The hottest fringe trends for 2020: who they suit and how to style them

From Miley Cyrus sporting a modern take on the mullet to Blake Lively’s recent bowl cut, this year already is proving to be fringe-heavy. “Getting a fringe is an instant style statement and can easily update a client’s look,” says Neil Barton, Goldwell ambassador and owner of Neil Barton. Here we look at the top fringe trends for 2020, the maintenance required and what clients they suit best. Cutting bangs is no small lifestyle change, though. “It’s so important to inform clients that fringes require a lot of maintenance,” says Karen Thomson, owner and director of KAM Hair and Body Spa.

What are styling essentials for fringes

“Dry shampoo is now your client's best friend. As a fringe falls forward onto your face, it has a tendency to get oily quicker and they'll also be tempted to touch it a lot at first,” says Hannah Munford, advanced stylist and colourist at Mayfive Hair. “Alternatively, they can pin their hair back and wash their bangs separately.” “They will need to get into the habit of using a flat oval brush to blow-dry their hair at home to ensure the fringe looks its best,” advises Karen. “A fringe can become frizzy, so it’s important to discuss using appropriate styling products such as a smoothing cream or serum to prep the hair before styling and to use after styling to ensure the hair looks its best and is smooth and shiny.” Above all, it’s about finding the fringe style that suits the client. “Take into consideration their hair's natural texture and length,” says Karen. “Those with thicker, longer hair will be well suited for a blunt fringe, whereas those with thinner hair should consider the wispy or side swept fringe, as they will be a lot easier to manage.” As Hannah suggests to clients, the best way for anyone to find this out is with a consultation. Below, we break down some of the trend-led ways to style fringes for 2020, and how to know whether it will suit your client’s face shape and hair type.

The Shaggy Cut

Bangs with messier layers are set to be huge this year, for both long and short hair, as seen by the likes of Chloe Grace Moretz, Sienna Miller and Felicity Jones. “The fringe itself should sit slightly shorter in the middle and arch round; complemented by modern layers around the face for those shaggy vibes,” says Hannah. “Style with texturising spray for a rock and roll finish.” “Suitable for pretty much anyone, keeping a grown out feel and great for wearing with soft layers throughout the haircut to give it an effortless cool-girl feel,” says James Alfie Parr, session stylist and hair educator. “I also think this look works best when it goes from short to long, creating a slight inversion when cutting, and never taking length higher than the eyebrow and building out the shape at the cheekbone.”

French Girl Fringe

There’s always been an admiration for how the French maintain the perfect fringe, and slowly their looks are being replicated worldwide, for example social media star Taylor LaShae. “If you are feeling daring, especially if you have have a bob, an extra short choppy fringe will give you that French girl chic style,” says Hannah. https://www.instagram.com/p/B7LxAnmH7d2/

The Long Bang

Committing to a fringe can be daunting for clients, so something less drastic is often the best move, meaning they can make the leap to a shorter, brow-grazing fringe at any time. “It will appear as though the client had a full fringe that they are now growing out but in fact it was cut like that,” says Ross Charles, owner of Ross Charles Hairdressing. “This is a great way to add some soft, subtle shape to the front of the hair and it frames the face perfectly, also this style requires a lot less maintenance.” “Long fringe styles are also a good choice if your hair is long and you want to elongate your face shape,” adds Hannah.

The Bardot Bang

Inspired by the French actress of the same name, another less severe take on the fringe is the Bardot Bang. Modern takes on the look have seen a greater focus on the centre parting, like Camila Cabello. “This look is very complimentary if you have an oblong face as it can sit around your cheekbones,” says Hannah. “Furthermore, it is extra low maintenance as you can just tuck it behind your ears as it grows longer.” Lead image via Shutterstock Written by Kieran Read