Low Taper Fringe for Every Face Shape: The Flattering Guide - Stylinista (2024)

Looking for a fresh, modern hairstyle that adds edge and flatters your features? Look no further than the low taper fringe. This versatile cut features a sleek, subtly faded taper around the sides and back, topped off with a stylish fringe. But with so many fringe variations, how do you find the most flattering fit for your face shape? This guide breaks down the secrets to choosing the perfect low taper fringe. We’ll explore the best styles for round, square, oval, heart-shaped, and other face shapes to help you find a cut that enhances your features and boosts your confidence.

What is a Low Taper Fringe?

Before we dive in, let’s define our terms:

• Low Taper:A gradual fade that starts low on the head, typically around the temples or ears, offering a subtle, sophisticated look.
• Fringe:The front section of hair, cut to any length and style, adding personality and framing your face.

Why Choose a Low Taper Fringe?

• Versatility:This cut works on various hair textures and can be tailored for a polished or edgy vibe.
• Face-Framing Power:The right fringe can accentuate your best features and balance your proportions.
• Low Maintenance:Easy to style and adaptable for everyday or special occasions.

Understanding Your Face Shape

The key to rocking a low taper fringe is knowing your face shape. Here’s a quick guide:

• Round:Face width and length are nearly equal, with soft curves.
• Square:Strong jawline, and similar width across the forehead, cheeks, and jaw.
• Oval:Slightly longer than it is wide, with a gently rounded jawline.
• Heart:Wider forehead and cheekbones, narrowing towards the chin.
• Diamond:Widest at cheekbones, with a narrow forehead and chin.

Pro Tip: Not sure about your face shape? Pull your hair back and trace the outline of your face on a mirror with lipstick or a washable marker.

Choosing Your Perfect Low Taper Fringe

Now, let’s explore the best fringe styles to complement each face shape:

Round Faces

• Goal:Your aim is to elongate the face and add angles to create a more oval appearance. Side-swept fringes are a classic choice for round faces, drawing the eye diagonally and reducing the appearance of fullness. For added interest, opt for varying lengths within your side-swept fringe for a touch of playful asymmetry. Additionally, textured fringes add definition without being harsh, breaking up the roundness of the face. Lastly, a sharp angled fringe can elongate your face significantly, while a softer angle will offer a gentler effect.
• Avoid:Blunt, heavy fringes that cut straight across the forehead. These styles can emphasize the width of your face and shorten its overall appearance.

Square Faces

• Goal:You want to soften your strong jawline and add a touch of length to your face. Focus on wispy layers that delicately frame your face and create movement to soften sharp lines. Opt for a shorter length, hitting just above the cheekbones, to draw the eye towards the center of your face. Choppy textures in your fringe add playful movement, further breaking up any angularity around the jawline. Lastly, a long side fringe draws the eye downwards, elongating the face and gently disguising the corners of the jaw for a softer, more feminine appearance.
• Avoid:Straight-across, blunt cuts that can emphasize the width of your face and accentuate the strong jawline.

Oval Faces

• Goal:Maintaining balance and highlighting your already harmonious features is key! You have the most versatility when it comes to fringe styles. Curtain bangs beautifully frame an oval face and add a touch of boho chic. If you’re feeling bold, a blunt fringe makes a fashion-forward, modern statement. Textured styles work well too, enhancing your features while adding a bit of definition and playful movement – experiment with different layering techniques or lengths for a truly customized look.

Heart-Shaped Faces

• Goal:The aim is to add fullness around the chin and balance a slightly wider forehead. Curtain bangs are a fantastic choice, as their softness complements your delicate chin area and creates a balanced feel. Long side fringes are also flattering, drawing the eye down and away from the forehead while adding a touch of width around the chin. Opt for wispy, textured styles that soften the face without adding harsh lines or bulk – try a textured fringe that falls around cheekbone length to subtly add width to the lower half of the face.
• Avoid:Short, choppy fringes, which can draw even more attention to the forehead and accentuate its width.

Diamond Faces

• Goal:You want to soften angular features and create the illusion of width at the forehead and chin. Side-swept fringes work wonders, adding gentle movement while minimizing the sharpness of your cheekbones. For a touch of elongation, try a softly angled fringe that draws focus downward toward your chin. Soft, layered fringes also create a balanced appearance, adding fullness to the sides of your face.
• Avoid:Heavy, blunt styles that can overpower your delicate features and further emphasize the angularity of your face.

Beyond the Basics

Choosing the right fringe style for your face shape is a fantastic start, but don’t forget these key factors when crafting your dream low taper fringe:

Hair Texture

Your natural hair texture plays a significant role in how your fringe falls and which styles will work best.

• Curly Hair:Embrace your volume and natural movement! Opt for textured fringes with blended layers that complement your curls. Avoid overly blunt or structured cuts that might fight against your natural texture.
• Straight Hair:Play with texture! Texturizing sprays, pomade, and a bit of tousling can create a piecey, lived-in fringe that adds volume and interest. Consider styling with a round brush to add a subtle wave or curl.
• Wavy Hair: You have options! A long, side-swept fringe with gentle layers flatters a flowy, wavy texture. For a cool-girl vibe, try a choppy, textured style that enhances your natural waves.

Personal Style

Your low taper fringe is an extension of your unique style. Consider how you want your cut to complement your overall aesthetic.

• Edgy:Opt for an asymmetrical fringe with sharp angles or a blunt cut that adds a dramatic element. Experiment with bold colors or choppy textures to amplify your edgy personality.
• Classic:Softer fringes, like a textured side-sweep or subtle curtain bangs, offer timeless elegance. Focus on polished styling and healthy-looking hair for a refined vibe.
• Bohemian:Long, wispy fringes with plenty of texture enhance a free-spirited boho feel. Opt for air-drying and minimal styling for that effortless, undone look.

Maintenance

Let’s be honest – styling takes time! When choosing your fringe, consider your lifestyle and how much effort you’re willing to put in daily.

• Low-Maintenance:Textured fringes with natural movement often offer the easiest styling. A quick spritz of sea salt spray or texturizer, and you’re out the door!
• Moderate Maintenance:Styles like curtain bangs or longer side fringes may require a blow-dry and a few styling products for a polished look.
• Higher Maintenance:Blunt bangs, styles requiring precise styling, or those that fight your natural texture will likely demand more daily styling attention.

Styling Your Low Taper Fringe

A great haircut is only the beginning! Adding the perfect styling elevates your low taper fringe and lets you express your unique style. Here are a few tips to take your look from good to fabulous:

Product is Your Friend

Styling products are your secret weapon! Explore these options to find your go-to choices for various looks:

• Pomade and Wax:These offer stronger hold for structured styles. Apply a small amount and shape your fringe for a sleek, defined finish that lasts.
• Sea Salt Spray:Perfect for beachy waves and textured styles on any hair type. Spritz on damp or dry hair, scrunch, and let air-dry for effortless volume and a touch of grit.
• Texturizing Products:These come in sprays, creams, and pastes, and are ideal for adding definition and a piece-y effect. Comb into your fringe to create separation and amp up the volume.

Blow-Dry for Volume

For straight or fine hair, blow-drying is your volume booster! Use a round brush for ultimate control. To achieve a sleek, polished finish, blow-dry your fringe downwards, keeping the airflow parallel to your hair. For a playful, flipped-out effect on longer fringes, dry upwards, lifting the hair away from your face.

Embrace Imperfection

Sometimes the coolest styles are the easiest. Don’t be afraid to ditch the heat styling tools and use only a bit of product to enhance your natural texture. Apply your favorite styling cream or spray to damp hair, scrunch your fringe, and let it air-dry for that effortless, lived-in look with an edgy, rock-and-roll vibe. This is especially effective with wavy and curly hair!

Bonus Tip: Don’t underestimate the power of your fingers and a little tousling to shape and style your fringe throughout the day!

FAQs

Address common questions readers may have, making your article even more helpful. Here are some FAQ ideas:

Q: Can I have a low taper fringe with thin hair?

A: Absolutely! Opt for a textured or layered fringe to add volume and avoid overly blunt styles.

Q: How often do I need to trim my low taper fringe?

A: For most styles, trims every 3-5 weeks will maintain the shape and keep your fringe looking fresh.

Q: Can I style a low taper fringe with glasses?

A: Definitely! Consider the shape of your glasses when choosing a fringe style to ensure they complement each other. Side-swept or curtain bangs often look fantastic with glasses.

Ready to rock your own low taper fringe? Share your face shape and desired style in the comments, and let’s find your perfect cut!