Trending Messy Fringe Styles at Gusto Salons, London

How to Style a Messy Fringe | Gusto Central London Hair Salon

The messy fringe is one of the biggest hair trends right now and it’s not hard to see why. It’s laid-back, textured, and versatile enough to suit most face shapes and lifestyles. Whether you’re scrolling through your feed or out on the high street, this effortlessly cool look is everywhere right now.

At Gusto Hairdressers in Central London, our expert stylists can transform your hair. So, if you are thinking about switching up your style, the messy fringe is the perfect way to add texture and a modern edge to your look. Whether you want a bold, full fringe or something softer and more relaxed, our stylists can tailor the cut to suit your face shape, lifestyle, and vibe.

Book in for a complimentary hair colour consultation by calling Covent Garden Salon on 020 7836 9163 or Oxford Street Salon on 0207 486 5044. You can also book quickly, easily & securely online.

Why Everyone’s Loving the Messy Fringe

The messy fringe has that perfect “effortlessly undone” look — relaxed, yet polished. It’s that sweet spot between casual and refined, making it just as at home in the office as it is on weekend adventures. The textured fringe usually works best between 2 to 4 inches, depending on your face shape and style. If you’re new to the look, around 3 inches is a great starting point — it sits just above the eyebrows, giving you texture without feeling overwhelming.

The secret? The cutting technique. Point cutting and razor cutting create choppy, layered ends, giving your fringe natural movement and stopping it from looking too heavy or uniform. These methods add dimension and that signature messy vibe we all love. Who can rock it? The messy fringe is surprisingly versatile. Round faces get some added angles and length, while square faces benefit from a softening effect on the jawline. And if you have an oval face? Lucky you — this style naturally complements your features.

Whether you want subtle texture or full-on fringe drama, our stylists at Gusto can craft the perfect messy fringe to suit your vibe.

How Do I Style My Messy Fringe?

If you’ve got a longer or rectangular face, keeping your fringe slightly shorter can help avoid elongating your features too much. The messy fringe works brilliantly on thick or textured hair — wavy hair naturally gives you that effortless, lived-in texture. Straight hair? No worries. With the right products and a little styling know-how, you can get the same voluminous, textured look.

Walking into the salon with a clear vision makes all the difference. Just asking for a “messy fringe” might not get you exactly what you want. Bring reference photos and be specific. Try saying something like: “I’d like a textured fringe around 3 inches on top, with lots of movement so it naturally falls into place.” That way, your stylist knows both the length and the textured finish you’re after.

For the sides and back, a mid fade works perfectly, creating a modern contrast between the longer, textured top and cleaner, shorter sides. The fade should blend naturally into the top for a cohesive, polished finish. Styling this look is refreshingly easy. Start with damp hair after washing — towel dry until slightly moist, creating the perfect canvas. Sea salt spray is your secret weapon. Spray evenly throughout, then use a claw-like scrunching motion from roots to tips. This separates strands, builds natural movement, and gives you that iconic messy, textured finish.

With the right cut and styling, the messy fringe is low-maintenance, effortlessly cool, and totally on-trend.

Maintenance and Longevity

For additional hold and definition, follow up with a small amount of grooming clay or matte pomade. Using a clay such as the  IQ Clay, you work the product through your fingers first, then apply using the same scrunching motion, paying particular attention to lifting the fringe area for volume.

To keep your messy fringe looking fresh, plan for barber visits every 3 to 4 weeks. During these appointments, ask for a light trim to maintain the shape whilst preserving the texture. The key is preventing the fringe from becoming too heavy or losing its choppy, layered structure.

Daily maintenance is minimal – simply work a small amount of texturising product through damp hair and scrunch to reactivate the style. The beauty of this cut is that it's designed to look effortlessly imperfect, so minor variations in daily styling actually enhance its appeal.

Whilst the messy fringe might look casual and easy-going, achieving the perfect balance of texture, length, and movement requires skilled hands. The cutting techniques that create this style's signature look need precision and experience to execute properly.

Ready to transform your look with the perfect messy fringe? Our award-winning stylists at Gusto Hairdressing are here to help. Book your consultation today.