The Rise of 'The Claudia' and the Fake Fringe Revolution
Move over 'the Rachel' from the 90s, there's a new era-defining hairstyle in town: 'The Claudia'. This is the signature, glossy, inky-black block fringe famously worn by TV presenter Claudia Winkleman, which has become a cultural phenomenon in its own right. It has inspired countless memes, dedicated online forums debating its precise length, and even a fan account on X (formerly Twitter) that jokingly offers 'thoughts and opinions from the highest paid fringe on the BBC'. Comedian Alan Carr has gone so far as to label the fringe itself, not Winkleman, a national treasure.
Faking It: The Low-Commitment Route to a New Look
While Winkleman's Traitors-era style of chunky knits and fingerless gloves is easy to copy, achieving that perfect fringe has always required a serious commitment—until now. For those with a fringe fantasy but a fear of the scissors, the solution has arrived: clip-in fringes. A quick online search reveals a booming market for these commitment-free accessories, offering a temporary hair transformation.
London-based hairstylist and extensions specialist Hadley Yates, of Hadley Yates Studio in Covent Garden, recently launched his own range of high-quality fake fringes under his brand Curated. He explains their purpose: 'We created them so customers can experience what it is like to have a fringe without actually having a fringe.'
While synthetic versions can be found online for as little as £2, Yates's fringes are made from real human hair, sourced from ethically approved suppliers in India, and cost £35. The difference is significant. A synthetic fringe, made from plastic, can look overly shiny and become static. In contrast, a real hair fringe behaves like your own hair; it moves naturally in the wind and can even be styled with a hairdryer.
A Day in the Life of a Fake Fringe
So, what is it actually like to wear one? The process is surprisingly simple. The fringe sits on a lace base with a snap clip for security. At the salon, the toffee-coloured fringe was a close match, but Yates used a spritz of L'Oréal root touch-up spray to darken the base and perfectly blend it with the natural hair colour.
Unlike Winkleman's blunt, 'unapologetic' style, this clip-in version had a curtain bang shape, offering more versatility. It was placed halfway back on the natural parting to allow for length. The application took seconds: place it upside down and backwards, flip it over, and push down the clip.
The immediate effect was dramatic, reducing visibility with a titillating tickle of the eyelids—a sensation that took some getting used to over the next 24 hours. A quick trim in the salon improved the sightlines.
The reaction in the office was instant. Following the trend of 'trauma bangs' seen on TV, compliments often came with a concerned head tilt until it was revealed the fringe was fake. The response was overwhelmingly positive; everyone wanted to touch it, leading to a feeling of unprecedented popularity.
Practical lessons were quickly learned. Unlike a real fringe, there's no need for constant trimming or dry shampoo. However, headwear like a beanie can be problematic, requiring a quick re-comb afterwards. The simple solution? Just pop the fringe in your bag and put it back on when you're indoors.
This foray into the world of fake fringes proves that you can indeed test-drive a major style change. It offers the fun and fashion of a statement look, like Claudia Winkleman's, with absolutely none of the long-term commitment or regret.
