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9 Things to Consider Before Getting This Classic French Haircut

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October 06, 2021 at 08:00AM

When it comes to French style signifiers, there are some that immediately come to mind. Breton stripes is one, basket bags is another, and feline eyeliner flicks also have an undeniable je ne sais quoi about them. But when it comes to hair, there’s one style that feels more Gallic than the rest, and that’s long hair with fringe. Of course, the look isn’t just popular with the French, but there’s something about tumbling lengths offset with a sweeping fringe that feels very Parisian. Regardless of its origin, it’s a hairstyle that looks incredibly chic and is becoming increasingly popular in beauty circles. 

For those with long hair, going for the chop is the ultimate commitment. After all, it can take months, if not years, to grow your hair back out should a shorter style not be to your liking. Cue the fringe—a small tweak that can make all the difference in your look without you having to sacrifice your long hair in the process. That said, there are a few things to consider before having a fringe cut in, especially if you intend on keeping length elsewhere. We consulted Chloe Mckiver, a stylist and colour technician at top London salon Taylor Taylor London’s Portobello Road location, who revealed everything we need to know about long hair with fringe.

“First things first, it helps to understand which face shape you have, which will then allow you to better visualise how certain fringes will actually look on you,” says Mckiver. Handily, we already have a fringe face-shape guide for you to peruse. Now, read on to discover Mckiver’s point-by-point style analysis.

1. “Before you opt for a full fringe, make sure you are prepared. If you’re willing to work on the upkeep, then fringes always look stunning. Fringes also take a while to grow out, so once you go for the chop, that’ll be your hair for the foreseeable.”

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2. “One of the biggest bonuses of a fringe with long hair is that it presents the perfect excuse to skip a full hair wash. Pull back your lengths and just wash and style the fringe to freshen up your hair between washes.”

3. “Think carefully before embracing super-short bangs, as they can’t be swept back or hidden. You have to wear them with pride. In my experience, I’ve found that short fringes suit oval, heart, and round face shapes best, but when it comes to fringes, one rule doesn’t fit all. It’s completely down to the person.”

4. “Discuss your fringe style carefully with your stylist to make sure you go for the one that best suits your face shape and brings attention to your favourite features. For example, longer bangs can draw attention to your cheekbones or nose and can also work to shorten a longer face, whereas a side-swept fringe will work to elongate rounder face shapes.”

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5. “If you’re nervous about going for a full fringe, I recommend trying the ‘curtain’ fringe, which sits either side of your forehead. It’s easier to maintain, as it falls softly below the eyes and can be tucked behind the ears. Think French-girl vibes.”

6. “There can be a lot of styling involved for fringes if your hair doesn’t sit naturally the way you want it to, so always consider if you have the time and patience to style in the mornings. This is all the more important when it comes to long hair, too, which takes longer to style than short or mid-length hair.”

7. “Make sure you have the time to pop into the salon for fringe trims. The kitchen scissors should be off limits. I can’t tell you how many fringes I’ve worked on since lockdown.”

8. “Curly hair can look great with a fringe, but make sure you have the right products and techniques for your hair to ensure it sits how you want it. I would always start off with something soft to see how you like it. Then, we can build the density if you decide a full-on fringe is for you.”

9. “Do your homework. Look at pictures of celebrities who have a similar head shape or hair texture for inspiration. It’s a clichĂ©, but we hairdressers love a little guide, and we can help you decide if that look is right for you and help you to adapt it. A magazine cutting or an Instagram pic will help us fully understand the look you’re trying to achieve.”

Now that you know everything you could possibly need to about long hair with fringe, below, we’ve collated some of our favourite looks to inspire you. Then, shop our essential products for fringe maintenance. 

Amy’s mini fringe is blunt and insanely chic. We wouldn’t expect anything less from her. 

Jeanette pairs her choppy fringe with air-dried hair for a relaxed feel. 

Opt for a light fringe that can be pushed to both sides if need be, like Aysha’s. 

Sophie’s full fringe and smoky eye shadow make for the perfect after-dark combination. 

Charlotte’s blunt fringe is softened by her luscious long layers. 

Caitlin proves that fringes look especially great when your long hair is tied back into a low ponytail. 

Mette’s blunt fringe looks the edgy part with her platinum locks and minimal attire. 

Laura’s half-up, half-down look is made all the more glamorous with her parted fringe. 

Emily opts for a choppy fringe, which looks the part with her retro dress collection. 

Courtney’s corkscrew curls look incredible with her wispy fringe. 

Your fringe needn’t be long and sweeping—make like Emmanuelle and opt for a seriously cool short fringe with your long tresses. 

We thought side fringes were best left in our teenage years. That was until we saw Emily’s volumised ‘do. 

Zeena offsets her full fringe by braiding her long hair to one side—the ideal holiday hair look. 

With her choppy fringe and loosely waved lengths, Jeanne is making us want to run to the nearest salon stat. 

Full but choppy, Jourdan’s fringe is the stuff of legends. 

Not full but not side swept, Katherine’s fringe is the chic middle ground. 

We’re beginning to question why Rosie doesn’t opt for a fringe permanently. 

Ada’s sweeping fringe and brushed-out waves are probably the most glamorous thing we’ve seen this year. 

Zendaya’s spaced-out fringe looks beyond incredible with her volumised curls and statement red lip. 

While she’s since joined the bob bridge, we still adore MarĂ­a’s fringe look from last year. 

Nicole’s light fringe is the perfect introduction for those considering trying the look for themselves. 

Elizabeth proves fringes always have a place on the red carpet with her sleek, ultra-long lengths. 

When it comes to heat styling, the hair around you face is more prone to damage, as it’s the area you inadvertently style the most. The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer is one of the best hairdryers around that doesn’t cause damage. It cleverly measures air temperature over 40 times a second and regulates the heat. This prevents extreme heat damage and protects your hair’s natural shine.

Long tresses and fringes require a shampoo that doesn’t weigh the hair down and that strengthens the hair follicles to keep them looking their best. Cue KĂ©rastase’s Resistance Extentioniste, a fortifying shampoo that uses powerful amino acids and ceramides to improve strength from root to tip.

Follow with KĂ©rastase’s Resistance Extentioniste Conditioner to unlock even more strengthening superpowers. 

This styling spray has an ultra-fine mist designed to create workable, pliable texture—perfect for fringes that need sculpting without scrimping on movement. 

This product is miraculous. It coats the hair in dirt repellent, preventing fringes from getting greasy and stringy. Apply to damp hair from roots to ends and comb through. Style as you normally would, and voila, your very own protective veil.

Constant brushing, combing, or touching your fringe can leave it looking greasy. Instead, give your fringe a refresh by spritzing with dry shampoo and teasing it through with your fingertips. This will add a bit of extra volume and will leave your hair clean looking between washes. This mini spray by hair maestro Sam McKnight is perfect for popping in your handbag. 

Give your fringe some extra bounce by placing it in a velcro roller during or after blow-drying. Your hair will fall and become flatter as the day goes on, so starting off with maximum volume is always a good idea. 

Another great way of adding lift and bounce to your fringe is with a barrel hot brush, and GHD’s new Rise Professional Hot Brush is the best we’ve tried. Use it on your fringe and the lengths of your tresses to define the shape and on your roots to smooth and lift. 

Don’t undo all the effort you put into perfecting your fringe when you go to bed. A silk pillowcase will reduce frizz, minimise split breakages, and regulate oil production to prevent greasy roots. It’ll also help your fringe hold its styled shape. 

Next, We asked an expert how to trim your fringe when a salon visit isn’t an option. You can thank us later. 

Author Maxine Eggenberger | Whowhatwear
Selected by CWC

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