Bangs, or fringes, have a cyclical nature in hair trends. After being the "it" hairstyle of the early 2000s, gracing celebrities like Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie, they re-emerged as a dominant trend in 2020. Featured on runways and sported by celebrities like Dua Lipa and Emma Watson, curly fringes have become a captivating style that combines the classic appeal of a fringe with the untamed beauty of curly locks. Whether you're sporting tight coils or loose waves, a curly fringe can add depth, dimension, and a touch of whimsy to your overall appearance.
The key to nailing the perfect curly fringe lies in selecting a style that complements your unique face shape. Here's a breakdown:
When it comes to your natural hair, fringes get a bad rap for being "finicky," but really it comes down to a great consultation with your hairdresser. Make sure you have a stylist who really knows how to cut and style curly hair, as curls have to be cut to move or form so they move naturally without frizzing.
When it comes to cutting a curly fringe, precision is paramount. Seek out a stylist who specialises in curly hair and understands the nuances of working with natural texture. The 'dry-cutting' technique is often favored for curly fringes, as it allows the stylist to see how your curls naturally fall and shape them accordingly.
Don’t be overzealous about taking off a ton of length at first. “Always seek the services of a professional hairdresser experienced in working with your hair texture, who will give you a consultation first-and if anything, go longer first,” says François. “You can always have a little more trimmed after it’s been styled.” If you’re feeling hesitant but want to test it out, Jamilla Powell, owner of Miami's Maggie Rose Salon and Naturally Drenched hair care, recommends going shorter and shorter over the course of a few months. “If you’re new to bangs and feeling nervous, consider starting with a longer style and gradually taking it up a notch every couple of weeks.”
Read also: Best Accessories for Curly Hair
One grave mistake novice stylists make when it comes to curly hair? Not taking shrinkage into consideration. This is why many textured hair experts recommend getting a dry cut. “Shrinkage is the amount that your curls, coils, kinks, or waves spring back and curl up after cleansing and conditioning or simply wetting, once strands are dried,” François explains. The last thing you want to do is overestimate your length when your strands are wet, straightened, or stretched and then find yourself with way too much space between your hairline and eyebrows. (That is, if microbangs weren’t what you were going for.)
Powell stresses the importance of being vocal with your stylist before they whip out the shears: “Before committing to curly bangs, make sure you tell your stylist to cut your bangs while your hair is dry! Your curl pattern can be completely different when your hair is dry compared to when it’s wet, which can result in curl shrinkage and make it tricky to cut perfect bangs. By cutting your bangs while your hair is dry, you’ll be able to ensure that you get the accurate length, style, and shape you’re aiming for.”
Remember, curls tend to spring up when dry, so your fringe may appear shorter than expected - always err on the side of caution and go longer initially.
Getting bangs doesn’t have to feel so dramatic, and the textured shag that's been having a moment for quite some time now is a great way to ease in. Opt for tousled layering around your face for a flirty seasonal refresh. “Curly bangs cut into a longer shaggy style are great for fall-they work well with hats this season for a casual look,” says François. “Think woolly bobble hats or caps lined with satin or silk, which is kind to strands by minimizing friction. Pair back bangs with clips, or add a part on the days you want to switch up your style.” In other words, go for the gusto and experiment with accessories to top off your new ’do.
Styling a curly fringe can be a delightful adventure. Here's how to make the most of it:
Read also: Taming Frizzy Hair: Read More
A well-maintained curly fringe is a sight to behold. Here's how to keep yours looking its best:
One major key to keeping your bangs in tip-top shape is trimming them regularly. This will put more bounce in your tendrils and get rid of dead ends, and it’ll help you avoid an overgrown look and keep your ends just grazing your eyebrows. “If you have curly bangs, the best way to maintain them is to trim them every four to six weeks,” says François. “Make sure you stick to this routine and don’t wait too long to get them trimmed. Not only will keeping up with your trims ensure that you keep your bangs at the perfect length, but it will also ensure that your hair is healthy, strong, and free of split ends.”
If you’re unable or unwilling to go to the salon, curly icon Brit Watkins supports an at-home trim. “I make sure to follow the guide of my lips when trimming bangs,” she says. “If I pull them down and they’re shorter than the top of my lips, I won’t like them on me; they’ll shrink up too short after styling. I always start by cutting them longer than I want them, and I try to cut on days where the dew points are from 35°F to 60°F because my hair is less prone to shrink. I’m getting a more true-to-form hang of my length. First-timers, maybe get them done professionally, and then follow the trim steps at home. This is not a game!”
Once you’ve found a stylist and cut you love, keeping the right products on deck is essential. Curl creams, refreshing sprays, and curly conditioners will keep your strands thriving and help get the most out of your new look. “Be sure to keep your curly bangs moisturized and hydrated so they look and feel their healthiest,” says François. “The MIST~ Nourishing Water from my own collection is perfect for this. You might find that spritzing and twisting curly bangs more often than the rest of your hair helps to keep them energized. Once you’re happy with how they’re looking, just let them be. The less you touch them, the longer your curls will last.”
“Aside from getting regular trims, there are a couple of other ways you can ensure that your bangs stay healthy,” says Powell. “For starters, make sure you wash or spritz them more than you typically would the rest of your hair. Curly bangs will get dirty, greasy, and more disheveled than your hair typically does, so make sure you give them a little extra love. Another easy way to keep curly bangs healthy is by using your fingers to style them, as opposed to a brush. Brushes will take the bounce and curl out of your bangs, and could potentially result in damage. Instead, use your fingers scrunch and style your bangs as you see fit.”
Read also: Choosing the Right Shampoo for Thin, Curly Hair
If you’re not sure the look is for you, fake the bangs in the mirror first. I’ve thrown my hair into an updo and pinned a section in the front beneath a bandana (with the ends left out around my face) to give off the same vibe. Vernon François-celebrity hairstylist, educator, brand founder, and the mastermind behind iconic looks donned by Lupita Nyong'o, Tessa Thompson, and Willow Smith (the list goes on)-recommends creating a quiff with pins or clips to change up your look. “If your hair is long enough, take a center section of hair, fold it back on itself, and pin in place with a clip, hair comb, or bobby pins,” he says.
Embracing a curly fringe is more than just a hairstyle choice - it's a celebration of your natural texture and a bold statement of self-expression. With the right cut, care, and styling techniques, your curly fringe can become your signature look, framing your face and enhancing your features in a way that's uniquely you.
tags: #curly #fringe #hairstyles #guide
