Have you ever had a client request a fringe that you know isn’t going to suit them? Well, we’ve spoke to some top hairdressers to find out how to create the perfect fringe for every face shape, so the next time someone requests an unflattering cut, you know what to suggest to them instead.
Creating the Perfect Fringe for Every Face Shape
Circle Face Shape
Typically, circular, rounded face shapes feature a similar length and width, in addition to full cheeks. Discussing the best fringe to pair with this face shape, Marina Hodgins, from Fringe Benefits and Labella Beauty Gloucester, says: “Wispy, layered fringes can add definition without emphasising roundness, while long, angles fringes can also help to elongate the face.” As for what to avoid, she recommends steering clear of short, blunt fringes, explaining that these can emphasise roundness.
Diamond Face Shape
A diamond face shape is characterised by its narrow forehead and wide cheekbones – often the widest point of the face. To complement this, Fergal Doyle recommends soft, side-swept bangs to add softness to angular features, such as bottleneck bangs. “Avoid heavy, straight-across fringes, as they may accentuate the width of the cheekbones, making the face look shorter,” he adds.
Oval Face Shape
An oval face shape is often considered to have well-balanced proportions, somewhere in between a round face and a square face – however the chin is always more on the round side. “I would opt for a blunt fringe; this high-fashion modern look would complement both a bold or textured style as an oval face shape tends to lean towards more rounded features, which in return would be sharpened visually by the strong blunt edge of the fringe,” explains Stevan Dulay, Creative Director at POMOhair.
Meanwhile, Caroline Brand, from Oracle Hairdressing, adds: “My favourite style for an oval face shape is a soft, layered fringe – I think it’s fun and modern, with an edge of sophistication.” However, she also shares: “I would try to avoid one length haircuts with heavy fringes, as I feel they can disrupt the harmonious lines of an oval face.”
Rectangle Face Shape
Rectangular faces tend to have a strong jaw and forehead, much like a square face, but longer. As such, Fergal suggests a layered, sweeping fringe to soften the sharp lines, explaining: “A slightly curved or wispy bang that hits around the eyebrow level can add width to the cheek bones and create the illusion of a shorter face.” As for what to avoid for this face shape, he says: “Avoid blunt or heavy bangs that emphasise the straight lines of the forehead and jaw, elongating the face further.”
Heart Face Shape
“Heart-shaped faces are usually faces that are wider on the forehead, narrowing down towards the chin,” explains Richard Ward, owner of Richard Ward Hair & Metrospa. “Like the oval face shape, side-swept fringes work well as they soften the forehead taking attention away from the wider part of the head/face. The width at the top of a heart-shaped face needs balance, soft layer that blends through the rest of the hair will bring this.”
However, whenever a client is considering a fringe, it’s not just about what will complement their face shape – with Mason Josh, Advocate stylist at Josh Wood, pointing out that it’s also crucial to consider the health of their hair, and whether they will be able successfully style it while home. He says: By incorporating the right products and professional techniques into the styling process, you not only achieve the desired fringe styles to enhance your features, but also prioritise the health and longevity of your clients’ hair.”
To find out more about face shapes and complementary styles, check out some expert advice here.
