HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT LONG FRINGE HAIRCUT FOR YOU, PLUS ALL THE STYLE INSPIRATION YOU NEED

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve grown tired of your hairstyle. Or perhaps it’s the sheer number of fringes swarming the red carpet, catwalk and highstreet alike willing you to mix things up. Either way, if you’re looking for an expert hand in designing your perfect fringe, plus heaps of style inspiration, you’ve come to the right place.

A long fringe – endlessly versatile and suits-all – is the perfect adjunct to any signature hairstyle, be it a swishy bob, a mid-length layered cut or flowing hip-grazing tresses, because it instantly lends shape and face-framing dimension with very little effort required.

What Is A Long Fringe Haircut?

Unlike the graphic micro-fringe or traditional full fringe, a long fringe requires little upkeep, is easy to style and makes for a good gateway fringe if you’re on the fence. A long fringe can easily be adapted to suit your face shape or lifestyle (are you often tying your hair up, or can’t stand spending ages in front of the mirror each morning?), and might look like a sweeping side fringe, curtain bangs or bottleneck bangs.

‘I wouldn’t say there is one particular long fringe haircut, as it can work with a variety of hair lengths,’ explains Neale Rodger, style director at STIL Salon. ‘The obvious choice would be your classic long, layered, face-framing cut with a long fringe. Alternatively you could play around with mid-length shapes, focusing on the length and strength of the shape, and combine it with a completely disconnected long fringe or bang.’

‘This will create a strong feature that softens the front of the haircut without affecting the length, as it can easily be pushed back over the shoulder by using shaping or feathering around the front.’

Which Haircut Best Suits A Long Fringe?

All of them. Literally. But if we had to choose a current favourite: ‘Long fringes look great on short bobs. The juxtaposition of short and long creates a baggy, continental vibe, with a grown-out, sexy, mysterious look around the front. You can also use long fringes to promote movement and flicks around the face, adding further elegance to this look,’ adds Rodger.

How To Style A Long Fringe Haircut

You’ll want to keep a hint of movement towards the ends with a long fringe haircut, says Rodger. ‘That way, when the hair is played with it will have a beautiful bounce to it.’

‘As for the fringe itself, I personally prefer a smoother, flatter finish as I feel it looks more modern.’ You can achieve this with a hairdryer and a round brush, directing the airflow downwards and pulling the hair away from the face. If you prefer a more dramatic look, you can put your fringe in a roller as the hair cools down, as this will create a bigger, longer-lasting shape.

Who Suits A Long Fringe Haircut?

It’s good news: ‘Everyone suits a fringe, it’s just about finding a length which balances the individual’s face. I like to think of fringes as belts on dresses: the horizontal line breaks the face in the desired area and helps us understand it’s proportions.’

However, ‘I don’t tend to recommend fringes to people with very straight hair, as it will naturally fall quite flat. All fringes require maintenance, and the longer they are the quicker they lose control.’

All The Long Fringe Style Inspiration You Need To Book The Appointment

Mid-length haircut with long fringe

Here's a long fringe that far surpasses the ears and blends seamlessly into the hair. It's the perfect length to be tucked behind the ears, pulled back into a ponytail or blown-out into a bouncy, face-framing shape. Recreate this look by creating a soft wave with a hairdryer and round brush or a pair of straighteners.

Long full fringe

Dakota Johnson proves how low-maintenance a full fringe can be when worn long. As the fringe continues to grow out, you can gradually part it down the middle and wear it in a baggy, curtain bang style. You'll also find Nina Dobrev sporting this full-meets-curtain fringe iteration.

Long curtain bangs

No fringe style inspiration round-up is complete without Daisy's. She's everyone's hair muse at the moment, and for good reason - she's perfected the ideal fringe length that works across a variety of stunning hairstyles. Here, she wears it smooth and straight, using a subtle highlighting technique to amplify movement and add depth.

Long hair with long fringe

People with super long hair (firstly, I envy you), fringes can work for you, too. Anne's grown-out curtain bangs look good at every stage and help to frame her face where a one-length cut can often drag the face downward.

Long Side Fringe

Channel Brie Larson's elegant energy with a long, sweeping side fringe. Pair it with a simple ponytail for a chic updo that will impress dinner guests and fellow party-goers alike. A side fringe works well for people who favour one side of their face over the other - just position the parting on your 'best' side and allow it to shine.

Updo with long fringe

Here is another example of incorporating a long fringe into an updo, à la Kaia Gerber. For those who feel most comfortable with their hair down, an updo with a piece-y fringe is a good introduction to wearing it up.

Long bob with long fringe

Effortlessly styled; endlessly cool. We love this long bob and long fringe combination. If your hair has some natural texture, recreating this style will be a breeze. For those with naturally straight hair, try waving the hair in alternate directions and finish with some texture spray.

Curly hair with long fringe

Adding a long fringe to model Hanna Lhoumeau's curly bob helps to avoid a bottom-heavy shape. Scrunch a small amount of curl gel or cream to define curls and add healthy shine.

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2025-03-24T12:23:04Z