The Return of the Fringe / Bangs...

Trends can sweep in as if on an unstoppable avalanche, changing the landscape entirely (until they run their cycle); such is what the fringe (bangs) did back in 2007. But it doesn't have to end there. Some can drift on, lingering, having smaller bursts of renewed vigor. That's what the fringe has done – and this year it stays on as a 2012 hairstyle of choice.


Julia Stegner in Vogue Germany February 2012

The fringe: how has it changed?

So the number one question you may be asking is, if the fringe never really went away, how has it changed in 2012? The answer is, it hasn't really. Unless you're going to the other on-trend extreme of micro bangs, it's still best worn thick, blunt, and long (sweeping the top of the eyes preferably). And it's still best worn in one of the following ways:

• with a messy, textured, neo-bohemian, grungy edge
• with an aura of '60s sex-kitten nonchalance (think Francoise Hardy or Jane Birkin)
• swept haphazardly with a little peek-a-boo curtain a la Brigitte Bardot

Daisy Lowe sports thick, grungy bangs

Hair cuts to wear it with

The bob

When we talk about fringed bobs its easy to think of 1920s style cuts like the Louise Brooks. But while 1920s fashion may also be experiencing a revival, sharp cuts are not on top of the list this year. Instead it's about effortlessness, texture, attitude. Now, the fringe is a suitable accompaniment to a mod bob.

Abbey Lee Kershaw with bangs. Image: style.com

The short crop

While not as strong as it was in 2011, the pixie crop is still best worn with a fringe in 2012, but again a slightly different type of fringe is in order. Rather than being cut separate to the rest of the hair, it should all be continuous; the crop simply cut longer in front to create the effect of bangs.

Carey Mulligan with cropped hair and bangs

Long hair

This rather goes without saying: bangs are perfect for hair shoulder length or longer, particularly when hair is naturally straight or with a slight wave.

Julia Stegner in Vogue Turkey, October 2010

Suitable hair colors

There's no real rules here, the fringe is more about face shape and hair type than hair color. Any color from black to red to blonde will work with 2012′s thick bangs.