While the eyes of the world were on Barack Obama at his inauguration ceremony, many spotted that his wife, Michelle, has chosen a fresh, new style for her hair. Lisa Haynes reveals how a fringe can give an instant lift

THE fringe is the latest style statement, with everyone from Kate Middleton to Michelle Obama and Taylor Swift going cutting edge. Jessica Biel and Zooey Deschanel have also put their hair focus on fringes. Then there’s Kim Kardashian, who can’t decide, and applies a temporary clip-in fringe to keep us all guessing.

“Fringes are a great way of updating a style without losing length and are a key fashion statement this season,” says Andrew Barton, celebrity hairdresser.

What’s more, the same cut can be worn swept to the side, centre-parted or bold and blunt, so that’s three styles for the price of one.

So chop, chop – this is the perfect time to refresh your hair.

TRIM TYPES

THE fringe comes in many guises, from bluntcut bold bangs to long sweeping peekaboo.

“The must-have cut of the season is a big, bold and beautiful fringe,” says Guy Cammarano, creative director of Regis Salons. “But the beauty of the fringe is that it is completely versatile and can suit different hair lengths, hair colours and even thickness of hair.”

If you’re feeling adventurous, go all-out with a full and heavy statement fringe. Fuller fringes make foreheads look smaller and the bottom of your face appear narrower – ideal for round or heart-shaped faces. An eye-skimming fringe will instantly transform a long face, making it appear miraculously shorter.

“The peekaboo fringe is a super-sexy look as it covers or completely falls over one eye, ideally in a long voluptuous wave,” says Guy.

“There’s nothing sexier than an eye-tickling fringe with a beautiful pair of eyes peeping through the hair.”

FLIGHTY FRINGE

A FRINGE isn’t for everyone, and if it feels like a scissor snip too far, there are tentative short cuts. Wear it long, like Kate Middleton, and switch between wearing it up or down.

“If the thought of going all Jessie J leaves you quivering, the side-swept fringe is an ideal alternative,” says Guy.

“It’s ideal for those with round faces who want some coverage on their forehead, but don’t want to create a full, blunt line. It also gives the versatility of not having to be worn every day.”

Guy recommends asking for a fringe cut with lots of layers to ensure movement and fluidity.

This long and layered look works especially well on those with curly or wavy hair.

If you’re not sure, try a clip-in one. Hershesons’ range of “winges” (wig fringes) are available in choppy Rock Chick or Sharp, £30 (hershesons.com).

CUT CONTROL

A PERFECTLY-behaved blow-dried fringe created at the hairdresser’s may not be quite so easy to manage at home.

Celebrity hairdresser Mark Hill has these top tips for do-it-yourself fringe maintenance: 􀁧 Use a large round brush, volumising spray and hairdryer to style your fringe. As your hair dries, rotate your brush to build in volume and movement.

  • When dry, spritz with heat protection spray and use straightening irons to ‘French polish’ your fringe – don’t pull hard, just gently glide the plates through your hair to keep the movement soft.
  • Hold your fringe in place by using hairspray, and always finish with a spritz of shine spray to add gloss and keep frizzy hair at bay.
  • Your fringe may need reviving between washes, so use a dry shampoo to eliminate dirt and grease and boost volume at the roots.
  • If you’re attempting to trim your fringe yourself, never go too short!

GUY CAMMARANO’S TOP TIP: “Before you take the plunge with a fringe, always talk it through with your hairdresser to ensure you get the style and shape best suited to you.”