Bang for your buck: 5 trendy fringe styles to try in 2026

Going for the chop can be cathartic. Especially so when it’s not just a trim, but a full-blown face-framing transformation. To help you navigate the fringe frontier in 2026, we turned to three trusted voices in Scandinavian hair: Jack Lawrence, artistic director at Björn Axén; Copenhagen-based session stylist Cim Mahony; and celebrity hairdresser Robert Preston. Their verdict? Bangs are back... but they’re softer, smarter, and more personalised than ever.

“Cutting bangs is the perfect way to feel refreshed for the season as it changes the whole focus and focal point of your haircut,” says Lawrence. “It will open up your facial features such as your eye and cheek lines and means you can have a big change without losing your length.” Mahony agrees: “A fringe can offer a huge transformation while still maintaining a longer style overall. It’s also a great test if you’re considering a pixie cut or shorter style as it will be an indicator of how it will frame the face.” For Preston, bangs are the best way to get the most bang out of your buck (pun intended). "They work independently of the rest of your cut and can be tweaked to suit your features in all sorts of ways.”

But with so many styles (and so many Pinterest boards) how do you choose the right one for you? “First and foremost, it's important to know that there are many different types of bangs that work for different face shapes,” says Preston. “But beyond geometry, think about how you want to feel. Save images, build a moodboard, and look for styles that reflect your personality.” Still unsure? “Start with something framing and soft,” he adds. “Curtain bangs and face-framing wispy fringes give you room to experiment.”

Below, the five styles these stylists are cutting most in 2026:

The gold standard of fringes: effortless, face-framing, and impossible to regret. “One of my favourite bangs for the upcoming season are your classic Brigitte Bardot curtain bangs,” says Lawrence. “You don’t want them to sit too straight or heavy, so give the ends a slight bend using a brush and dryer, or curling iron.” Mahony adds: “A long, curved fringe that’s shortest in the middle and gradually lengthens toward the sides is ideal for versatility. You can wear it full, flicked, or side-swept depending on your mood.”

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For those who prefer their style to be bold, graphic, and unapologetic there's the classic cut of a solid and straight fringe. The blunt bang (synonymous with 1970s Cher), Lawrence notes, is “perfect for oblong face shapes,” thanks to its ability to visually shorten the forehead and add structure. As for styling straight bangs, it is important to reduce volume and movement so it sits sharply and tightly on your forehead. “This will make it more dynamic,” says Lawrence, who advises us to work with our hair dryers from directly above, aiming the airflow down to reduce unnecessary volume.

“I hope more people dare to face spring with shorter, more daring styles,” says Preston, urging people not to think about the “haters” when considering the ultra-short crop. “If you take the step to a baby or micro bang, blunt or choppy, undercut or layered, you will discover loads of fans.” Both Mahony and Lawrence agree, urging those interested to try a choppier “Pixie' version of the bangs for a more modern look. “They’re perfect for square or heart shaped faces as they soften the shape with some texture,” says Lawrence.

Just know: this isn’t a fringe you forget about. Frequent trims are non-negotiable.

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Low-maintenance and quietly transformative, wispy bangs are ideal for those testing the waters. Skimming the brows with plenty of space between strands, they flatter fine hair, square jaws, and high foreheads alike. “Ask for a long, tapering cut with negative space,” says Preston. “You want to see some skin through the fringe.” It's the perfect low-commitment entry point into fringe territory, and it plays nicely with humidity, making it a summer hero.

Once avoided, now celebrated: Curly bangs are having a full-circle moment. The key is a dry cut tailored to your curl pattern, allowing your stylist to sculpt a soft, rounded shape that flatters rather than fights the bounce. Keep the centre shorter, with longer tendrils at the sides for a flattering frame that suits most face shapes. Styling? Minimal. Diffuse on low, fluff the roots, and finish with a curl cream or lightweight gel. The result is chic, low-effort, and fully textured.