The Full Fringe Has Returned — Here's How To Style It For 2025
That the full fringe is having a revival might come as surprising news to you. As soft, wispy curtain bangs and subtle side-partings have trickled onto our feeds, and more of us have felt the sudden urge to experiment with our lengths (see the bob takeover of 2024), fuller, thicker fringes have remained somewhat in the archives.
For 2025, however, they're making their big return. Seen on the runway during the SS25 Haute Couture shows (notably at Elie Saab and Schiaparelli), and re-emerging during Copenhagen Fashion Week, the full fringe is now making waves once again.
There were also ample references on the Grammys red carpet this week: ELLE UK February cover star Lady Gaga, for one, who experimented in the form of a micro-fringe; Miley Cyrus, who added a choppier iteration alongside a layered, pin-straight hairstyle, and Taylor Swift, the arbiter of the full fringe, who paired hers with a half up-hairstyle and her signature red lip.
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'Full fringes are gaining traction because they provide a versatile way to surround the face; they add dimension and modernity to a hairstyle, and easily adapt to a variety of styles depending on the type of fringe and hair length,' shares celebrity hairstylist Akki Shirakawa.
The good news is that you don't need to be blessed with naturally thick lengths in order to emulate the trend. 'Advances in haircare products, wearing wigs, adding hair extensions or trying out softer fringe trends to suit your hair type and length make it possible for everyone to experiment,' he adds.
As Catherine Ho, a hairstylist at Hershesons Belgravia, explains, full fringes can look instantly put together and effortless too. 'The fringe is the look,' she says, emphasising that while they do require substantial maintenance (and a trim every 2-4 weeks), a few simple styling tools and smoothing creams mean you won't always have to put in the legwork.
How to cut a full fringe
'The modern way to cut a full fringe is to leave a little a bit of length on the sides and softens the edges – this stops the fringe looking too blunt and wide,' shares Ho.
If you're not ready to embrace a full fringe just yet, you can also ease in gently, perhaps starting with curtain bangs or a softer fringe, so that you can gauge if this is going to be the right hairstyle for you (remember: growing out your bangs takes patience and can be a lengthy process).
What to know before getting a full fringe
It's always best to speak to your hairstylist first — they can advise on maintenance, length, and styles. 'I would look at their face shape first — a heavier fringe is more of a bold statement whereas a light wispy fringe is great for those who want experiment but don’t want the commitment of a fringe,' adds Ho. 'I would suggest cutting some light pieces in the middle that can be easily pushed other side if you want to. It will sit lighter and softer on the face.'
How to style a full fringe
Full fringe and high-ponytail
As Zendaya has long-proved, a full fringe and high-ponytail are a match made in heaven. For those with textured hair, Ho recommends 'investing in a medium size brush to help smooth out any frizz, such as the Hershesons Pro Blow Dry Brush, and investing in a styling creme.' She also says that a full fringe such as this requires regular trims or ‘dustings’ to keep the long fringe in shape so it could prove more of a commitment cut.
Full fringe with a bob
If you've got natural coils, Ho suggests cutting the hair in its natural state when getting a full fringe and opting for a curly cut. 'It shouldn’t be too thick, so it remains soft and light,' she notes. Our 2025 inspiration? Yara Shahidi makes a strong case for a full fringe and long bob haircut.
Soft full fringe with poker-straight hair
Ever the hair chameleon, Miley Cyrus' bold fringe and 'jellyfish' haircut were quite the style turn for the singer during the Grammys. 'Her fringe has a soft bend that creates a playful shape,' shares Ho. How to recreate Cyrus' Grammys hairstyle? 'Keep the fringe flat using Hershesons' Great Hair Clips and then air dry. Next create an “S” bend using a flat iron and spray in place with hairspray,' she concludes.
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Full fringe with Hollywood waves
Trust Sabrina Carpenter to bring Hollywood glamour to this classic hairstyle. 'It’s giving old Hollywood glam with a nod to Marilyn Monroe,' agrees Ho. As for recreating the singer's hairstyle, 'you can do this using Zhoosh Foam and blow-dry using a round brush (The Pro Blow Dry Brush), then place a small/medium sized The Self Grip Rollers so that the hair sets to the size of the roller and hair spray in place. Take the roller out once the hair has cooled down,' she advises.
Classic full fringe
Noone does a classic full fringe quite like Taylor Swift. Best suited to those with naturally thick, straight hair, use a round brush to recreate this look. 'Simply turn the brush under and point the hairdryer down,' Ho shares.
Boho full fringe and waves
Perfect if your hair veers on the thinner side, Dakota Johnson's soft fringe is all about subtle layers, boho waves and air-dried bangs.
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