Nothing escapes time (except Doc's DeLorean, but I'll spare you my embarrassingly niche Back To The Future lore). Milk spoils. Knees weaken. The password you set just last month becomes an archaeological dig through old Notes app entries. Even the hairstyles we once thought were set in stone eventually get a refresh. And the latest to get the memo? Emma Bunton's iconic Baby Spice fringe.
In a recent social media post, the Spice Girls singer revealed a new look for 2026, swapping the full, blunt bangs that became as synonymous with her as platform trainers and pink mini dresses for something softer, lighter and infinitely more on-trend.
Instead of sitting heavily across her forehead, Emma's updated fringe is parted gently through the centre, with feathered, face-framing pieces that blend seamlessly into the rest of her blonde layers.
She debuted the refreshed look while guest judging on America's Got Talent alongside fellow Spice Girl Mel B, who, naturally, wore her signature leopard print. Emma, meanwhile, arrived in a bubblegum pink dress that felt like a knowing nod to her Baby Spice era. Which is perhaps why the new hairstyle feels so nostalgic. Ahh memories.
The OG look was playful and doll-like, while this version creates movement around the face and softens features.
It's no wonder hairdressers are constantly championing this style; longer, wispy curtain-esque fringes have a reputation for flattering everyone! They draw attention to the eyes, skim the cheekbones and grow out far more gracefully than their blunt counterparts – AKA, they're super low-maintenance. AKA fewer emergency salon appointments are needed after one millimetre of forehead suddenly becomes visible.
Everyone's clicking on...
Consider us sold!
Emma, we copied your fringe once in the 90s. Looks like we're about to do it all over again – only this time, with a softer, face-framing upgrade.
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Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
