A fringe is a way to frame the face without cutting your hair. It’s also a way to create a more modern and fashion-forward look, without having to commit to a full chop.

While fringes have a bad reputation for being an irrational move when you’re craving change, they can really elevate your style, when cut correctly. Here, celebrity hairstylist Ashley Streicher explains how you can make fringe work for you.

Start with a long length of hair, and then cut it into a fringe. “Fringes can be a great way to make your bob feel longer, and can give you more versatility,” says Streicher. To help your fringe keep from falling flat, she suggests spraying it with texturizing bang spray.

If you don’t have time to go to the salon and are short on cash, you can make fringe using fake bangs. “It’s a lot easier to achieve than you may think, and it can really help to add more volume or texture to your hair,” she says.

Fake bangs are a lot like extensions, but they look so real that people might not even realize you’re wearing them. They’re perfect for anyone who wants a hair change but isn’t ready to commit to the time and money involved with getting your strands chopped off.

Curtain Bangs

If your hair is long and wavy, curtain bangs are a fun and easy way to glam up your mane. These ’70s-inspired strands can be easily pulled back to frame your face, and they’re particularly flattering on fine hair.

For a modern twist on this fringe, try a side swoop, as seen here on Karlie Kloss. It will take some practice, but it’s a great way to give your bangs more personality and give them extra movement without having to invest in a cut.

Alternatively, you can choose a chin-length fringe. This is a safe bet for women with textured or coarse hair, and it’s one of the most popular bang trends for 2020.

The key is to keep it from looking too flat, which can happen if you don’t brush your hair regularly or if you don’t use a product that adds a bit of volume, such as TRESemme Day 2 Volumizing Dry Shampoo.

You can also use a texturizing curl spray or a round brush to get your hair straight and your fringe looking sleek and glossy, as seen on Salma Hayek. If you’re in the mood for a more natural fringe, you can try taming it with a weekly hair mask.

Choppy Fringes

If you have thick or curly hair, a choppy fringe will help to tame your tresses and add a more structured edge. It’s a more feminine and softer look than a pixie cut, so it’s a great choice for women with a rounder face shape.

A choppy fringe can also be an ideal option for women with shorter hair, as it can help to break up the shape of your head. It’s also a great choice for women with round faces who want to avoid a forehead crease.