These 12 Fringe Hairstyles Are Making Me Want to Cut My Hair Short

I have spent the past six years growing my hair back to waist length after I had a funny five minutes and decided to chop it all off in 2015. If you’re the sort of person who changes their hair every week, this might not seem like a particularly big deal to you, but having super-long hair is kind of my thing, so cutting it off at my shoulders was a really bold move. 

And while I liked it at first, my hair is very fine, and I found the need for daily styling a bit of a fuss. Needless to say, the novelty of change soon wore off, and I became wholeheartedly committed to growing it again. Six long years later, I’m now back in my comfort zone with my hair brushing against my lower back. But finally having my strands back to how I like them has left me yearning for change once more. (I like a project—what can I say?)

In fact, I’ve become really quite taken by the idea of chopping it all off, perhaps even shorter this time. You see, my saved folder on Instagram appears to be filled with pictures of super-short, fringed styles. And that must be telling me something, right? I’m certain I need at least another six months of thought on the matter before I do something reckless, but I figured I should share my inspiration with you, just in case you’re in the market for a similar ’do. Here are the 12 short hairstyles with a fringe that I can’t stop looking at…

1. Grown-Out Pixie

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(Image credit: @ALYSSAINTHECITY)

This grown-out pixie cut couldn’t be more on-trend right now. The little bit of growth at the nape gives it a retro-mullet vibe, while the wispy texture of the fringe at the front keeps things looking soft and subtle.

Get the look:

2. French Bob

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(Image credit: @LEFEVREDIARY)

French bobs make me go weak at the knees, and it was Amy’s exact style that had me seriously considering booking in at the salon. Cropped at just about the jawline with voluminous, tousled texture and a full fringe to boot—what’s not to love?

Get the look:

3. Curly/Coily Bob

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(Image credit: @YARASHAHIDI)

Yara Shahidi is my number one beauty icon of the moment, and this fringed hairstyle is giving me life. It is full of volume, texture and bounce and frames her face perfectly.

Get the look:

4. Bobbed Shag

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(Image credit: @ROWANBLANCHARD)

If there is one haircut I’d book in for tomorrow, it would be Rowan Blanchard’s choppy shag. I’m a big fan of a ’70s-style shag (it’s the haircut of the year, don’t you know), and keeping it short and low-maintenance like this really appeals to my inner lazy girl.

Get the look:

5. Sleek Bowl Cut

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(Image credit: @THEVISUELOFGRACE)

I never thought I would be swooning over a fringed bowl cut, but my gosh, would you just look at the beauty of this hairstyle! Chopped to perfection and shiny beyond belief, it’s svelte minimalism at its finest.

Get the look:

6. Choppy Pixie

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(Image credit: @INTHING_)

Pixie cuts seem to be having a moment. However, unlike past resurgences of the trend, in 2021, it’s all about keeping the fringed fronts pulled forward rather than sculpted upwards. It’s a softer, more playful approach.

Get the look:

7. Side Sweep

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(Image credit: @JANELLEMONAE)

Remember that a fringe can be incredibly versatile. Janelle Monae’s side-swept fringe, for example, can be styled out in a number of ways. Whether you want to flip it over, brush it backwards or part it in the middle, there’s a look for every occasion.

Get the look:

8. Heavy Waves

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(Image credit: @FRANNYFYNE)

If your hair is naturally wavy, it’s only natural to want to keep your lengths tousled and flowing. However, this bob style shows just how great shorter waves can look with a fringe. Keeping the bob blunt and the fringe slightly tapered and feathered to take some weight out of it makes for the most elegant of hairstyles.

Get the look:

9. Side-Parted Pixie

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(Image credit: @CHARLOTTEKUHRT)

This side-parted pixie cut is giving me all the inspiration right now. It’s choppy, sure, but sweeping the fringe over to the side at the front gives it a laid-back sense of cool that I’m here for.

Get the look:

10. Block-Fringed Bob

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(Image credit: @MARIA_BERNAD)

Until I saw this hair look, I’m ashamed to say that I wasn’t much of a fan of blunt, blocky fringes. They are very high-maintenance. But do they also look unbelievably chic and fresh with a bob? Absolutely. It’s particularly perfect for those with heart- or square-shaped faces.

Get the look:

11. Feathered Lob

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(Image credit: @NAAOMIROSS)

For those who prefer a rough-and-ready look like I do, opting for a super-choppy, feathered-fringed bob is the way to go. It won’t necessarily require daily heat styling (unlike more polished styles) and can be left alone.

Get the look:

12. Overgrown Curtains

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(Image credit: @JENNYCHOHAIR)

It’s no secret that fringes require constant trimming, which isn’t ideal if your hair grows quickly. However, Lucy Boynton’s curtained lob showcases the chicest alternative. If your fringe is getting slightly too long, simply part it in the middle and style it into a parted curtain. It gives off a retro vibe that looks totally intentional.

Get the look:

Next up, 46 Celebs and Fashion People Who Are Making Me Want to Chop Off All My Hair

Freelance Beauty Editor

Shannon Lawlor is a renowned beauty journalist and has contributed to Who What Wear’s beauty content since 2020. As a leading beauty editor, expert and brand consultant, she has over eight years of experience working for some of the industry’s most esteemed titles, including Who What Wear (of course), Glamour UK, Stylist, Refinery29 and Fabulous. Having also worked behind the scenes with some of the industry’s biggest brands and retailers, Shannon has a unique insight into what people really want from their beauty routines. Understanding that beauty lovers seek honest, open and responsible advice, she has it made her mission to demystify the intimidating world of beauty, taking a no-frills approach to the most relatable topics. While Shannon is the first to admit she doesn’t hold the answer to every beauty question out there, she is dedicated to sharing her expert insights in a bid to help. As a self-proclaimed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for easy-to-use, foolproof beauty products and has made it her mission to scope out the best of the best. When she’s not working, Shannon is likely soaking in the bath or giving no-holds-barred beauty reviews on Instagram from her bathroom floor.