Fringe hairstyles have remained one of the most versatile and lasting trends in men’s grooming. They strike a balance between classic and modern, offering a simple way to update a look while still complementing and taking into account personal styles and preferences. A fringe is extremely versatile and adaptable, working well with almost any hair type, straight, wavy or curly, and can be tailored to suit different face shapes and textures.
What is a Fringe Hairstyle for Men?
A fringe hairstyle for men refers to any cut where the hair falls forward onto the forehead. A fringe can be short and neat, long and sweeping, or naturally textured, making it one of the most adaptable additions in modern men’s styling.
The fringe has been a prominent feature in men’s fashion for decades. From the sharp, clean cuts of the 1960s mod era to the tousled, layered styles seen today, it’s evolved to reflect changing trends while still remaining timeless. Each generation has reinterpreted the fringe in its own way, whether through the choppy indie looks of the early 2000s or the relaxed, textured finishes that dominate now.
Today, the fringe remains popular for its versatility and ability to transform a look. It offers a quick way to refresh your look, soften strong features, or add movement and dimension to your hair. With current men’s trends favouring natural texture, longer lengths, and more relaxed styling, the fringe fits perfectly into this modern approach to hair.
Benefits of Choosing a Fringe Hairstyle
A fringe can instantly change the way your haircut frames your face, and helps to soften stronger features, draw attention to the eyes, and add a sense of balance to an overall look. Whether worn straight across or styled with texture, it creates a clean focal point that complements a variety of face shapes.
Another key benefit of the fringe is its flexibility across different hair types. Straight hair tends to be the easiest to manage, needing minimal effort to keep the fringe sitting neatly in place. Wavy and curly hair can take a little more effort to shape and maintain, but it offers great texture and movement that make the style feel effortless and individual.
A fringe can also be practical; it can help to disguise a higher forehead or subtly conceal the early signs of a receding hairline, making it a confident choice for men looking for a little extra coverage.
A fringe also strikes a balance between trendy and timeless. It can be styled to look fresh and youthful, or shaped and refined for a more polished finish, making it a versatile option adaptable for almost any occasion or personal style.
Top 15 Fringe Hairstyles for Men
1. Textured Fringe
The textured fringe is one of the most popular modern takes on the classic fringe. Defined by layered, slightly uneven lengths, it creates movement and adds natural volume to the front of the hair. This style has a laid-back, youthful vibe while still being versatile enough for smarter occasions. Celebrities such as Timothée Chalamet and Zayn Malik have both been seen sporting textured fringes, cementing the look as a modern classic with mass appeal.
Best Suited For: Works particularly well for round or oval faces, as the added layers break up symmetry and bring definition. It is ideal for men who prefer a casual, effortless look but still want something on-trend.
Styling tips: Use a matte clay or texturising spray to enhance the natural layers and give definition without making hair look stiff. Have regular trims every 4-6 weeks to keep the layers sharp, and prevent the style from becoming heavy.
2. Classic Fringe
The classic fringe is a simple, straight-across cut that rests above the eyebrows. It gives a neat, tidy look and frames the face naturally. The style is understated and timeless, making it suitable for both everyday wear and more formal occasions. Celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and David Beckham have sported variations of this look, keeping it relevant across decades.
Best Suited For: Works well for oval, square, and heart-shaped faces, helping to balance facial features. It’s a good choice for anyone who wants a clean and simple style that’s easy to maintain.
Styling Tips: Use a hairdryer to style the fringe straight down and use a light styling cream if needed. Keep regular trims every 3-5 weeks to maintain the shape. For a softer touch, the ends can be slightly longer or lightly textured.
3. Short Fringe
The short fringe is cut higher above the eyebrows, often with a slightly choppy or blunt finish. It gives a fresh, modern edge without looking overdone and can add definition to the face while keeping the overall style low-maintenance. Celebrities such as Justin Bieber and Timothée Chalamet have experimented with short fringes.
Best Suited For: Works particularly well for oval, square, and heart-shaped faces. It’s a good option for anyone who wants a slightly bold, neat style that’s easy to manage day-to-day.
Styling Tips: Keep the fringe tidy with regular trims every 3-4 weeks. A light wax or texturising cream can help add subtle movement without making it look stiff.
4. Long Layered Fringe
The long-layered fringe sits just below the eyebrows or brushes the eyes, blending naturally into the rest of the hair. The soft layering adds movement and helps the fringe fall effortlessly to the sides, creating a relaxed yet refined look. It’s a versatile option that can be styled casually or swept aside for a cleaner finish. Celebrities like Harry Styles and Dev Patel have both worn long layered fringes, showing how adaptable the style can be across different hair types.
Best Suited For: Ideal for oval and rectangular face shapes, as the length helps balance proportions and soften strong features. It suits those who prefer a natural, low-maintenance look that still feels styled.
Styling Tips: Use a light styling cream or sea salt spray to enhance texture and flow. Trim every 6-8 weeks to maintain shape while letting the layers grow naturally into the rest of the hair.
5. Side-Swept Fringe
The side-swept fringe is defined by a gentle diagonal cut that falls naturally to one side, creating a smooth, flattering shape. It softens facial features and gives movement without feeling heavy. The look can be worn sleek for a polished finish or left slightly tousled for something more relaxed. Celebrities such as Zac Efron and Ryan Gosling have both worn side-swept fringes.
Best Suited For: Works best for square, heart, and oval face shapes, as the angled fringe helps balance the forehead and jawline.
Styling Tips: Use a hair dryer to style fringe in the direction you want it to fall, using a round brush for a smooth curve. A small amount of lightweight styling cream or mousse helps keep the shape in place without stiffness. Regular trims every 5-7 weeks will stop the fringe from becoming too long or losing its flow.
6. French Chop Fringe
The French crop fringe features a short, blunt cut across the front, paired with neatly tapered sides and back. It’s clean, practical, and easy to style, giving a sharp, modern edge without requiring much upkeep. Actors like Cillian Murphy and George Clooney have both worn versions of the French crop, making it a stylish choice.
Best Suited For: Works well for oval, square, and heart-shaped faces. The short fringe helps accentuate the eyes and creates structure, making it ideal for those who want a straightforward style that still looks refined.
Styling Tips: Use a small amount of matte clay or paste to define the fringe and add texture. Keep trims every 4–5 weeks to maintain the sharp shape and tidy edges.
7. Curly Fringe
The curly fringe makes the most of natural texture, letting curls fall gently across the forehead for a soft, relaxed look. It adds personality and volume without feeling overly styled and can be adapted to suit a wide range of curly hair types. Celebrities such as Kit Harington and Finn Wolfhard have both worn versions of the curly fringe.
Best Suited For: Works best for men with naturally wavy or curly hair and suits oval or rectangular face shapes. The curls help soften strong features and add natural movement.
Styling Tips: Apply a curl cream or light leave-in conditioner to damp hair to define curls and reduce frizz. Let the fringe air-dry or use a diffuser for extra volume. Regular trims every 6-8 weeks will keep the shape tidy while allowing the curls to fall naturally.
8. Wavy Fringe
The wavy fringe highlights the hair’s natural texture, creating a soft, relaxed shape that falls naturally across the forehead. It strikes a great balance between laid-back and styled, giving subtle movement without looking overly polished. The look works well when blended into longer layers for a natural, flowing finish. Celebrities like Harry Styles and Aaron Taylor-Johnson have both worn wavier fringes, highlighting how the style can look effortless yet refined.
Best Suited For: Ideal for men with naturally wavy or slightly textured hair. It complements oval and round face shapes by adding shape and definition while keeping the overall look soft and approachable.
Styling Tips: Apply a light mousse or sea salt spray to damp hair to enhance natural waves. Trim every 6-8 weeks to keep the fringe in shape and prevent it from becoming too heavy at the front.
9. Choppy Fringe
The choppy fringe is defined by uneven, textured layers that create a relaxed, slightly rugged look. The varied lengths add movement and make the fringe appear natural and relaxed rather than overly precise. It’s a versatile choice that can suit both tidy and more undone hairstyles, depending on how it’s worn. Celebrities like Robert Pattinson and Joe Keery have both been seen with choppy fringes, giving the style a cool, casual edge that still feels current.
Best Suited For: Works well for oval, square, and heart-shaped faces. The broken texture helps soften features and adds interest to straight or slightly wavy hair. It’s ideal for anyone who prefers a lived-in, relaxed style.
Styling Tips: Use a matte clay or light texturising spray to define the layers without weighing the hair down. Blow-dry the fringe forward and tousle with your fingers for a relaxed finish. Regular trims every 4-6 weeks will keep the texture fresh and prevent the style from becoming heavy.
10. Angular Fringe
The angular fringe is cut at a sharp diagonal, creating a strong, modern shape that draws attention to the eyes and cheekbones. It combines clean lines with a slightly edgy feel, offering something more structured than softer, textured styles. Celebrities like Ezra Miller and Colton Haynes have both worn angular fringes, giving the style a contemporary edge.
Best Suited For: Works best for square and round face shapes, as the angled cut helps define the jawline and add length to the face. It’s a good option for anyone who wants a stylish, statement-making look that remains easy to manage.
Styling Tips: Using a hairdryer, style the fringe in the direction of the angle using a brush to keep the shape clean. A small amount of matte paste or styling cream can help hold the structure without making it look rigid. Trim every 4-6 weeks to maintain the sharp line and prevent the angle from softening.
11. Tapered Fringe
The tapered fringe blends smoothly into the sides and top of the hair, creating a soft, gradual transition rather than a sharp line across the forehead. It gives a clean, natural shape that works well with shorter or medium-length cuts. The look is neat but still relaxed, making it a great choice for everyday wear. Celebrities such as Ansel Elgort and Michael B. Jordan have both worn tapered fringes, showing how subtle shaping can elevate a simple style.
Best Suited For: Works well for oval and heart-shaped faces, as the gentle taper helps balance the forehead and frame the eyes. It’s ideal for anyone who prefers a low-maintenance cut that still looks refined and fresh.
Styling Tips: Use a lightweight styling cream or matte paste to define the taper without adding too much shine. Keep trims every 5-7 weeks to maintain the shape and prevent the fringe from becoming too heavy at the front.
12. Disconnected Fringe
The disconnected fringe is defined by a clear contrast between the longer fringe at the front and the shorter sides or back. The difference in length creates a bold, structured shape that adds a modern edge to any haircut. It’s a confident, standout style that still feels clean and contemporary when well-balanced. Celebrities such as Machine Gun Kelly and Lucky Blue Smith have both worn versions of the disconnected fringe, giving the look a distinctive, fashion-forward feel.
Best Suited For: Works best for square or oval face shapes, as the strong lines help emphasise facial structure. It’s ideal for those who want a statement look that still fits within a modern, minimal style.
Styling Tips: Use a small amount of matte clay or styling paste to define the fringe and highlight the contrast with the shorter sections. Regular trims every 4-6 weeks help keep the disconnect sharp and intentional.
13. Messy Fringe
The messy fringe is deliberately tousled and unstructured, giving a relaxed look that feels natural. It works well with textured or slightly wavy hair and can add personality without appearing overly styled. Celebrities like Kit Harington and Finn Wolfhard have both been seen sporting messy fringes, highlighting the ways in which the style can feel casual yet stylish.
Best Suited For: Ideal for men with oval, round, or square face shapes, as the relaxed fringe softens features and adds movement. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a low-maintenance, lived-in appearance that still looks intentional.
Styling Tip: Apply a light styling cream, paste, or sea salt spray to damp hair and use your fingers to tousle the fringe as it dries. Avoid heavy products that weigh the hair down. Regular trims every 6-8 weeks will keep the fringe looking fresh without losing the relaxed texture.
14. High Volume Fringe
The high-volume fringe is lifted at the roots to create fullness and a noticeable sense of movement across the forehead. It gives a bold yet refined look, balancing casual ease with a stylish edge. The added height can make the hair appear thicker and add a dynamic dimension to the overall style. Celebrities like David Beckham and Timothée Chalamet have been seen wearing high-volume fringes, showing how it can work well with both polished and relaxed looks.
Best Suited For: Works well for oval, rectangular, and heart-shaped faces, as the height helps elongate the face and define facial features. It’s ideal for men who want a statement fringe that doesn’t feel overdone.
Styling Tip: Use a lightweight mousse or volumising spray on damp hair and style with a hairdryer while lifting the roots with a brush or fingers. Finish with a small amount of matte styling product to hold the shape without weighing the hair down. Regular trims every 5-7 weeks keep the fringe looking full and tidy.
15. Asymmetrical Fringe
The asymmetrical fringe is cut at an uneven angle, with one side longer than the other, creating a modern, dynamic look. It adds a subtle edge while remaining versatile enough for everyday wear. Celebrities such as Robert Pattinson and Jared Leto have both been seen sporting asymmetrical fringes, highlighting the ways in which the style can make a statement without feeling over the top.
Best Suited For: Works well for oval, round, and square face shapes, as the angled lines help balance facial features. It’s ideal for anyone who wants a fringe that’s stylish, contemporary, and slightly unconventional
Styling Tips: Using a small amount of matte styling paste or cream can help hold the shape while keeping a natural, effortless texture. Trim every 5-7 weeks to maintain the asymmetry and prevent it from losing its defined angle.
How to Maintain Your Fringe
Keeping a fringe looking its best requires a little regular upkeep, but it is relatively easy to manage with the right routine. To maintain its shape and length, plan for a trim every two to five weeks, depending on the style. This helps prevent it from growing too heavy or falling into your eyes.
When it comes to styling, opt for lightweight products that offer control without weighing the hair down. A small amount of styling cream or mousse can help define texture and keep your fringe sitting naturally. For a cleaner, more polished finish, use a hairdryer and style with a brush or your fingers; this can help shape the fringe into place.
If you prefer a stronger hold, try using a light gel or styling wax, applied sparingly to avoid stiffness. And whenever you use heat tools, such as a hairdryer or straighteners, make sure to apply a heat protectant spray, which helps maintain your hair’s health and keeps your fringe looking smooth and well-conditioned.
Book Your Fringe Cut at Rush
Ready to refresh your look with a tailored fringe? Our expert stylists at Rush Hair & Beauty are here to help you find the perfect fringe style that complements your features and suits your lifestyle. Book your appointment at your nearest RUSH salon today and step into a new season with a refreshed look.
FAQ
Fringes can suit a variety of face shapes, but certain styles complement specific features best. Straight-across fringes can balance longer faces, while side-swept or textured fringes soften angular jawlines. Your RUSH stylist can help tailor the fringe to your unique shape.
Absolutely. Fringes are not just for younger men; they can add a youthful, modern touch to any haircut. Choosing the right length, texture, and styling approach is key.
Are fringe hairstyles high maintenance?
Maintenance depends on the hair type and style. Straight fringes are relatively low-maintenance, needing regular trims every 2–4 weeks. Wavy or curly fringes may require a bit more styling effort, but can offer a naturally textured look.
For a clean, polished fringe, use lightweight styling products such as cream, mousse, or wax. Styling with a hairdryer can help shape the fringe, while heat protectants safeguard hair during styling. For added texture, apply a small amount of product to damp hair and let it air dry or style with fingers for a relaxed finish.
