The Secret to Dakota Johnson's Effortless Fringe Bangs

Elle

22-05-2025

Easy, effortless, and near inimitable are all adjectives that aptly describe Dakota Johnson's laissez-faire style. Much like her fashion prowess, her hair—and notably her fringe—have come to hold the same style cachet and cult status among fans of the star.
Whether she's gracing the streets of New York City in a pair of denim jeans, Celine sunglasses, and an easy updo; stepping out onto the red carpet in a Kate Young-styled Luis Estévez gown; or descending on Milan Fashion Week, her trademark bangs are always center stage.
More recently, Johnson has been switching up her signature hairstyle, leaning into a more vintage-inspired '60s aesthetic, or trialling wispy curtain bangs and even a fuller, heavier fringe. 'Dakota Johnson's hairstyle varies slightly season to season, but her fringe is always her trademark and most prominent look,' Joel Goncalves, senior stylist at Nicola Clarke salon, says.
Her latest iteration sees a shorter fringe cut above the brow. 'It's cut shorter at the middle and slightly curves into the temple area blending into the layers. Her new fringe is more '70s as opposed to her usual '60s-inspired fringe,' he adds.
One thing always prevails though, and that's a soft fringe that looks impossibly effortless in every circumstance. Yet, as anyone who's ever fallen victim to the seemingly facile nature of a fringe will know, achieving such enduring ease isn't always quite as straightforward; it can take endless Pinterest scouring, weekly blowdries, and a hefty handful of hot brushes.
Of course, Johnson has styling her fringe down to a fine art. But before you take the kitchen scissors to your own grown-out bangs, hear this: recreating a vintage-looking full fringe such as this requires the help of a pro.
'The best advice always is to speak to a hairdresser you trust,' Goncalves says. 'It's easier to explain with imagery so create a Dakota mood board to communicate what your ideas are.' You'll want to ask for a soft full fringe with longer layers to frame the face if you're wanting to replicate Johnson's current fringe. The heavier fringe will emphasize your bone structure as it creates more shape, according to Goncalves.
As he puts it: 'Her fringe works so well because she has a heart-shaped face wider at the top and narrower at the bottom with high cheekbones.' If that's you too, this fringe is going to be a surefire success. If you're hesitant to try a full fringe, try a longer iteration first before taking the plunge.
Though it might look like Johnson simply gets out of bed with her perfectly-placed fringe, the reality is that there are a few clever hair tools at play.
And if you are wanting to emulate her full fringe, Goncalves says you should equip yourself with the right hair tools. 'A great hairdryer with a nozzle (the nozzle directs the airflow making sure the hair stays straight); a medium-sized round brush (don't make the brush too small as this puts too much bend on the hair); GHD or Michael Douglas straighteners (both work really well on hair that has movement or is frizzy).' Find a straightener with bevel edges, he says, which are perfect for fringes as they make it easier to bend the fringe line without overstyling it.
'If you have a normal hairline, use a medium-sized round brush and roll the fringe under while directing the side edges into the layers,' he advises. 'If you have a cowlick, it's best to use a paddle brush and blow-dry the fringe flat from side to side making sure you work on the cowlick to flatten it. Once this is done you can use a medium-sized round brush or irons to flick the ends under.'
A final note: fringes are notoriously hard work. 'Be aware that fringes in general are high-maintenance and require a trim every 3–4 weeks,' Goncalves adds. Do your research first, create your moodboard and let Johnson serve as the ultimate hair muse if you decide to switch up your lengths this summer.
And if you're still struggling for ideas, allow Johnson's hair evolution to serve as your visual inspiration. From her vintage-inspired bangs from years gone by to her full fringe and extra-long lengths, as seen at Milan Fashion Week, these are her major hair moments over the years.