bangs don’t actually grow faster than the rest of your hair, but it certainly seems like they do. If you want your bangs to look good and behave themselves, you’ll need to schedule regular trims from a professional. Plan on visiting a salon once every two or three weeks to keep your fringe in tip-top shape.

3. What’s your shampoo schedule?

We all know by now that we shouldn’t be washing our hair every day, but getting a fringe haircut can complicate things. Bangs are closer to the scalp and forehead, which means they’re naturally oilier and will need to be washed more frequently.

That doesn’t mean you have to shampoo on a daily basis. Instead, just rinse them in the sink to keep them looking fresh (or use dry shampoo when you’re short on time).

Try:

dry shampoo for fringe haircut

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo, $23

4. Is your hair curly or straight?

A lot of people mistakenly assume fringe hairstyles only work on straight hair. Fortunately for all you Curly Sues out there, this assumption is a straight-up myth. Just make sure your stylist does a dry cut — you don’t want to end up with super-short bangs once your curls dry. Also, anti-frizz styling products and diffuser attachments will become your new BFFs.

Try:

curly hair cream for a fringe haircut

Kerastase Discipline Cream for Curly Hair, $32

5. Is your hair fine or thick?

lesley with a fringe haircut

Different hair textures require different types of bangs. Really fine hair (like mine, pictured above) is better suited to side bangs or wispier styles, while thicker hair can better accommodate a heavy, blunt fringe. Talk to your stylist to discuss your options, and work with your texture — not against it.

6. Do you work out?

Bangs are all fun and games until it’s time to break a sweat. That’s when those pretty face-framing strands become an absolute nightmare. If you exercise on the regular, then you’ll need a strategy for dealing with your fringe. Headbands and clips are obvious must-haves, but you’ll also want to consider the aftermath of these styling solutions. Your bangs will probably need to be re-styled after your workout sesh to keep them in proper shape themselves.

Try:

headbands for a fringe haircut
H&M 2-pack Hairbands, $5.99

7. Are bangs a commitment or a fling?

Hairstyle chameleons, listen up. If you’re pretty sure you’re going to sport your new fringe for just a season or two, you may want to steer clear of a blunt cut. Side-swept bangs are much easier to grow out, and they blend better with longer hair.

8. What’s your face shape?

Bangs can work with any face shape — as long as they’re the right type of bangs. The goal with most hairstyles is to make your face appear more oval. Round faces look great with thick, choppy bangs that create the look of angles, while angular heart- and diamond-shaped faces are softened by a side-swept fringe.

9. If you’ve had bangs before, did you like them?

Your previous experience with bangs is probably the single best indicator of how you’ll like a fringe haircut now. If you loved them before, then you’ll probably love them again. If you couldn’t wait for them to grow out, then it may be best to leave that Zooey Deschanel picture at home

Are you considering rocking a fringe haircut this fall? Let us know in the comments!