Scarlett Johansson has never been afraid to take risks with her hair. Over the years, she’s sported everything from bobs to pixies to mermaid layers in various shades of chocolate, auburn, blonde and red. While every style seems to suit her well, her latest look is ultra-flattering—especially when it comes to framing her oval face. It also happens to be an especially gorgeous look for those above a certain age. Her look? Long layers with an extra-long fringe.
Of course, the extra-long fringe isn’t exactly new—in truth, it’s an age-old way to transform your look without totally changing up your entire style. Celebrities have been doing it since time immemorial—or, okay, at least since the ’90s. But what exactly is an extra-long fringe? “It is a derivative of the butterfly fringe,” explains Quique Sanchez, creative director at Espacio Q salon in Madrid. “It’s essentially a grown-out fringe that is softly layered, which sweetens the face thanks to its length at cheekbone or chin level.”
Beyond being an easy way to shift your vibe without making a full-out switch, Sanchez says the extra-long fringe is also a great option for those who want to maintain their hair’s length. “It has the advantage of being very easy to maintain, manageable, easy to comb and very comfortable—quite uncommon features for a fringe—as it can be gathered and also combed to either side or parted in the middle,” he notes.
But just in case you need another reason to give these face-framing layers a try, Sanchez also says that it’s a great look for those who want to add youthful movement: “Extra-long bangs avoid the block effect of longer hair; they break up the symmetry at the front. On the other hand, since it is a full fringe, you can give it a bit of light with touches of color and thus not only frame the face even more, but also soften and rejuvenate its features.” In other words, you may want to bring Johansson’s photo to your next hair appointment for reference.
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