Everything you need to know before cutting a fringe

Believe it or not, cutting a fringe can be a pretty big step. Once you have it, your whole look and styling routine changes — but is it worth it? Well, it can be, if you know what you’re getting into, you’re prepared, and have chosen a style that suits you. But not everyone wants to take on the extra effort that comes with having a fringe, no matter how amazing it looks. But how do you know if it’s right for you before you commit? After all, once you cut your hair to create a fringe, you can’t undo it. You would simply need to wait for it to grow out.

Which is why we’ve created this guide that includes everything you need to know before cutting a fringe. With this, you can make an informed decision and have no regrets. Keep reading for the deets.

Do I really want a fringe?

This may sound like a silly question to ask, but remember, a fringe is a commitment. So ask yourself if you really want it, or if it’s just trending, or if you’re feeling impulsive. Be 100% sure that you really want one, before you cut one.

It’s high maintenance

Fringes require a fair bit of maintenance, both in styling and in care. They need to be styled daily in order to look good — no matter the style of fringe. And they can be very reactive, often responding to humidity by poofing out. Fringes also need to be trimmed every 3-6 weeks to ensure they stay in their style, and out of your eyes.

When styling your fringe, there are three products we’d highly recommend. The first is a dry shampoo. If you have oily hair, this is a must. Just spritz a bit of the Toni & Guy Instant Refresh Dry Shampoo onto your fringe to keep it fresh.

Another must-have product is a firm hold hairspray. This will help keep the fringe in place, with no flyaways and minimal reactions to the elements. We love the TRESemmé Firm Hold Hairspray for this.

If you’re a curly girl rocking a curly fringe, you want a product that has strong hold and is not greasy. This will help minimise the shrinkage and define your curls, giving you a IG-worthy fringe. You would want to use a gel for this, such as the VO5 Sculpted Firm Hold Styling Gel.

The right fringe for your face

It’s important to know that not every fringe will look the same on everyone. Some people look amazing in heavy, blunt-cut fringes, while others look their best in wispy curtain bangs. And, of course, there are many styles in-between. Find out what you face shape is, and research the best styles for that face shape.

The faux fringe

If you’re unsure about which style to get and need a visual representation, try fake fringes. You can do this by using clip-ons, or by creating a faux fringe hairstyle. Check out this faux fringe bob hairstyle tutorial, if you’re keen to try it out.

It changes your haircare routine

Fringes thrive with well-hydrated, healthy hair. If you’re not using hydrating and moisturising haircare products already, you may need to include them in your haircare routine. This is because hydrated hair sticks out less and is much easier to style.