Thinking about changing your haircut? Exploring the different types of fringe is a great place to begin. From soft curtain bangs and sweeping side fringes to bold baby bangs, the biggest styles of 2026 prove there is no single way to wear one.
Fringes were a recurring feature throughout Fashion Month. Vogue’s Paris Fashion Week beauty report highlighted everything from glass-straight and side-swept fringes to fuzzy waves, pointed pieces and dramatic eye-covering shapes.
The best fringe is not simply the one appearing on your favourite celebrity or runway. Your hairline, texture, density, natural movement and willingness to style it all influence how a fringe will sit. Below, we explore the leading types of fringe and what to consider before your next haircut.
Types of Fringe Trending in 2026
Curtain bangs: soft, versatile and easy to grow out
Curtain bangs remain one of the most wearable choices in 2026. Parted through the centre or slightly to one side, they are usually shorter near the middle and become longer as they blend into the surrounding layers.
They can be customised to sit around the brows, cheekbones or jaw, depending on how much framing you want. A longer curtain fringe is particularly useful for first-timers because it can often be tucked behind the ears and grows into face-framing layers relatively easily.
Nicole Kidman demonstrated the versatility of curtain bangs throughout 2026, wearing both soft, fluffy versions and an extra-long variation during Paris Fashion Week.
Wispy, Birkin and U-shaped bangs: an airy alternative
If a full fringe feels too heavy, consider a wispy or piecey shape. These styles allow some forehead to remain visible and create a softer finish than a dense, straight-across fringe.
Birkin-inspired bangs usually sit around the brows with an intentionally relaxed texture. U-shaped bangs are slightly shorter in the centre and gradually lengthen towards the temples, creating a subtle curved shape.
Jennifer Lawrence’s light, separated fringe at Paris Fashion Week is a useful 2026 reference. This style can work particularly well for clients who want a noticeable change without committing to a heavy block of hair across the forehead.
Side-swept bangs: the 2000s favourite returns
Side-swept bangs have returned alongside the broader revival of side parts and early-2000s styling. Bella Hadid embraced the look this year with a deep side part and sweeping blonde fringe.
This style can be adapted from a short, defined fringe to a longer section that blends into the haircut. It is a practical option if you prefer wearing your hair to one side or want softness around the face without a centre-parted curtain shape.
Growth patterns are especially important here. Your Epic stylist can assess where your hair naturally separates and determine which direction will be easiest to maintain.
Blunt bangs: polished and statement-making
A blunt fringe creates a stronger line across the forehead and can make even a simple haircut feel deliberate. In 2026, the look ranges from eyebrow-skimming bangs to smooth, graphic fringes inspired by runway styling.
Because blunt bangs rely on precision, they generally require more regular trims than longer, softer alternatives. Hair density also matters: taking too much hair into the fringe can make it feel unnecessarily heavy, while using too little may prevent the line from looking solid.
Your stylist can adjust the thickness, width and finishing texture rather than treating every blunt fringe as the same cut.
Baby and micro bangs: the bold 2026 option
Baby bangs sit noticeably above the eyebrows, while micro bangs are generally shorter again. Florence Pugh’s sharply cropped fringe became one of the standout celebrity examples of the trend in October.
This is an expressive, high-impact choice, but it requires commitment. Short fringes cannot easily be tucked away, and maintaining the intended length may mean scheduling frequent trims. Cowlicks and strong hairline movement can also affect how the fringe sits, so a detailed consultation is essential before making the cut.
Curly and textured fringes: designed around natural movement
A fringe does not need to be straightened to look intentional. Curly and textured bangs can bring shape, height and personality to a haircut while allowing your natural pattern to remain visible.
The key is accounting for shrinkage. Curly hair may sit considerably shorter when dry, so the cutting method and starting length must be selected carefully. Different curls across the hairline may also spring to different heights.
Epic offers dedicated curly haircut services across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Your stylist can consider your curl pattern, density and usual drying routine before recommending a fringe shape.
Which Types of Fringe Will Suit Your Hair?
Of all the types of fringe trending in 2026, this is one of the strongest and most structured options. Face shape can provide a starting point, but it should not be the only factor guiding your decision. A more useful consultation considers:
- Your natural part, hairline and cowlicks
- Whether your hair is fine, thick, straight, wavy, curly or coily
- How the fringe will connect with your existing haircut
- Queensland heat and humidity
- How often you wash and style your hair
- Whether you are comfortable using a dryer or styling brush
- How frequently you are willing to return for trims
Bring two or three reference photographs to your appointment and identify what you like about each one. Your stylist can then translate those details into a fringe that works with your own hair.
Ready to find your fringe?
Whether you prefer a soft curtain fringe, airy Birkin bangs or a bold micro style, the right cut should feel achievable beyond the day you leave the salon.
Book your haircut at Epic Hair Designs or find your nearest Epic salon across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Let your stylist know that you are considering a new fringe so there is time to discuss the shape, maintenance and styling before the first cut.
