Fringe Benefits: Exploring Your Bang Style Possibilities

Whether wispy or blunt, full or side-swept, fringe makes a profound impact framing the face. Also called bangs in the US, this versatile front section allows customising your look from coy to daring. Read on for an in-depth guide to finding your perfect fringe style.

Fringe dates to ancient Roman and Egyptian cultures, signifying social rank. By the 1920s, fringed bobs connoted youthful rebellion. Over decades, bangs styles evolved via influencers like Louise Brooks' sleek blunt cut and Farrah Fawcett's feathered texture.

The History of Fringe Hairstyles

Fringe and bangs have been a symbolic hairstyle for centuries across cultures:

• In Ancient Egypt, rounded fringes denoted high social rank and youth. Both genders adopted the style.
• During the Tang Dynasty in China, short straight-across bangs gained popularity as an aristocratic style worn by noblewomen.
• In the 1920s, American women rebelled against conservative Victorian standards by cutting fringe. Louise Brooks' blunt bob sparked a dramatic shift.
• Around the same era, Frida Kahlo made her artistic mark with her iconic sculpted brows peeking out from thick, cropped bangs.
• The 1960s ushered in big playful fringe with Brigitte Bardot's voluminous curly bangs setting trends.
• Farrah Fawcett's feathered, face-framing fringe ignited the disco-era shag and layers look in the 1970s.
• Heavily hair-sprayed asymmetric bangs added punk edge in the 1980s and grunge revival in the 1990s.

Today, options for wearing fringe feel infinite - from preppy to punky. But certain types uniquely flatter different face shapes and styles.

Common Fringe Styles

Popular forms of bangs include:

• Blunt bangs - Thick, straight fringe cut sharply above brows
• Curtain bangs - Wispy, parted fringe sweeps to the side
• Bardot bangs - Full, rounded fringe styled in an arch
• Wispy bangs - Light, feathery fringe grazes brows
• Short bangs - Fringe cropped above eye tops
• Side-swept bangs - Angled fringe worn swept to one side

Styles range from daring blunt cuts to soft wispy swoops. Choose your power level!

Most Flattering Face Shapes

Fringe can complement diverse faces by balancing proportions:

• Oval faces suit side-swept or straight across bangs
• Round faces benefit from angular side fringe
• Heart faces look lovely with wispy curtain bangs
• Square faces soften under blunter fringe looks

Evaluate your bone structure and proportions for ideal framing. Bangs shouldn't overwhelm petite features.

How to Style Statement Bangs

Embrace fringe as the focal point with tips like:

• Blow dry blunt bangs straight down using a round brush
• Air dry sideswept fringe tucked behind ears or pinned back
• Set vintage waves in fringe using sponge rollers
• Amp up volume with volumising mousse on teased bangs
• Enhance texture by twisting fringe sections before drying

Don't hide your bangs - flaunt them as the main event!

Seek inspiration from trendsetters across eras for your own iconic look.

Conclusion

The fringe (or bangs) hairstyle is a classic look that can be worn by anyone. With so many different types of fringe hairstyles to choose from, it is important to consider your face shape and hair type when choosing the right one for you. Styling your fringe is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. So go ahead and try out a fringe hairstyle today!

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