How many times have you looked at a photo of a celebrity with a perfect fringe and felt the overwhelming urge to grab the scissors? Beauty journalist Sali Hughes knows this feeling all too well, and she has a simple piece of advice that could save you from tears: try a clip-in version first.
The Allure and Peril of the Fringe
Hughes confesses to a long, complicated history with fringes, often looking back at old photos and wondering what she was thinking. The temptation, however, never fully fades. This was proven recently when she saw a photograph of Demi Moore sporting "yard-long black hair and a short, scruffy fringe." The look was so compelling that Hughes immediately messaged her hairdresser, Hadley Yates, asking for the chop.
Fortunately, Yates intervened. Instead of cutting, he suggested a clever alternative: he had his colourist bleach one of his £35 clip-in fringes to match Hughes's hair colour. The result was a revelation.
The Clip-In Fringe Solution
Hughes admits she was sceptical about how easy clip-in fringes are to use, but she was quickly converted. Next to no skill is required. The method is simple: style your hair as normal, place the fringe where you want it, and snap the clips into place.
The fringes, available in six shades, are made from ethically sourced natural hair. This means they can be washed, styled with heated tools, and even taken to colour appointments for a perfect shade match. Hughes finds hers invaluable for lazy days when her hair is in a ponytail, as it "adds interest and makes the whole thing look more intentional."
Expert Advice for Taking the Plunge
If the temptation for real scissors is irresistible, there are ways to minimise potential regret. Hughes turns to Luke Hersheson of Hershesons, whom she calls "the best cutter in the business."
Hersheson's key advice is to avoid harsh, graphic fringes that cut too far into the temples. Instead, he recommends opting for a softer, curtain-like bang. This style sits just above the eyebrow in the centre and graduates to be longer at the temples, a look famously worn by icons like Brigitte Bardot, Jane Birkin, Rihanna, and Goldie Hawn.
This more forgiving cut will look good for three to four months and grows out seamlessly into your overall style, giving you time to decide if you want to commit to the fringe life permanently.
So, before you make an appointment for a dramatic change, consider the clip-in test. It might just be the sanity check your hairstyle needs.
