Have you ever looked at a celebrity's perfect fringe and felt the overwhelming urge to grab the scissors? You're not alone. Beauty expert Sali Hughes has confessed to nearly making the same mistake, saved only by a clever and reversible alternative: the clip-in fringe.
The Allure and Peril of the Fringe
In a recent column, Hughes admitted to being repeatedly tempted by the fringe, despite photographic evidence of past attempts proving, in her own words, "bloody awful." The final straw was seeing a photograph of Demi Moore sporting a chic, scruffy fringe. The look sparked an immediate impulse to message her hairdresser, Hadley Yates, for a drastic chop.
Fortunately, Yates intervened with a smarter solution. Instead of cutting, he had his colourist bleach one of his salon's clip-in fringes to match Hughes's hair colour. Priced at £35, this temporary fix allowed her to test the style without any commitment.
Why Clip-Ins Are a Game-Changer
Hughes was initially sceptical about how easy clip-in fringes are to use, but she became a convert. The process requires minimal skill: simply style your hair as normal, place the fringe where you want it, and snap the clips into place.
These fringes, made from ethically sourced natural hair, offer remarkable versatility. They come in six shades, can be washed, styled with heat tools, and even taken to colour appointments for a perfect match. Hughes finds them a perfect solution for low-effort days, adding intentional style to a simple ponytail.
Expert Advice for the Permanent Chop
For those determined to take the permanent plunge, Hughes sought advice from top stylist Luke Hersheson of Hershesons to minimise future regret. His key recommendation is to avoid harsh, graphic fringes that cut too far into the temples.
Instead, opt for a softer, curtain-style fringe. This style sits just above the eyebrows in the centre and graduates to be longer at the temples, a look famously worn by icons like Brigitte Bardot, Jane Birkin, and Rihanna. This versatile cut blends seamlessly as it grows out, giving you three to four months of good wear before needing a trim or a style decision.
The overarching message is clear: whether through a temporary clip-in or a carefully considered cut, there are ways to explore the fringe trend without the tears. Sometimes, the smartest style move is the one you can take off at the end of the day.
