How to make fringe bangs work

Fringe bangs are the latest craze, says Candice Buckett of Diesel Salon in San Diego. A heavy dose of tousled hair with the right amount of texture makes the perfect fringe cropped bang. The fringe is edgier and full and movement and life and frames the face beautifully.

Fringe bangs vs. other bangs

Unlike traditional bangs, fringe bangs don't cover the entire forehead. The fringe cascades down into loose pieces on the cheekbones to complement the face. They are not the short, one-length bangs that Katy Perry wears or the full mushroom bangs that were so popular in the 1960s.

Measure your forehead

Consult with your stylist, recommends Buckett. If you have a small forehead, ask for a deep v-shaped bang to make the bangs look longer. If you have a large forehead, you want a u-shaped section to help soften the bangs.

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Keep the length

The fringe works best when it's the proper length. "To make fringe bangs work, don't cut them too short or they'll always stick out," says NYC celebrity and editorial stylist Gad Cohen. "Keep them eyebrow level or a little longer so they have some versatility."

Make them match

Make the fringe match the haircut, says Natasha Sunshine of Byu-ti Hair Therapy Salon in LA. "Lighter haircuts with lots of layers should have a softer, wispy fringe," says Sunshine. "Heavier shapes, like a bob, should have a stronger, sharper fringe."

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Be versatile

Hairstylist and colorist Alan Gold, creative director of The Haig & Co. Salon in Philadelphia, loves the versatility of fringe bangs. "When the hair is pulled back taut, it gives the illusion of short hair," says Gold. "Yet these bangs are long enough to slick back or roll off the face to create a totally different look!"

The bangs come first

"The best way to make bangs work for you is to style them first -- immediately after you get out of the shower," says Vince Smith, owner of the Vince Smith Hair Experience in NYC. "Comb them into place while they are wet, and blow dry and style them first. That way, they don't have a chance to dry and set into their natural growth direction."

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Go this way and that way

Buckett recommends blow drying the bangs all the way to one side, then all the way to the other, using a wrapping motion on the forehead to give the bangs plenty of body.

Train the fringe

Since your hair does have that natural tendency to go this way or that, your bangs may try to take on a life of their own. Stylist Heather Allen of Beyond Beauty Salon encourages you to fight Mother Nature with this little trick: Stick a bobby pin in at night to help train those bangs to the side!

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Use styling products

When you first get them, fringe bangs can seem like a difficult pain. But once you have them under control, you'll find they're super cute and totally trendy. Allen recommends texturizing cream. Apply it, very gradually, to the bangs to hold that pieced, edgy look that's so popular. Keep it in place with hairspray.

Look younger

Fringe bangs are ideal if you want to cover some lines or furrows in your forehead, says Cohen. Who need Botox?!

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