How to make this elegant style your signature
Dakota Johnson’s fringe has been a source of inspiration for bang converts and loyalists alike over the years, but it has never looked better than in Taylor Swift 's latest music video, “Patient Zero,” where she channels the singer with a refreshed beauty look.
The actress made an unexpected appearance in the latest chapter of Swift’s Life of a Showgirl: Encore era, showcasing a full, brow-brushing fringe complete with effortless “French hair” texture and a rich red lip. The two appear side by side throughout the video, further proving that this elegant style is flattering across multiple hair colors and face shapes.
A fluffy full fringe has been a signature style for Johnson since she first appeared on screen, though she has shifted between short, layered styles and longer lengths over the last decade. More recently, she has been leaning into darker hues and a cropped, midlength fringe that feels effortlessly on-trend for fall. If you’re seeking a look that feels a little more timeless and natural, her “Patient Zero” curtains sit just along the brow line, with subtle movement and shaping, making them a softer and less dramatic option.
“Fringes tend to shift with trends,” says hairdresser Eugene Smith from the John Frieda Salon. He explains that soft, effortless, low-commitment styles like curtain fringes and wispy bangs have gained popularity in recent years, which explains why even Johnson’s fuller style is finished with a breezy, parting shape.
“If your stylist doesn’t notice when you sit in the chair, be sure to make them aware of your different hair textures and quirks,” advises Smith. “Things like cowlicks, fine hair, or strong waves can all affect how a fringe sits. I also like to discuss their lifestyle, styling habits, and commitment. Fringes need regular trims, so I make sure clients are ready for the upkeep.”
Note: If your hair grows quickly, your fringe will likely need to be recut every three to four weeks. “Between salon visits, you can lightly blend the edges with a round brush and blow dryer, curling or bending under more than you normally would, to compensate for the overgrowth,” he says.
If you’d rather opt for a lower-maintenance style, go for a longer length with more of an A-line shape, as seen on Daisy Edgar-Jones during recent public appearances for Sense and Sensibility . Its soft style features the same wispy finish, with a subtler effect and a seamless grow-out.
How Kérastase Is Investing in Hair Longevity
The 10 Essential Haircare Products for Fine Hair
Penélope Cruz Debuts a “Bronze Blond” Color
Céline Dion’s “Drop Bun” Is Perfect for Fall
Your Expert Guide to Longer, Thicker Hair
Tie a Bandana Around Your Hair This Fall
The 14 Most Innovative Hair Products of 2026
Love It or Hate It, Crimped Hair Is Back
If You Love Briogeo, You’ll Also Love Soulstice
Baby Bangs Are Fall’s Most Polarizing Hair Trend
We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.
©2026 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.