Fringe (hair)

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A fringe.

A fringe (or bangs in the U.S. and Canada) is the front part of the hair cut to hang or curl over the forehead.

In hairstyling, it can be swept to the side, similar to the side part, except that it does not cover the eyes.

[edit] Origin of the term

The North American term "bang" or "bangs" is thought to come from the use of the word "bang" to connote something sudden or abrupt, and the idea that the hair over the forehead comes to an abrupt end after just a few inches.^[1]^[2] The British term "fringe" simply refers to the resemblence of the short row of hair to ornamental fringe trim.

[edit] Popular culture

Hairstyles that feature bangs go in and out of fashion as frequently as other hairstyles, and can be worn in any number of styles. In the late 1980's and early 1990's, poofy, curly, teased bangs were in fashion, a trend which would later become the butt of many jokes. In 2006, long, "sideswept", or messy bangs are very popular.

An unspecified female with this hairstyle is the subject of a They Might Be Giants song entitled Bangs.