Transform your look with a chic and flattering side fringe! Cutting a side fringe can seem intimidating, but with the right tools and techniques, you can DIY this stylish upgrade effortlessly. Whether you’re looking to add some movement to your hairstyle or frame your face with a touch of allure, a side fringe can instantly elevate your appearance.
Before you start, gather your essentials: a sharp pair of hairdressing scissors, a comb, and a sectioning clip. Determine the length and angle of your fringe, considering your face shape and hair texture. To create a natural-looking fringe, start by sectioning off a triangular section of hair from the crown of your head towards the front corner of your eyebrow. Hold the scissors parallel to your hairline and gently snip into the hair, blending the edges as you go.
Once you’ve established the basic shape, refine the fringe by layering and tapering the ends. This will give it a soft, wispy effect. Use your comb to detangle and separate the fringe from the rest of your hair, and hold the scissors at an angle to create face-framing layers. Finish by trimming any stray hairs and styling the fringe with your preferred products to complete your refreshed and effortlessly chic look.
Measuring and Sectioning Your Hair
Before you begin cutting your fringe, it’s essential to accurately measure and section your hair. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure precision:
1. Measure the Length
Determine the desired length of your fringe by measuring from the center of your forehead (where the fringe will start) to the point where you want it to end. Measure on both sides to ensure symmetry. Remember, you can always trim more off later, but it’s harder to add it back. Start with a slightly longer length than you want, as you can always cut it shorter.
2. Section the Hair
Use a fine-toothed comb to diagonally part your hair from the center of your forehead. This diagonal section should extend from the outer corner of one eyebrow to the outer corner of the other. Clip the remaining hair away to keep it out of the way.
3. Wet or Dry Hair
Whether you cut your fringe wet or dry depends on your hair type. If your hair is straight and fine, it’s easier to work with it wet. This helps prevent it from flying away during cutting. However, if your hair is curly or thick, it’s recommended to cut it dry as it will shrink when wet, and you may end up cutting it too short.
Choosing the Right Side
When selecting the side for your fringe, consider your face shape and hair texture.
- Round faces: A side fringe can help elongate the face and balance out roundness. Choose a side that frames your best features, such as your eyes or cheekbones.
- Square faces: To soften sharp angles and create width, opt for a long, side-swept fringe that falls below the cheekbones.
- Oval faces: Oval faces are versatile and can carry any side fringe style. However, a choppy or asymmetrical fringe can add interest and dimension.
- Heart faces: A side fringe can help minimize the width of the forehead and create a more flattering balance. Choose a long, sweeping fringe that falls past the cheekbones.
Hair Texture:
- Fine hair: A side fringe can add volume and movement to fine hair. Consider a feathered or layered fringe to create texture and prevent it from looking flat.
- Thick hair: A side fringe can help reduce bulk in thick hair. Opt for a long, heavy fringe that falls below the cheekbones to balance the weight of the hair.
- Wavy or curly hair: A side fringe can help tame frizz and create a defined look. Consider a long, sweeping fringe that falls below the cheekbones to control volume and enhance definition.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Side:
- Part your hair: Part your hair on the side you’re considering for the fringe to see how it naturally falls.
- Use a mirror: Hold a mirror up to your face and try different side partings to determine which one is most flattering.
- Ask for a professional opinion: If you’re unsure about which side to choose, consult with a hairstylist for professional advice tailored to your specific features and hair type.
Holding the Scissors Correctly
Before making the first cut, it’s crucial to hold the scissors correctly. This technique ensures precision, control, and minimizes the risk of accidents.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to proper scissor holding:
1. Handle Grip:
| Thumb | Middle Finger | Index Finger |
|---|---|---|
| Rest in the lower handle hole | Insert through the upper hole and onto the round screw | Place on top of the upper blade, near the screw |
2. Blade Alignment:
Align the blades of the scissors parallel to the hair you intend to cut. Hold them straight, without tilting.
3. Finger Position and Tension:
Thumb: Slightly bent, comfortably resting in the lower handle hole.
Middle Finger: Firmly positioned on the round screw, acting as a fulcrum.
Index Finger: Gently extended on the upper blade, providing leverage for precise cuts.
Maintaining even tension between all three fingers ensures smooth and controlled scissor movement.
Cutting at a 45-Degree Angle
Step 4: Start Cutting the Fringe
Now, it’s time to start cutting the fringe. Begin at the shortest point on the corner of your eye, holding the scissors at a 45-degree angle to the hair. Cut diagonally, keeping the angle consistent and the scissors parallel to the line you created in Step 3.
As you cut, follow these guidelines:
| Cut Length | Angle | Scissors Position |
|---|---|---|
| Short at the start, gradually longer towards the end | 45 degrees | Parallel to the diagonal line |
Remember to maintain tension in the hair by pulling it slightly taut before cutting. This will help achieve a clean and precise cut.
Continue cutting diagonally, gradually increasing the length of the hair towards the end of the fringe. Aim for a gradual transition from the short inner corner to the longest outer corner.
Blending the Side Fringe
Once you have cut the basic shape of your side fringe, it’s important to blend it into the rest of your hair. This will help to create a natural look and prevent the fringe from looking too harsh. To blend the fringe, follow these steps:
- Use thinning shears. Thinning shears are a great way to remove weight from the hair and create a more blended look. Hold the thinning shears vertically and gently cut into the fringe. Start at the point where the fringe meets the rest of your hair and work your way up towards the ends.
- Feather the edges. Using regular scissors, cut into the edges of the fringe to create a feathered look. This will help to soften the overall appearance of the fringe.
- Point cut the ends. Point cutting is a technique that involves cutting into the ends of the hair at an angle. This helps to create a more textured and blended look.
- Use a razor. A razor can be used to remove weight from the hair and create a very blended look. Hold the razor vertically and gently shave away at the hair. Be careful not to over-razor, as this can damage the hair.
- Blow dry and style. Once you have blended the fringe, blow dry it and style it as usual. This will help to set the style and create a polished look.
Here is a table summarizing the different techniques for blending a side fringe:
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Thinning shears | Removes weight from the hair and creates a blended look. |
| Feathering | Cuts into the edges of the fringe to create a feathered look. |
| Point cutting | Cuts into the ends of the hair at an angle to create a textured and blended look. |
| Razor | Removes weight from the hair and creates a very blended look. |
Shaping the Edges
Now that you have sectioned off your hair and secured the rest out of the way, it’s time to shape the edges of your fringe. Here’s how to do it:
1. Hold the Scissors Parallel to Your Fringe
When cutting the edges of your fringe, it’s important to hold the scissors parallel to your hair. This will help you create a straight, even cut.
2. Start Cutting from the Center
Start cutting from the center of your fringe and work your way outwards. This will help you avoid cutting your fringe too short in the middle.
3. Cut Small Sections at a Time
Don’t try to cut too much hair at once. Instead, cut small sections at a time and gradually work your way towards your desired length.
4. Check the Length Regularly
As you cut, check the length of your fringe regularly. This will help you avoid cutting it too short. If you’re not sure how long you want your fringe to be, start with a longer length and gradually trim it shorter until you’re happy with the result.
5. Use Thinning Scissors for a Natural Look
If you want to create a more natural-looking fringe, use thinning scissors to remove some of the weight from the edges. This will help to blend your fringe with the rest of your hair.
6. Additional Tips for Shaping the Edges
Here are some additional tips for shaping the edges of your fringe:
- If you have thick hair, you may need to cut your fringe shorter than you would if you have thin hair.
- If you want a more dramatic fringe, you can cut it shorter in the center and longer on the sides.
- You can also use a razor to create a more precise cut. However, be careful not to cut your hair too short.
| Tools You’ll Need: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| – Sharp hair shears | – Fine-tooth comb | – Clips | – Spray bottle with water | – Hairdryer (optional) |
Styling
Once you’ve cut your side fringe, you’ll want to style it to suit your face shape and personal preference. Here are a few tips:
**1. Blow-dry your fringe:** Use a round brush to blow-dry your fringe forward or to one side, depending on the style you’re going for.
**2. Straighten your fringe:** If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, you may want to straighten your fringe for a more polished look.
**3. Curl your fringe:** If you have straight hair, you can use a curling iron to add some volume and movement to your fringe.
Finishing Touches
1. Trim your fringe regularly: Side fringes grow out quickly, so it’s important to trim them regularly to maintain their shape.
2. Use hairspray: A light spray of hairspray can help to hold your fringe in place and prevent it from becoming frizzy.
3. Don’t over-style your fringe: Side fringes should look natural and effortless, so avoid over-styling them with products or heat.
Maintaining Your Side Fringe
Keeping your side fringe looking its best requires regular maintenance. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your side fringe:
1. Wash and condition your hair regularly.
This will help to keep your hair healthy and prevent it from becoming frizzy or greasy.
2. Use a heat protectant spray before styling your hair.
This will help to protect your hair from damage caused by heat styling tools.
3. Blow dry your hair using a low heat setting.
Using a high heat setting can damage your hair.
4. Use a round brush to style your fringe.
This will help to add volume and shape.
5. Use a hairspray to hold your fringe in place.
This will help to keep your fringe from becoming frizzy or falling flat.
6. Trim your fringe regularly.
This will help to prevent split ends and keep your fringe looking neat.
7. Avoid overusing hair products.
Too much hair product can weigh your fringe down and make it look greasy.
8. Protect your fringe from the sun.
The sun can damage your hair and cause it to become frizzy. Consider using a hat or scarf to protect your fringe from the sun’s harmful rays.
| Day | Task |
|---|---|
| Every day | Wash and condition your hair. |
| Every other day | Blow dry your hair using a low heat setting. |
| Once a week | Use a hair mask to nourish your hair. |
| Every two weeks | Trim your fringe. |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some common errors and how to correct them:
The fringe is too thick: If your fringe is too heavy, try thinning it out by cutting vertical sections out of the fringe.
The fringe is too thin: If your fringe is too thin, you can add some volume by blow-drying the fringe with a volumizing mousse.
The fringe is too long: If your fringe is too long, you can trim it shorter using the same techniques as when you initially cut the fringe.
The fringe is too short: If your fringe is too short, you will need to wait for it to grow out. In the meantime, you can try styling your hair with a headband or hair clips to cover up the fringe.
The fringe is uneven: If your fringe is uneven, you can try trimming it again using the same techniques as when you initially cut the fringe. You can also ask a professional hairstylist to help you trim your fringe.
The fringe is not straight: If your fringe is not straight, you can try blow-drying the fringe with a round brush to straighten it. You can also use a flat iron to straighten the fringe.
The fringe is not framing my face correctly: If your fringe is not framing your face correctly, you can try cutting the fringe in a different shape. You can also ask a professional hairstylist to help you cut your fringe in a way that flatters your face shape.
I don’t like the way my fringe looks: If you don’t like the way your fringe looks, you can try styling it differently. You can also ask a professional hairstylist to help you style your fringe.
Parting Hair For Side Fringe
Part your hair on the side where you want the fringe to be. Comb the hair in the opposite direction of where the fringe will be. This will create a clean and even part.
Determining Fringe Length
Decide the length of the fringe you want. Hold the hair that you want to cut for the fringe and bring it forward. The length should be long enough to cover the forehead in the area you want the fringe to be.
Sectioning Hair For Cutting
Take a small section of hair from the part you created for the fringe, about 1-2 inches wide. This will be the section you will cut first. Comb the section of hair forward and hold it taut.
Holding Scissors Correctly
Hold the scissors parallel to the floor and perpendicular to the hair. Place your thumb and forefinger in the handles and squeeze to make a cut.
Cutting the Fringe
Start cutting the fringe by making small, gradual snips. Hold the scissors at a slight angle to create a soft, feathered effect. Continue cutting until you reach the desired length.
Using a Razor Comb
If you want a more blended and natural-looking fringe, use a razor comb. Hold the razor comb and glide it through the fringe in short, gentle strokes. This will help to thin out the hair and create a softer look.
Checking Symmetry
Comb the fringe forward and check if it is even on both sides. If necessary, trim any uneven sections to ensure symmetry.
Styling the Fringe
Style the fringe as desired. Use a hair dryer and a round brush to blow it out or let it air dry naturally. You can also use styling products such as wax or pomade to create a specific look.
Maintenance
To maintain your side fringe, regularly trim any split ends. You can also use a hairspray or mousse to keep the fringe in place.
How To Cut A Side Fringe
Cutting a side fringe can be a great way to add some style and personality to your look. Here are a few tips on how to do it yourself at home:
- Wash and dry your hair. This will make it easier to see what you’re doing and to avoid cutting your hair too short.
- Section off the hair that you want to cut. Use a comb to create a triangle-shaped section of hair at the front of your head. The base of the triangle should be at the center of your forehead, and the point should be at the corner of your eye.
- Start cutting the hair from the bottom of the section. Hold the scissors parallel to the floor and cut the hair at a slight angle, towards your face. Be sure to cut small sections at a time, so that you don’t accidentally cut too much hair.
- Continue cutting the hair until you reach the desired length. Once you’re happy with the length of the fringe, you can use a razor to trim any stray hairs and to create a more defined look.
People also ask
How often should I trim my side fringe?
You should trim your side fringe every 2-3 weeks, or more often if you want to keep it short. Trimming the fringe will help to keep it looking neat and tidy, and to prevent it from becoming too long and unmanageable.
Can I cut my side fringe myself?
Yes, you can cut your side fringe yourself at home. However, it’s important to be careful and to follow the instructions carefully. If you’re not sure how to cut your side fringe, you can always consult with a professional hairstylist.
What are some tips for cutting a side fringe?
Here are a few tips for cutting a side fringe:
- Wash and dry your hair before cutting it.
- Section off the hair that you want to cut.
- Start cutting the hair from the bottom of the section.
- Hold the scissors parallel to the floor and cut the hair at a slight angle, towards your face.
- Be sure to cut small sections at a time.
- Continue cutting the hair until you reach the desired length.
- Use a razor to trim any stray hairs and to create a more defined look.
