Cutting the perfect fringe can seem like a tasking – and sometimes impossible – endeavor. But if use the right methods, and follow a few simple guidelines, you can be sure to get the style you’re after, every time. Read on to discover the ABC’s of crafting a technically precise fringe, in this how-to segment with Traci Sakosits, North American Creative Director of Sassoon.

Before you cut: A Fringe Defined

A full fringe (or bang) is the area of hair from the round or curve of the head (the frontal bone). Simply put, it’s the hair that sits over the forward head and between the temples. Before you begin to cut a fringe, make sure to carefully assess the hairline’s organic shape, and subsequent growth patterns. This evaluation – if done properly – can determine the success of your bang.

Before you begin to cut, section the hair parallel to the hairline for a geometric or graduated fringe. This sectioning is integral for consistency, control and finite detailing. If you’re aiming for a soft look, forgo establishing length first; in this case, the sectioning would be vertical from the top of the head. 

Length

The length of the fringe can help to create the look that you’re aiming to achieve. Here’s how.

• The shorter the length – the stronger the look will be.
• The length should work to complement the wearers bone structure.
• The brow bone, shape of the forehead, eyebrows, eyes and cheekbones should be acknowledged – and used as inspiration – when creating a fringe.

Technique

Decide on your technique – and execute with precision. Discover the best technique for your look, here.

• A geometric fringe is cut with little elevation and/or tension.
• A heavy (but soft) beveled edge fringe is cut through the fingers, with elevation. The higher the elevation, the softer the edge – or line – of the fringe will be. The start of the elevation is forward and flat from the top of the head.
• A soft and textured sheer fringe is cut with at least 90 degrees of elevation. 

Shape  

The last factor to consider when creating a face-framing fringe is shape. Discover which shapes work to best compliment various areas of the face.

• A square fringe is the strongest of the looks, and is best for framing the eyes and cheekbones. It can help to create lift and length, vertically.
• A round fringe encourages a softer aesthetic. It’s best used to open up the center of the face shape.
• Creatively, a combination of angles can be used.

Though crafting a face-framing fringe can seem difficult, careful assessment and clever planning can make it a snap. So take your time – and make sure to take length, technique and shape into account – and you’ll end up with the perfect look.  

Images courtesy of: Marie Claire Bozant and Randy Taylor