Ladies, let it be known if you were personally victimised by thee pre-pubescent block fringe... *raises hands in collective childhood trauma* Well, whether you have been scarred by the horrors of your mother's DIY kitchen salon or made a great escape with minimal damage (read: a bowl cut), the iconic fringe is back, courtesy of none other than Ariana Grande.
Though, fear not, for she's put a mature – yet still millennial – twist on the classic look. Take note, friends.
As one does, Ari took to her Instagram Story to share details behind her recent makeup look. Now, while simultaneously stocking up on the beauty mogul's very own r.e.m. beauty essential drip glossy balm (that she is so effortlessly sporting), we're admiring her super cute side sweeping fringe.
The fresh haircut may be subtle to some but for the Arianators among us, it's certainly a statement and a half. See below:
However, it's not just the wispiness of this look that differentiates it from our super thick blocky fringe days but its overall style does, too. I mean, this side-part look was one that came to fruition during our early teens – way back when the Tumblr 'scene' era was the 'in thing'. And with that, I guess you could say it's primary turned secondary school chic.
Is anyone else experiencing de ja vu?
Having said all that, with the length, Ari has also put a modern, 2024 twist on the somewhat nostalgic haircut. Proving that she is, in fact, a beauty trailblazer, Ariana has opted to have her side fringe cut at eyebrow-grazing length and it's one that we've seen the likes of Camila Cabello, Olivia Rodrigo and even Zendaya rock in recent times. In other words, 'tis a micro-fringe.
So, if you've been looking for the next IT girlie hair trend, you may have just found it! Snip snip...
Follow Lia on Instagram.
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 She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today.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.
