The Big Fringe Moment: 3 Trending Fringe Styles for 2024
Fringes are going to be big this year as they’re a quick way to update a style with minimal commitment. Fudge Professional Global Ambassador Jonathan Andrew explains the biggest fringe trends for this year.
Why do we love fringes?
Fringes, or bangs as they are often called, have been a timeless element of hairstyling, weaving in and out of fashion trends with an ease that speaks to their universal appeal. This enduring popularity is not without reason; fringes offer a versatile way to frame the face, alter one's appearance without drastic changes, and express personal style. They can soften features, add edge to a look, or even camouflage forehead lines, making them a go-to for both aesthetic and practical reasons.
The allure of fringes lies in their ability to be adapted to suit any face shape, hair type, and lifestyle. Whether it's a blunt cut, side-swept layers, or a wispy style, there's a fringe to match every individual's taste. This adaptability is key to their popularity, allowing wearers to update their look with relatively minimal effort.
However, fringes do come with their set of considerations, particularly when it comes to maintenance. Regular trims are essential to keep the desired length and shape, as a too-long fringe can quickly become bothersome or lose its intended style. Additionally, the hair in the fringe area can often require different care compared to the rest of one's hair due to its constant exposure to skin oils and makeup, which can affect its texture and appearance.
Styling fringes can range from being effortlessly simple to requiring a bit more finesse, depending on the cut and hair type. Some fringes look best air-dried for a natural, tousled look, while others may need the help of a blow dryer, straightener, or curling iron to achieve the desired effect. Furthermore, the right styling products can make a significant difference in managing fringes, whether it's to add volume, tame frizz, or keep them in place.
Fringes are having their moment again. Through the 90’s and 00’s we embraced baby bangs, big, blunt fringes and side sweeping phenomena’s – and now we’re seeing a modern-day revival of fringes favouring chic over grunge with a maximalist impact, with these three fringes becoming all the rage for 2024.
Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs are a great starter option, they can be cut and land to a part of the face you want to accentuate - chiselled cheekbones, we got you covered.
Curtain bangs are usually thicker and can skim the eyes or fall lower with the eyes peeking through (think actual sweeping curtains). If you change your mind, they can muddle in with layers and can grow out quickly.
People who wear this full bang with aplomb, in my humble opinion, are celebs such Lily Allen, Billie Eilish, Selena Gomez, and of course, not forgetting Claudia and her mega-watt shine (whose fringe is now a talking point of its own thanks to the popularity of BBC Traitors). If you’re thinking about going full curtain bangs these are all great muses for this fringe variety.
Wispy Bangs aka Baby Bangs
Baby bangs are a kind of try before you buy, so a mini version of fuller curtain bangs – but don’t be fooled by the ‘baby’ misnomer as they still have a big impact, help frame your face and scream coolness.
These can be chic, softer, ultra flattering and your full eyebrows would still be visible through the wisps of hair. If you want a lighter, try before you buy fringe - this is the one. If you’re loving it, you can add more thickness to it at your next salon visit – think Lily Collins in Emily in Paris as your bang baseline muse.
Side Sweep Bangs
Meet in the middle with the side sweep. With a gentle nod to the 00’s (Shaznay Lewis and Melanie Blatt from All Saints we’re looking at you) side-sweeping fringes have now been given a revival to ‘maximalist’ levels.
You’ve got the ‘big boss ‘don’t mess with me’ bangs from Griselda (a female drug baron series on Netflix with Sofia Vergara) to the Mob Wife aesthetic we’ll all be gearing towards this year in hair and makeup. Its alluring, magnetising and in your face.
Side-sweep maximalist fringes have been seen on celebs recently from Emily Ratajkowski to Dua Lipa, and this is a great starter point to add dimension to a somewhat average style and give an instant allure. It’s also a clever way to grow out a former full fringe by flicking most of the volume onto one side.
Just add barrettes, clips, or hairspray to keep it in place and give it drama– wear your fringe uniquely and offset with lots of sequins/gold lame and a spot of leopard print!