Did you know that having a fringe is an even more effective anti-ageing weapon than botox?
This common hair mistake is making you look older
“Choosing a fringe is a great way to disguise a high forehead and those ageing frown lines, and it can also make a long face look more uniform,” says celebrity hairdresser Richard Ward.
“Classic, slim oval faces carry off fringes the best but, ultimately, the style is great and affordable way to update your look, no matter what your hair length.”
When considering the style of your fringe, your face shape is key, and this includes your jawline, the length of your forehead and the width of your face.
“Blunt, heavy fringes can make a face look rounder or more square,” says Richard, “so let your hairdresser be a bit critical and persuade you to find the right fringe that works for you.”
Short and straight
“Wrap the hair around a round brush,” says A-list stylist Lee Stafford. “Aim the hairdryer down the hair shaft, but don’t move the hair too much as this will create unwanted body. Let the hair cool down before you take the brush out.”
Long and soft
“If you have a longer or side fringe, dry your hair to the opposite side of your face, then, with your hands, pull it back over to the way you want it to sit,” says Lee. “This will give your fringe nice movement and sleekness, and keep it more effortless and natural looking.”
Top tip: “Never exert too much tension on pulling the hair through the brush when drying,” says Kerastase ambassador Luke Hersheson, “as it will go too straight and ping forward. A fringe should just lightly hug the face.”
Full, blunt and straight across
“This is quite a striking look, especially if worn above the eyebrows,” says Luke Hersheson. “It tends to suit slimmer faces and looks brilliant on a heart-shaped or oval face, as it’s more graphic and severe.
This style needs trimming every two weeks. It isn’t the type of fringe you can style a million different ways either, so it suits naturally smooth, sleek hair.”
“A full fringe adds definition and sexiness: Jessica Biel and Kim Kardashian both rock this look effortlessly,” says Lee Stafford.
Long fringe
Often considered the first step to getting a short fringe: “A longer fringe on the middle part of the hair is my favourite,” says Luke. “It flatters everyone and can draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones.”
“If you are wary of committing to a short fringe, start by asking for a long, peekaboo fringe,” says hairdresser to the stars Richard Ward.
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Side-swept
“You’ve gotta love a side-swept fringe. It suits most face shapes and is more subtle and easy to maintain,” says Lee Stafford. “A sweeping style, as seen on Cameron Diaz, is the most flattering for a rounder, heart-shaped face. However, be careful if you have a low hairline or a small, round face, as it can become disproportionate and drown your features.”
“The trick is getting the fringe length right to suit you,” says Luke Hersheson. “If you have a round face, keep a fringe a little longer to flatter your cheeks, rather than shorter, which brings more attention to a heavier chin.” If your face is long, a shorter fringe can help balance out your features.
The most flexible type of fringe, the side-sweep can be styled in the centre or pushed back. It requires cutting every eight to 10 weeks.
Richard Ward says, “A soft, asymmetric sweeping fringe, as seen on Anne Hathaway, is ageless and softens your overall style beautifully.”
