They say a good haircut [2] should really frame your face, so it only makes sense that this upcoming season, a big haircut trend [3] is doing just that. Celebrity hairstylist and Evo Hair [4] brand ambassador Tom Smith [5] predicted fall's biggest hair trends in a TikTok video [6], naming the "frame" haircut as one to watch this year.
Here, we're breaking down exactly what the haircut entails, how to style it no matter your length or texture, and some of our favourite takes on the trend.
What Is the Frame Haircut?
The frame haircut is characterised by its boxy shape that perfectly outlines the face. "This works in a variety of different lengths and is all about the frame around the face," Smith says in the video. "It's that kind of square-like frame that we're seeing."
The beauty of this hairstyle is that it works on all hair lengths, from the extra-long locks that stretch all the way to your midback to the ultrashort microbob [7]. "The key is paying attention to how the hair 'frames' the face," Smith tells POPSUGAR. "Ask your stylist to create a bang [8] or fringe that suits your face, keeping the corners sharper as it connects to the lengths that sit at the sides of your face." That means the bangs should be a bit more bluntly cut than the popular "bottleneck" fringe [9] or curtain-fringe styles [10] that we've been seeing over the last few months.
"Consider if you want to show your eyebrows or not when deciding on the length and how much of your cheekbones you want to expose when determining the width of the fringe area," he says. Micro [11], pin-up, blunt, or a "birkin" fringe [12] all pair well with this look.
How to Style the Frame Haircut
After you get your desired cut at the hairdresser, Smith has a few tips for styling the look at home. "Be sure to comb your fringe into place immediately after washing it to help the roots settle in the right position," he says. "Then spread through some air-dry cream or leave-in conditioning balm." Smith recommends the Evo Happy Campers [13] (£23), and we also like the Caviar Anti-Ageing Replenishing Moisture CC Cream (£36) and JVN Complete Air-Dry Cream [14] (£23).
"The frame cut works best when left to air-dry, but you can speed up the process by using the diffuser attachment on your hair dryer — no need to scoop or scrunch the hair up, just let the gentler air flow dry your hair in its natural position — then loosen it up with your fingers only once completely dry," he says.
Keep scrolling for the many variations of the frame haircut.
The Frame Haircut on a Curly Lob
Sophia Roe at New Your Fashion Week is an exemplary showing of the frame haircut on curly hair.
The Frame Haircut With a Bob and Micro Bangs
Micro bangs that hit mid-forehead are great for framing the face.
The Frame Haircut on Curly Hair
If you have textured hair, the frame can work with curly bangs and a lob-length cut.
The Frame Haircut With a Sleek, Straight Bob
Anna Wintour's sleek, straight bob and bangs perfectly frame her face.
The Frame Haircut on Straight Hair With Wispy Bangs
Charlbi Dean is an example of how the frame haircut looks on long, straight hair with wispy bangs.
The Frame Haircut With a Bob
Depending on your face shape, bluntly cut bangs and a bob haircut can be super flattering.
The Frame Haircut on Long, Straight Hair
You can add long layers to the front of your haircut to give the frame hairstyle a slightly softer feel.
The Frame Haircut on Microbob
This curtain-cut bob features blunt bangs to frame the face.
The Frame Haircut on Wavy Hair With Micro Bangs
The frame haircut works great on midlength wavy hair, especially when you pair it with baby bangs.
The Frame Haircut on Long, Straight Hair
If you have extremely long hair, blunt bangs that go straight across the forehead will help frame out your face.
The Frame Haircut on Wavy Hair With Birkin Bangs
Phoebe Dynevor [15] at Paris Fashion Week proves that the frame haircut can look very soft when you add layers.
The Frame Haircut on a Bob
Micro bangs paired with a slightly rounded, curtain-style bob creates an edgy look.