Thinking of a fringe? Don’t go the chop without reading this first

Fringes are always in, as they are so versatile and can frame just about any face shape. But what has changed over the years are the number of permutations. We love Dakota Johnson’s wearable choppy fringe, Taylor Russell’s micro crop, and of course, Daisy Edgar-Jones’s famous take. If you want to have a play before you commit, try a fringe switch (think Kendall Jenner). Styles to try out include the everlasting curtain fringe to softly frame your face, and heavy blunt fringes that are precise and balanced. But don’t try any of these at home – this is strictly hairstylist territory.

Hair supremo Sam McKnight sums up the power of the fringe best: “Long hair is still everywhere, but to keep it cool and modern consider a fringe, or some choppy layers to sit alongside your cheekbones. Take inspiration from ’70s rock-starlets Debbie Harry, Stevie Nicks and cool girl Jane Birkin’s brow-skimming bangs and Marianne Faithfull’s choppy cheekbone layers. This look is all about effortlessly cool texture and definition.”

Daisy Edgar-Jones’ fringe is high on many mood boards.Credit: Getty Images

Our favourite look now is a Jane Birkin-inspired version found on the autumn/winter Chloé runway. This full fringe is centre-parted and soft, with a touch of choppiness. To get the look, use a texture spray to create movement and to give it a lived-in texture. Try rubbing Tresemmé Protecting Heat Styling Spray ($19), through the hair, then use a flat iron to create subtle waves. You can also add volume with Fekkai Full-Blown Volume Spray ($58).

Side parts are also on trend, paired with a swooping fringe referencing the early 2000s. To get the full sweep, blow dry your fringe with a paddle brush, sweeping your hair back and forth across your forehead. Depending on your mood, you can also switch which side you have the part on. The finishing touch just requires a light spritz of hairspray.

Bold micro fringes (or baby bangs) were a highlight on the Miu Miu and Viktor & Rolf catwalks. If you decide to take the plunge, baby bangs can be worn blunt or wispy (see Cara Delevingne) and work with pixie cuts, long lean hair, bobs, lobs and up-dos. This micro version is a bold one, but the beauty of hair is that it grows. Style with a round brush and blow-dryer, or straightening iron and a touch of L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray ($8), for hold and shine.

For the curtain variety, singer Sabrina Carpenter is our muse, with her voluminous fringe that frames her face. Take a small round bristle brush and stretch the fringe out to blend in with the rest of your hair.

For a first-time fringe adopter, wispy bangs are the perfect blend of not too heavy and not too soft. The go-to product to keep fringes fixed is a lightweight hairspray like Oribe Superfine ($72), and if your fringe needs a volume boost during the day, try Batiste Original Dry Shampoo ($7), to reinvigorate flat hair.

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ASK STEPH

How do I keep my toenails healthy during winter?

Winter is a great time to remove your nail polish and give toenails a breather. Keep nails clipped short and apply a moisturiser with alpha hydroxy acids to your nails and feet before you hop into bed. Try CeraVe SA Renewing Foot Cream ($13).

Send questions via Instagram, @mrssdarling.

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