It started with a cool, blunt, heavy fringe in my 20s. French-girl bangs in my 30s. And then, somewhere in my 40s, a grown-out, slightly non-committal version that hovered between intention and indecision. But lately—thanks to a run of red carpet moments from the likes of Nicole Kidman and Helen Mirren—I’ve found myself reconsidering the idea of a ‘proper’ fringe.
But few hairstyles come with quite as much emotional baggage. Will it suit me now? Will it feel like a refresh—or a mistake I’ll spend six months growing out? According to Philipp Haug, founder of Haug London Haus, the answer lies less in whether you have a fringe and more in how you wear it. This new wave of curtain bangs is defined by movement. Think light, feathered pieces that shift naturally with the hair, rather than sitting as a solid block across the forehead. It’s a subtle difference, but one that makes the overall look infinitely more wearable—especially in midlife, when heavier cuts can sometimes feel ageing or overly harsh. “It’s relevant at every stage in life because it’s a low-commitment and versatile. And crucially, the modern version looks very different from the heavy, structured styles many of us remember,” says Haug.
Why 'airy' bangs work in midlife
© FilmMagicOSMO ambassador Jude Taylor agrees: “People still associate fringes with that old-school, heavy wedge. But these softer, more delicate versions are much more wearable. They add texture, frame the face and can even create the illusion of a more youthful appearance.” It’s that diffused, barely-there quality that makes them feel modern—and, perhaps more importantly, far less intimidating if you’ve been put off by fringes in the past.
There’s also a practical element to their popularity. Unlike blunt styles, which require regular trims and precise styling, an airy fringe is far more forgiving. It grows out gracefully, blends into the rest of the hair and doesn’t demand the same level of daily maintenance. In other words, it works with you—not against you.
© Getty ImagesThe low-effort styling trick to know
Styling, too, is refreshingly versatile and low-effort. Worn slightly off-centre, it can open up the eyes and soften the face. Styled forward, it creates a more undone, lived-in feel. Either way, it avoids the rigidity that can make traditional fringes feel dated. Taylor recommends applying a volumising mousse, such as Osmo Extreme Volume Mega Foam Styling Foam, £10.95, through the fringe area, then rough-drying. “You don’t need brushes or excessive styling,” he explains. “It’s about letting the fringe sit where it wants to.” A light mist of hairspray helps hold the shape, but the overall finish should feel soft and touchable, never stiff or overworked.
Haug agrees, emphasising that technique matters more than tools. “Always style your fringe while it is soaking wet,” he advises. “Once the hair begins to air-dry, it becomes incredibly difficult to manipulate into your desired shape—especially if you’re dealing with a strong growth pattern.” His go-to method is cross-drying with a hairdryer fitted with a nozzle attachment, like the GHD Speed Ionic Hair Dryer, £299, by moving the hair from side to side as you dry to neutralise the root direction and encourage a natural, airy fall. “Use your fingers to tap at the roots for a bit of lift gently,” he adds. “You want volume, but you don’t want it to look forced.”
If anything, the biggest mistake is overloading the hair with product. “The fringe is fine in texture,” Haug notes, “so too much or too heavy a product will make it look greasy and separated.” The goal is a drier, more voluminous finish—one that feels effortless rather than engineered.
© WireImageHow to get that weightless volume
For those concerned about density or fullness, there are ways to subtly enhance the look without compromising its lightness. “Curtain bangs work beautifully with extensions because you can customise the density and length around the face,” explains Victoria Lynch, founder of Remi Cachet. “For midlife clients especially, it’s about maintaining fullness through the lengths while keeping the fringe light and airy—so the overall look doesn’t feel heavy.” A few carefully placed pieces can help the fringe blend seamlessly into the rest of the hair, creating that soft, grown-out finish that feels both natural and flattering.
© FilmMagic,A style for everyone?
Texture also plays a role, but it’s not as limiting as you might think. While straight to wavy hair lends itself most easily to this kind of fringe, Taylor is quick to point out that it can work beautifully on curlier textures too—with the right cut. “Ask for a wispy fringe that’s shorter in the middle and feathers out into curtain bangs,” he suggests, “with more face-framing layers to help it blend into the sides.”
In fact, embracing natural texture can elevate the look even further. Actor Odessa A’zion offers a strong reference point here—her curly fringe adds softness and volume around the face, transforming the overall shape of the haircut. “A curly fringe can completely change the feel of the style,” Taylor notes. “It adds movement, texture and a modern edge.”
© Getty ImagesUltimately, what makes this new generation of fringes so compelling is their balance. They’re flattering without being fussy, youthful without trying too hard, and polished without feeling overly styled. For midlife, that’s a particularly powerful combination—offering a way to refresh your look without committing to a drastic change. And perhaps that’s the real shift. Where fringes once felt like a bold, slightly risky decision, this softer, feathered version feels considered, adaptable and—most importantly—wearable. A small adjustment, maybe, but one that has the power to lift, soften and subtly reframe the face.
