19 side fringe hairstyles that are anything but basic
From sweeping side fringes to face-framing styles
The side fringe is making a comeback for 2021, yup really. It doesn't matter whether your hair is long, short, bobbed or cropped, there's a side fringe to suit every single hairstyle. From Kate Middleton's sweeping style, to blunt bangs à la RiRi, we've got all the fringe inspiration you could ever need...
Side fringe hairstyles: Rihanna
RiRi's polished comb-over acts as the perfect faux side fringe. Be sure to keep pleeeenty of hairspay on hand to smooth flyaways and ensure hair remains sleek.
Side fringe hairstyles: Emma Stone
Cheat the illusion of thicker hair by opting for a full, sweeping fringe à la Emma Stone. Her deep-set fringe and side parting frames her face, beautifully.
Side fringe hairstyles: Bella Thorne
Bella can easily switch between a full or side fringe by parting her bangs to create cute curtains.
Side fringe hairstyles: Reese Witherspoon
Reese's piecey fringe is super versatile, push it to the side, style it straight or part it in the centre. The options are endless.
Side fringe hairstyles: Emma Watson
Emma's wispy side fringe is perfect for lazy girls, it needs minimal styling yet looks oh-so lovely.
Side fringe hairstyles: Kate Middleton
Kate's centre-parted fringe frames her eyes and cheekbones, plus the blown-out finish gives an extra bounciness to her locks.
Side fringe hairstyles: Katy Perry
Katy's pixie crop is super-short at the sides and longer on top, her layered side fringe gives the hairstyle textured, piecey finish.
Side fringe hairstyles: Hilary Duff
Hilary's side swooping fringe frames her face beautifully, the longer length adds a softness to her features.
Side fringe hairstyles: Bella Thorne
Bella proves just how easy it is to fake a side fringe, simply part your hair to the side and then sweep it across the forehead and secure with a couple of kirby grips above the ear. Easy peasy.
Side fringe hairstyles: Taylor Swift
Taylor's layered, choppy side fringe gives movement and volume to her super-short hairstyle.
Side fringe hairstyles: Kerry Washington
Kerry's parted fringe frames either side of her face, landing just above the cheeks. Beaut. ✨
Side fringe hairstyles: Emma Watson
Emma's blunt centre-parted bangs look sooo pretty with her sweet little pixie bun.
Side fringe hairstyles: Penelope Cruz
Penelope's sweeping side fringe is the perfect accent for her messy bouffant updo.
Side fringe hairstyles: Reese Witherspoon
Reese's ultra-long swooped side fringe has been curled to hit the tops of her cheekbones and skim her jaw-line. A great option if you want to cheat the illusion of a slimmer face.
Side fringe hairstyles: Haley Bennett
Haley demonstrates exactly why the 'side fringe' is a classic for a reason. Her sweeping fringe draws attention to her eyes and brows.
Side fringe hairstyles: Rihanna
A side fringe doesn't have to sweep, Rihanna's parted, piecey bangs give us serious 90s vibes... 💕
Side fringe hairstyles: Bella Thorne
A textured side fringe can instantly cheat the illusion of thicker hair. Find the best curling tong, add a few waves, and you're good to go.
Side fringe hairstyles: Taylor Swift
Taylor's super-full fringe has been kept thick and long, this style is perfect if you want to add a softness to your face shape, whilst emphasizing the eyes and cheekbones.
Side fringe hairstyles: Rihanna
Once again, queen of cool Rihanna, has perfected the side fringe 👌 💇
Victoria Jowett is an award-winning journalist and the former Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. She was named one of PPA’s 30 Under 30 for her work in beauty journalism and oversees the skincare, hair, makeup and fragrance content across all of Cosmopolitan’s platforms. She's worked in the beauty industry for over 13 years (and tested 1000s of products), making her an expert when it comes to recommending beauty brands that truly work. Having started her career working weekends on a makeup counter, Victoria began interning at the likes of AnOther and IDOL magazine, before landing her first Beauty Writer job at weekly fashion magazine, LOOK. Joining Cosmopolitan in 2016, Victoria has always remained a beauty fanatic and has been lucky enough to interview everyone from Britney Spears to Kourtney Kardashian about their beauty routines. Follow her on LinkedIn.
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