Shag cut and fringe: the French hairstyle that will dominate hair trends in early 2024

Shag and fringe set the tone for the new year. In salons, this “French-style” hairstyle is making a name for itself with its naturalness and relief. You’re still hesitating, but you’re looking for effortless movement.

Shag + fringe: the French look that lasts

Born in the 70sthe shag cut is back with contemporary energy. It’s built around light layering, precise tapering and airy volume. It modernizes lengths without weighing them down.

This 2026 version emphasizes the fringe, often curtained, sometimes shorter. It frames the eyes, then energizes the profile with a supple fall. What’s more, it blends into the floors to avoid overly strict lines.

At the start of the year, demand for salon hair is on the rise, according to many professionals. The message is clear: we want a lively look that’s easy to recomb in the morning. In short, we’re looking for a fashion option that remains wearable every day, including as a work hairstyle.

“Well-dosed bangs add character without weighing down the routine.”

Who will love this fringe + gradient duo?

Oval or elongated faces appreciate a fuller curtain fringe. On the other hand, a short forehead is better suited to light, tapering bangs. A softer oval face benefits from keeping lengths around the jawline.

On fine hair, the gradient creates bounce without product overload. On curly hair, the cut works when sculpted dry, strand by strand. However, a curly fringe requires targeted wetting to keep the wave supple.

• Ask for a gradual gradation, never too short on top.
• Choose a fringe to match your ear density and ear size.
• Use a light styling tool with a low attachment point.
• Keep some length at the temples to soften the contour.
• Schedule regular follow-ups to preserve the design.

Care, drying and wavy texture

Success depends on 3 simple steps: light moisturizing, warm protection and targeted texturizing. As a result, it’s best to avoid overly rich treatments at the roots. From now on, a fine salt spray or waving cream is all you need to maintain hold.

Calor – Hair Dryer with Ionic Brush (Blowing Brush; €99.99) helps polish strands without plating. Thanks to Ionic, frizz is reduced, while bangs remain supple and shiny.

Low-speed drying respects natural volume. Then, working the fringe outwards with a flat brush opens the eyes. Then, scrunching the ends with your fingers gives the desired “French” wave.

Maintenance is light, but regular, to maintain clarity. Plan a touch-up every 6 to 8 weeks, depending on growth. That way, the structure stays in place, and styling remains rapid.

At the salon: ask for the right gestures

At the first appointment, specify the desired level of taper to avoid surprises. Also, mentioning the density of the fringe allows you to adjust the distribution of the mass. This transparency changes everything, especially for an evolving style.

Requesting cutting stitch work on the lengths helps keep the line soft. However, a curtain fringe calls for light stitching in the center, then more sustained stitching on the sides. Last but not least, bringing along reference photos speeds up mutual understanding.

Common mistakes and simple solutions

The first pitfall is too much product. What’s more, too-heavy waxes crush texture and freeze movement. To avoid this, opt for airy textures, then layer very thinly.

Another classic mistake: cutting bangs too straight, too fast. On the other hand, a meticulous touch-up on dry hair keeps the look alive. As a result, we correct over the course of several days, rather than all at once.

In humid weather, frizz can appear on the fringe. A damp-proof veil before going out secures the material. Your style stays clean, even between salon appointments.

• coiffure