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Styling curls takes patience. Add bangs and it’s a whole other level. For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a fringe. Always championing my natural hair, I recall my younger self joyfully running around with playful curls and straight-across bangs. Now, at 27, I opt for a more refined style, pulling my curls into a sleek bun or a single braid—except for the coily tendrils that frame my face. My curly mane has always been a part of my signature look, but I didn’t always welcome it. Of mixed race, I grew up with a Black mom who had the magic touch, working product through my curls while I was perched on the edge of my parents’ bed. But by high school, the brush was in my own hands and I became aware of the magnitude of my bangs. At first, this was tough. The little coils would annoyingly fall into my face or slip out of my braid as I tried to conceal them. Maintaining my curly hair has been a journey of trial and error—from choosing the right product cocktail to deciding when to use a diffuser (spoiler: rarely). But my fringe has become a mainstay of my daily look. Over the years, I’ve realized that it’s not just a hairstyle; it’s a lifestyle. Thankfully, I’m not the only one celebrating my au naturel hairstyle. “This trend marks a refreshing shift in the beauty standards and hair culture,” says Janet Jackson, hair expert at L’Oréal Paris and the owner of JouJou Hair Studio in Etobicoke, Ont. As a hairstylist, she has observed a growing shift toward women wearing their natural texture with confidence.
Dior Menswear Spring 2026. PHOTO VIA LAUNCHMETRICS/SPOTLIGHT
A textured fringe can refresh your look and add a modern edge. From Gen-Z darlings Chappell Roan and Tyla to beloved actors Tracee Ellis Ross and Sandra Oh, famous faces have often flaunted their curly fringe. On the Fall 2025 runways, the look took centre stage at Prada and Louis Vuitton, where bouncy bangs and halo layers ruled. Now, everyone is embracing their curls instead of hiding them. “Curly bangs need intention and care,” shares celebrity hairstylist SherriAnn Cole. “It’s rarely just wake up and go. But with the right routine, they can be one of the most dynamic and expressive parts of your look. It’s powerful to see people leaning into the fullness of their texture and put ting curls front and centre rather than pushing them back.”
A Cut Above
Step one: Book with a pro who knows curls. “It’s important to have your bangs cut by someone who understands your texture,” explains Jackson. One wrong snip can throw off the shape—and vibe! Regular trims tailored to your curl pattern help maintain definition and styling ease. The foundation of a great curly fringe—something I’ve learned first-hand—is hydration. Always start styling while your hair is still damp to allow for better product distribution, reduce frizz and help define the shape. “If your hair’s not hydrated properly, you’re not going to get a good definition or any kind of texture,” Jackson says. That said, it won’t always be perfect. “Some days, your curls will pop,” continues Jackson, “and other days, they’ll fluff and blend and be a bit chaotic. Curly hair has its own personality, and the more you learn to work with it and not against it, the more it will give back to you.”
Decode Your Curl DNA
Rahul Mishra Fall 2025 Haute Couture. PHOTO VIA LAUNCHMETRICS/SPOTLIGHT
“One of the biggest learning curves I see with my curly clients is understanding that they don’t have just one curl pattern,” shares Cole, who’s known for her work with actor Yara Shahidi. A mix of loose curls and tight coils can affect everything from how products absorb to how the hair dries and takes shape. Cole says she pays close attention to each client’s pattern and length, which impact how their bangs fall and move.
Style It Right
Cole’s top tip: Know the look you’re going for and then let your technique and product choices support that. Styling wavy bangs with length? Try a light-tension blow-dry or banding method. Need more bounce? Focus on moisture because hydrated curls always spring up with more life. Product weight matters, too. For finer curls, lightweight products like a mousse or defining spray let you finger-style without weighing strands down. If your hair is thicker and forms tighter coils, layering is key—try scrunching a curl mousse over a gel or cream to lock in hydration. To keep your curly fringe defined, air-drying is highly recommended. It allows for natural curl definition, helps retain moisture and avoids heat damage. If you prefer to diffuse, use a low heat and speed to lift the roots and enhance the curl pattern. And no matter your curl type, finish with a silicone-free gloss to lock in moisture and keep your fringe looking polished.
Bangs That Bounce
How Hollywood’s curly girlies are making bangs work their way.
Lupita Nyong’o
Photography via Getty Images
Easily one of the most adventurous celebs when it comes to standout hair looks— thanks to the brilliance of stylist Vernon François—she rocks a coily fringe like no other.
Chappell Roan
Photography via Getty Images
The famous redhead’s voluminous curls and signature fringe have become key to her pop-girl persona.
Tracee Ellis Ross
Photography via Getty Images
A champion of the fringe, the actor and curly-hair-brand founder has fun with her coils, sporting a mane that boasts impressive volume.
Sandra Oh
Photography via Getty Images
The Killing Eve star embraced curly bangs back in 2019 (which was a suggestion from her stylist Ted Gibson) and has never looked back.
Yara Shahidi
Photography via Getty Images
Whether her glossy coiled fringe is styled in a blunt bob or a playful updo, no one does it quite like the Grown-ish star, with SherriAnn Cole’s expert touch behind the look. [content_module id=”1″] This article first appeared in FASHION’s October 2025 issue. Find out more here Continue Reading
