The lob-with-fringe combo is a modern classic. A mid-length cut is super flattering, and a fringe can also add some much-needed face-framing structure. The specific mid-length style (to layer or not to layer?) is up to you; for this, we recommend seeking out a hairdresser you trust. As for the fringe, you can opt for a soft side sweep like Emma Stone’s, a piecey full fringe like Mila Kunis’s, or something wispy and barely-there like Rihanna’s.
The great thing about having mid-length hair with a fringe is that you can find a cut that suits any hair type, from fine to full to curly. Don’t believe us? Just read what the expert stylists had to say and check out our gallery of 23 oh-so-different fringe-adorned mid-length haircuts for all the proof you need.
Keep scrolling for our favorite celeb-inspired mid-length hair with fringe combos to show your hairdresser.
Mila Kunis
This blunt shoulder-skimming haircut complete with piecey full fringe on Mila Kunis is all kinds of wonderful. “Long bangs and side-swept bangs look great on mid-length cuts because they add an element of fun and youthfulness,” says Kimble. Re-create that wave with a medium-barrel tong like the T3 Whirl Trio Interchangeable Styling Wand ($275).
Rihanna
How cool does Rihanna’s modern mullet look? A piecey fringe like this one here is seriously chic and pretty low maintenance. Texture spray combined with leave-in conditioner achieves texture and polish while adding long-lasting styling to this look. “The hydration is key with curly hair, which you get from the leave-in,” notes Francis. “Apply on damp hair and comb through the hair. Dry with a diffuser and use a small curling iron if needed to add any additional more defined curls,” he instructs.
Malene Wadel
A blunt fringe can give the illusion that your hair is thicker than it is. Make like actress Malene Wadel and take the plunge. To soften her look, she wears her hair in loose, beachy waves.
Alanna Arrington
No matter your texture—curly hair included—there is a fringe for you. According to Stylianou, “Curly bangs totally work. They’re great if you prefer a little softness around the face, or you like to wear your hair up and you still want to keep it interesting.”
Emma Stone
A long side fringe like Emma Stone’s is seriously versatile; you can wear it swept to the side or parted down the center if you want to disguise it. Francis instructs applying a shine glaze on wet hair mixed with Better Natured Heat Styling Lotion ($22) before blowdrying. This will lend a beautiful finish with plenty of fullness and piecey-ness, he notes.
Hannah Britland
Actress Hannah Britland shows how great this hair length looks on curly hair. We’re totally into the barely-there fringe too. According to Kimble, “Curly hair tends to shrink up so keep hair and layers longer and avoid short and choppy layers to keep the hair looking flowy. These longer layers work best for anyone with 4a to 4c curls.”
To keep curls defined, she recommends using curl creams and mousses, her favorites being her eponymous brand’s Curl Cream ($25) and Curl Whip Mousse ($25).
Tyra Banks
Tyra Banks takes the ombré trend to the next level with her pink gradient tresses. To get her look, deep side part hair and then curl sections away from your face.
Tracee Ellis Ross
Pattern beauty founder Tracee Ellis Ross knows what’s best for curly natural hair. In fact, she is living proof. According to Francis, “Texture and sexiness are the epitome of effortless sexy hair. The curly bangs seal the deal. Oval-, heart-, and square-shaped faces can wear this look that is great for thick or fine curly hair.”
When it comes to wearing a curly fringe, Stylianou cautions, “Don’t go wild. You only need to trim, say, five curls. The last thing you need is a thick curly block across your forehead, so make sure you keep it random and different lengths.”
Felicity Jones
Felicity Jones’ strong side part gives her shoulder-length hair a strong focal point and stops her beach waves from looking too casual. Want to get that texture into your tresses? Try Bumble and bumble Surf Infusion ($29).
Sandra Oh
When it comes to curling bangs like Sanra Oh’s, Stylianou dishes out some advice: “I recommend keeping each curl refined on your bangs, apply something with a little thicker consistency, Bouclème Curl Cream ($32) is perfect for this. Its natural lightweight ingredients will sit well on those curls around your face and overall on the hair.”
Alexa Chung
Alexa Chung is the queen of the mid-length haircut with fringe. The lash-grazing length of her fringe accentuates her eyes while face-framing highlights brighten her complexion.
Nicole Richie
Nicole Richie makes a strong case for the textured full fringe. We’re crushing on this bronze hair color, too. “The tousled texture with brow-grazing bangs [adds] a polished yet undone sexiness to this look. It works for fine and thick hair textures since the layers are kept long and the bangs blend into the layers and hair so effortlessly,” comments Francis.
Natasha Lyonne
Natasha Lyonne’s fiery red hair and alabaster skin are the perfect combo, just like her mid-length hair and fringe. When it comes to cutting and styling, Kimble says, “A mid-length haircut looks best with full, healthy ends, making the hair appear thick and healthy. You can add layers, body, and even bangs to really flatter the face.”
Rita Ora
Rita Ora’s platinum tresses with slightly grown-out dark roots make a statement. Her choppy ends and long, piecey side-swept bangs complete her cool-girl grunge look. Get her smooth finish with Cloud Nine The Touch Iron ($289). Then simply tuck hair behind your ears or pin back with your favorite accessory.
Kerry Washington
An eyelash skimming fringe is seriously sultry. Ramp up the shine like Kerry Washington has by misting your styled hair with shine spray. Kimble adds, “Use a light holding spray, like my Premium Styling Hairspray ($25) before flat-ironing to add control to the bangs.”
When trying to decide what kind of bang will work best for you, Kimble advises, that people with smaller faces tend to look good with shorter bangs while long bangs are better suited for those with longer faces.
Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez’s sultry side-swept bangs cascade into loose waves that radiate sexiness. To enhance texture and movement, ask your stylist for long layers and your colorist for honey blonde highlights.
Jessica Alba
Jessica Alba shows there’s still a place for curtain bangs in the world-worn sleek with a neat mid-length haircut. Francis recommends styling by first prepping damp hair with a heat protectant before blow-drying with a medium-size round brush. “Add a dab of the Shine Glaze ($22) at ends for a polished finish,” he says.
Zendaya
Zendaya shows us the ultimate way to wear curls is with all-over volume and luster—bangs included. To maintain the shape of her curly mane and to keep her thick strands from feeling too heavy, her cut incorporates long layers.
Alexis Bledel
We love how waves and soft fringe bring out the lowlights in Alexis Bledel’s hair. Kimble agrees: “Waves in a mid-length haircut give a lot of body and texture to the hair and [add] a lot of style.” Long layers and a bit of product like Verb Sea Spray ($20) will help achieve this look.
Rashida Jones
Rashida Jones turns up the edge with her choppy bangs cut at varying lengths. Textured bangs paired with slightly tousled waves make for the perfect undone finish. Not to mention, they complement round- and oblong-shaped faces.
Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus plays up her wavy texture with this adorable mid-length haircut with face-framing fringe. She gives her look a little rock star edge by keeping her roots dark to contrast her platinum blonde. Play up your own wavy texture while also leaving hair soft and shiny with Oribe Curl Gloss ($42).
Halle Berry
Whether she has it long or short, Halle Berry is always our go-to for hair inspo. This layered haircut with fringe bangs is no exception. The soft curls around her face stand out due to her perfectly placed caramel highlights. To copy her look, ask your stylist for fringe bangs that hit slightly below your eyebrows.
Billie Eilish
Hair chameleon Billie Eilish did a complete pivot with this stylish fringed hairdo. With the layered sides and thick fringe bangs, the singer’s shag haircut started a new trend.
