ELLE's Guide To Styling Your Bangs For Shoulder-Length Hairstyles

When you have a bob or a pixie cut, the hairstyle itself becomes an instant talking point. Whether it's a laidback French bob or a choppy pixie crop, these statement looks often require minimal work for maximum impact.

Meanwhile, medium and shoulder-length hair might have an easier time maintaining the overall style, although those looking for a refresh should definitely consider adding a fringe into the look.

Mihaela Vatafu, director hairstylist at Taylor Taylor Salon in Shoreditch, agrees. 'Fringes can enhance medium-length hair, softening features and offer versatile styling options,' she tells ELLE UK. Vatafu is a fan of Alexa Chung's textured fringe and Brittany Snow's side-parted style.

Incorporating face-framing pieces tend to bring out the best in your facial structure when done properly – thus elevating an otherwise classic hairstyle.

How to style bangs for shoulder-length hair

First, determine the best fringe length based on your lifestyle, face shape and hair type. If you're unsure about fringes or prefer something low maintenance, longer curtain bangs a la Daisy Edgar-Jones and Jenna Ortega. It's more forgiving as you have the option to tuck it behind the ears. A full-on fringe like Jane Birkin's is always chic and au courant, while Rihanna's side-swept bangs prove that a side-parting will never go out of style (no matter what a gen-Z will have you believe).

Next, Vatafu recommends blow-drying your fringe to create volume and keep it looking fresh. Use a round brush and a hairdryer, or opt for one of the many excellent hot brushes currently available. It should hold for a few days if you use a hairspray, but you can also dampen second or third-day hair with a misting of water before styling in the mornings. For some added texture, run a tiny amount of texturising product on your lengths.

'To maintain the shape, schedule regular trims,' suggests Vatafu. This may vary depending on how fast your hair grows, but hairstylists generally recommend six-to-eight weeks. Ideally, a professional trim is best but in a pinch, you can also DIY (but not before referring to ELLE's useful guide to cutting your fringe.

How to find the best fringe styles for your hair type and face shape

There are no hard and fast rules but as a guideline, Vatafu recommends light and jagged fringes to add movement to fine hair without weighing it down. Meanwhile, 'blunt cuts help create structure' on thicker tresses, she says. For curls and coils, always work with the curl pattern, not against it. 'Layered or curtain styles blend naturally with curly textures,' suggests Vatafu.

'Round faces usually suit long, side-swept fringes which help to elongate the face,' says Vatafu, who also recommends trying a softer fringe style for more square or angular bon structures as it helps to 'balance strong jawlines'. If you have an oval or heart-faced shape, Vatafu admits that most fringe styles can be adapted to suit it - it's all about what you feel most comfortable in, and is most sustainable for you to maintain.

All the inspiration you need for fringes on shoulder-length hair