We've all probably had at least one fringe disaster in our past, but that's no reason to be put off for life. When done right, fringes can accentuate your features, make your hair look healthier, and update your style. So what do you need to think about to ensure that your fringe looks flawless? Our Creative Director, Kieron Fowles, gives us his expert advice.
"Will a fringe suit me?"
Firstly, the question of whether a fringe will suit you is almost always yes - it's just a case of making sure you opt for the right fringe for you. Not every face shape is going to suit a thick, full fringe, just as not everyone can pull off this season's must-have micro.
When going for the chop, your stylist will consider factors including your face shape, as well as your hair type. For example, round faces can suit a longer, side-swept fringe to help elongate the face, whereas full, heavy fringes will best suit women with square faces. Similarly, if you have thick hair then you'll suit a fringe with lots of texture; fine-haired girls will benefit more from a solid cut.
What to Ask For: The Universal Fringe
One fringe style that is guaranteed to work for most people is a face-framing 'peekabo' fringe. These can be worked a number of ways to best suit your face shape, hair type and lifestyle. They can be cut shorter or longer depending on preference, and can also be as heavy or wispy as you like.
This type of fringe will also give you the most versatility when it comes to at-home styling. Whereas a heavy, full fringe demands care and attention each day, a loose peekabo can be a bit more ruffled and still look good.
2016's Bangs On Trend
If you want your fringe to be fashion-forward, then one of the key styles for AW16/17 is the glam rock fringe. This rock'n'roll inspired fringe is heavy and choppy, sitting low and with plenty of texture. The micro-fringe, is another must-have for the season, as seen on the Stella McCartney AW16 runways. It can be either simple and solid or textured - as long as it's high above the eyebrows, it's a winner.
Styling Your Fringe
One thing that often puts people off having a fringe cut in is the day-to-day styling. According to Kieron, the key to getting your bangs to sit right is to not over-dry straight after washing. Use your hairdryer on a medium heat and start drying the lowest layer of the fringe first. This will help to naturally build height and body into the fringe, without creating that bump that's so common if you go straight in with a rounded brush at the roots.
In regards to what products to use to style a fringe, this again depends a lot on your hair type. If you have fine hair, for example, then you might want to work some thickening products into your hair to stop your fringe looking too wispy. Sea salts and dry shampoos can be used to add tousled, lived-in texture.
Still unsure? Why not pop into your local Regis salon for a completely free consultation with one of our talented stylists? You can find your local Regis using our Salon Locator. For more expert hair advice, you can also sign up to our Newsletter.