The Fresh-Faced Fringe Is an Easy Change for Summer

What’s the single quickest way to totally revamp your hairstyle? It has to be a fringe.

Yep, bangs can seem intimidating: Will they suit us? Isn’t growing them out a major bummer? But no more excuses. We’ve seen stacks of clever techniques and pretty styling that ensure there’s a fringe style to suit pretty much every personality from subtle side sweeps and thick ’70s curtain bangs to micro fringes.

As for the latest rendition, king of haircuts, Larry King, is dubbing the “fresh-faced fringe” the snip du jour—because it’s lightweight, simple to create, and right on trend. “Many people have grown their hair out over the past few months,” he says. “Now we are looking at maintaining the length and giving the look a style.” Bonus, this style is tailored to each individual’s face shape, so you don’t need to panic about whether it’ll suit you or not because it just will.

“The fresh-faced fringe is a modern fringe that’s cut into the hair with the arch, created to suit the facial type and structure of the client,” explains King. The key? The arch allows you to push the hair to each side, framing and opening up your face for a “fresh” effect.

Tempted to trial the trend? King suggests complementing the fringe with shorter and disconnected layers, which will help to maintain shape and lines. “You will find that layers have previously been used to eliminate weight,” he said. “This is not the case here. We are looking at a solid baseline that enables volume and texture.”

However, as our fave fringe crush, Sabina Socol, says, don’t worry about it being too perfect. A messy finish makes it look cooler.

Plus, keeping the shape a little more relaxed means you can push it back and flip it around for styling.

As for what happens once you make the cut? “I recommend using Redken Extreme Lengths Leave-in,” King advises. “It will reduce split ends by 78%, fortify and strengthen hair. Stronger equals longer.” 

Intrigued by a fringe? Read our ultimate guide to fringe hairstyles, which is packed with inspo for your next salon trip. If you’re rocking a fringe right now, read our ultimate fringe hacks to keep it looking fresh.