Fringes remain one of the quickest ways to transform a haircut without dramatically changing the overall length – and in 2026, there’s no single shape dominating the conversation. From soft curtain and wispy fringes to statement-making micro cuts, clients have more options than ever.
Current trends are moving towards more personalised, versatile fringe shapes, with 2026 seeing everything from disconnected and micro fringes to adaptable curtain styles gaining attention.
For hairdressers, the key is knowing how to adapt each fringe to the client in the chair. Face shape can inform the decision, but hair density, growth patterns, natural texture, styling routine and how much maintenance a client is prepared for are equally important.
Here are the different types of fringes worth knowing, along with expert advice on cutting, styling and maintaining them.
Blunt Fringe
A blunt fringe is one of the most classic fringe styles, but its strong, graphic finish can still make a significant impact.
Gráinne McClelland, owner of Gráinne McClelland Hair, explains: "A Blunt Fringe will complement the balance and symmetry of oval face shapes, whilst it can add structure and elongate a round face shape. If the Blunt Fringe is left slightly longer, it can soften the angles and definition of a square face."
To create the look, the hair is cut straight across the forehead without adding layers. Carolyn Newman, International Educator and Colour Expert, advises: "Take enough hair to create a full heavy fringe, and hold your comb loosely when cutting – you don't want to create any graduation."
Cutting the fringe dry can also help you assess exactly where the hair will sit once finished, particularly where shrinkage, movement or strong growth patterns need to be considered.
"I always follow the client's natural brow for this," says Loretta Marie, owner of Loretta Marie Hair. This helps create the polished, precise finish associated with the style.
How do You Cut a Blunt Fringe on Curly and Afro-Textured Hair?
Consultation is essential when creating a blunt fringe on curly, coily or Afro-textured hair. Discuss how the client intends to wear their fringe day to day, as the finished length will need to account for the natural curl pattern and shrinkage.
"On Afro-textured hair, I tend to cut the hair free hand with zero tension, working with the natural hair fall," says Loretta.
Choppy Fringe
For clients looking for something less polished, a choppy fringe introduces texture and an intentionally undone finish.
Although it can initially resemble a blunt fringe, varying the length through the ends creates the irregular texture that defines the look. Carolyn recommends point cutting with scissors or using a razor to introduce additional movement and separation.
The result can work particularly well with layered, shag-inspired and more lived-in haircuts where a perfectly straight fringe would feel too structured.
Micro Fringe
The micro fringe – also known as baby bangs – is one of the strongest options for clients wanting their fringe to become a defining feature of their haircut.
Rather than finishing around the brows, a micro fringe sits higher on the forehead. The style continues to be relevant in 2026, with shorter and more individual fringe shapes appearing prominently across current hair trend predictions.
"For a Micro Fringe, I always reach for a clipper or trimmer," advises Loretta. "Combing the hair down and then pressing the clipper into the hair gives it a blunt look, which you can soften afterwards if you prefer."
Alternatively, a choppier cutting technique can give the micro fringe a softer, less graphic finish.
As the length is deliberately short, consultation is key. Discuss the client's hairline, growth patterns, texture and willingness to return for regular trims before making the cut.
How Often Should Clients Trim a Blunt, Choppy or Micro Fringe?
Shorter, more structured fringes generally require greater commitment than longer, face-framing styles.
Clients may need to wash or refresh the fringe more frequently because of its contact with the forehead, while regular salon trims will help maintain the intended shape and prevent the hair falling into the eyes.
A choppy fringe can offer slightly more flexibility as it grows, as additional length can complement its intentionally undone finish.
Curtain Fringe
The curtain fringe remains a useful option for clients who want softness and face framing without committing to a full fringe.
Inspired by 1970s shapes, curtain fringes typically feature a centre parting, shorter lengths towards the middle and longer sections that blend into the rest of the haircut.
They also continue to evolve. This year, for example, it’s all about a more adaptable approach, where a longer fringe can move between curtain, side-swept and bottleneck-inspired finishes depending on how it is styled.
When cutting any fringe, Gill Berry, JOICO EMEA Ambassador, recommends erring on the side of caution with the initial length: "Although this may seem obvious, it's always worth remembering. You can always trim more, but you can never put back."
But it’s styling that is key to achieving the movement associated with a curtain fringe.
"Using a hairdryer and a round brush, smooth over the hair and then use a hair control paste to emphasise the definition of the fringe," advises Karen Thomson, owner of Kam Hair and Body Spa. "Make sure you use the round brush to add as much volume to the roots as possible."
Bottleneck Fringe
Often described as a hybrid between a curtain fringe and a more traditional fringe, the bottleneck fringe is shorter towards the centre and gradually lengthens towards the eyes, cheekbones and sides of the face.
This shape remains particularly relevant because it provides noticeable face framing while retaining the softness and versatility clients associate with curtain fringes. Current fringe coverage continues to highlight bottleneck shapes as part of the move towards adaptable, personalised fringes.
Leo McCallum, owner of ROAR Hair and Beauty, explains: "Bottle Top Bangs are wider at the centre and taper. They complement round or square faces by balancing proportions or adding dimension."
Rather than relying on face shape alone, consider where the shortest and longest points will sit against the client's individual features, alongside their density and natural texture.
Are Curtain and Bottleneck Fringes Low Maintenance?
Compared with shorter, more graphic fringes, curtain and bottleneck styles can be relatively forgiving as they grow.
Their longer outer sections naturally blend into face-framing layers, making them useful for clients who want the option of growing their fringe out without a dramatic transition.
However, "low maintenance" will vary from client to client. Hair texture, cowlicks, density and the amount of heat styling required at home should all form part of the consultation.
Wispy Fringe
A wispy fringe offers the effect of a fringe without the density of a traditional blunt shape.
Individual sections are lighter and more separated, creating a softer finish across the forehead. Wispy fringes are also prominent among current fringe trends, reflecting the wider demand for personalised shapes that retain movement rather than feeling overly rigid.
Emma Simmons, owner of Salon 54, explains: "The delicate strands of hair frame oval faces beautifully, and the wispy effect softens the look of the forehead on clients with heart-shaped faces."
To create the shape, Emma recommends: "Take a small triangular section across the front fringe area, and hold it at the tip of your client's nose. Then, with gentle and soft pressure, slide your razor up and down in a peeling motion above your thumb until the length is removed."
For Afro-textured hair, the cutting approach should be tailored to the client's individual curl pattern and how they intend to style the finished fringe.
When blow-drying, Richard Scorer, Creative Director at Haringtons, advises: "Use a round brush and a nozzle on your hairdryer. This will smooth that cuticle down and give shine. Finish with some serum to create separation and extra shine."
For clients wearing their natural texture, a diffuser can instead help retain and define the curl pattern.
Shaggy Fringe
Shaggy fringes offer a heavier, more layered alternative to a wispy fringe, with texture and an intentionally undone finish at the centre of the look.
The style works naturally alongside shags, wolf cuts and other highly layered haircuts. For curly and Afro-textured hair, cutting the fringe dry can allow the stylist to work more accurately with the client's natural movement and shrinkage.
Emma recommends dividing the front triangular section into two before cutting: "Comb the left section forwards and flat, and direct this over to the opposite cheekbone. Maintain tension and keep the section close and flat to the face. Then, cut it at 45 degrees, or similar to the angle of the cheekbone, to the desired length. Then, do the same to the section on the other side."
Texture can then be introduced using scissors or the tip of a razor.
For styling, Richard says: "Adding mousse into the hair and pushing the cuticle the other way creates great texture, as well as dry shampoo for a matte finish."
Which Type of Fringe Should You Recommend to a Client?
Rather than choosing a fringe based on trends or face shape alone, a thorough consultation should consider:
- Hair texture and curl pattern
- Density and natural movement
- Hairline, cowlicks and growth patterns
- The client's usual parting
- Desired finished length and shape
- How the fringe connects with the rest of the haircut
- The client's at-home styling skills and routine
- How often they are prepared to return for maintenance
- Whether they want a fringe that can easily be grown out or restyled
The best fringe should feel like part of the client's overall haircut rather than an addition to it. With current trends favouring everything from statement micro fringes to softer, adaptable shapes, personalisation is more important than following one prescribed look.
