The pro tips for styling your new curtain fringe
If there's any hair trend that seems to stand the test of time, it's the fringe. Whether full and blunt, long and wispy, or the classic face-framing curtain fringe, there's always one in fashion. And while the full fringe is certainly having a moment right now, it's the universally-flattering curtain bangs that seem to be taking over our social media feeds and our hearts. Although Brigitte Bardot may have made the curtain fringe the ultimate cool-girl French style, the likes of red carpet darlings Alexa Chung, Sienna Miller, Georgia May Jagger, Suki Waterhouse, Camilla Cabello and Dakota Johnson are partly responsible for keeping the trend alive and well.
Also known as the gringe (or the grown-out fringe), the middle-parted style has become popular for a few reasons, mostly because there’s no awkward growing out phase, and – given you've opted for long curtain bangs – it can easily be tucked behind the ears. It can also be cut to suit any face shape and hair length, so it's a really low commitment way to get into the fringe trend.
While the style can look effortless and fuss-free, there is a bit of trick to getting the styling right, which is why we spoke to Tarryn Cherniayeff, Hair Director and co-founder of MOB HAIR, to get the lowdown on how to blow-dry your fringe.
1
Create your part
When your hair is still wet, use a tail comb to create a part straight down the centre of your head.
2
Pick your brush
To get the best result, pick a round brush that suits both your hair type and the length of your fringe.
“For a thick and curly fringe, I would use a medium-to-large boar bristle brush to get a smoother and sleeker effect, and for a fine-haired fringe, use a small-to-medium nylon/ceramic brush to get more bounce and body,” says Cherniayeff.
Try: Moroccanoil 35mm Boat Bristle Round Brush for thick hair and curly hair, or Curious Grace Ceramic Tube Brush Small for fine hair.
3
Blow-dry the section
When it comes to drying your fringe, Cherniayeff recommends going straight into the blow-dry, rather than doing a rough-dry first, as “this will avoid any fluffy, frizzy pieces and will ensure maximum tension to get the smoothest fringe possible.”
As for getting that curtain finish, here are Cherniayeff’s tips: “First blow-dry and roll your fringe forward and under. Then, once dry, roll it around the brush backwards – away from your face – and let it set and cool down on the brush. Once taken out (this will look a bit ‘80s) part your fringe and smooth over with your dryer and brush in a flicking motion away from your face.
4
Freshen up
To maintain the freshness of your fringe during the day and between washes, avoid touching it at all costs, and it’ll serve you well to spritz a dry shampoo or lightweight, oil-absorbing styling product as needed to freshen it up.
If you're keen to try a fringe, here are six things you need to know before getting it cut.
Image credit: Getty
