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Going for fringe benefits
Helen Tither14/ 5/2008
AFTER years of poker straight partings, fringes have finally made a comeback in the world of hair fashion. Whether big, bold, and funky - or sexy sideways cuts, there's a style out there to suit everyone.
For some of us, just the idea of chopping a fringe into your hair brings back painful memories of school days and cutting your own. In a wonky line, of course. Or those big 1980s cuts that seemed to start at the back of your head and disgraced many a childhood photo album.
But worry not, Neil Atkinson, director of Mahogany hairdressing in Manchester, reckons fringes are no longer something to be frightened of.
"Fringes have been making a gradual comeback for a while now - but this season they have really taken off and are getting bolder than ever before," says Neil. "Now is a great time to get one cut in, they really work for summer from a practical point of view."
As for the cut, length, and texture of fringe you should go for, that all depends on your face shape and hair type. With some people suiting strong, bold cuts, while others should keep things subtle.
"Face shape"
"Mainly it comes down to face shape," explains Manchester-born Neil, who travelled the world as a creative hair director for major salons before setting up this new branch of Oxford-based Mahogany, a favourite haunt of model Erin O'Connor.
"The right fringe, cut slightly to the side, can balance out a wider face - while something too bold and big will only make it look wider.
"Also think about texture. You would have to be really careful with curly hair, for example, in order to get it right."
So, you've spotted the fringe for you - and you're about to hit the salon. Make sure you're ready for the maintenance, warns Neil.
"You do have to remember that fringes take a bit of upkeep to make sure they look good all the time," he says. "At our salon we offer free fringe trims to clients so that's something you should bear in mind wherever you choose."
Still undecided? We asked Neil and his team to work their magic to show how two different styles could suit you...
1: BIG AND BOLD
MODEL Caroline came into the salon with fine, shoulder length hair in a natural parting. By choosing a big and bold fringe, Neil hoped to add density to the hair, giving her a sexier, more sultry look. He says it's a perfect look for anyone with long or fine hair, with layers. The straight finish would suit longer and slimmer face shapes.
"This is an ideal look for anyone with longer layers in their hair," he says. "Caroline's hair was slightly on the fine side and needed to be made sexier and stronger. Adding a fringe like this really helps."
This kind of fringe is perfect for that Californian beach babe look favoured by the likes of Kimberley Stewart.
To get that sunkissed look, in-house colour specialist Gaynor added honey, toffee, beige, and creamy blonde highlights to lift the colour for spring.
And finally, fab fringes need expert finishing. Caroline's hair was tamed with Illuminating Hairspray from Alphaparf and straightened with GHD irons.
2: SOFT AND SEXY
THIS is the perfect look for anyone wanting to really accentuate structure in their face - making the most of eyes, cheekbones, and chin, and slimming down rounder or wider face shapes.
Before braving a fringe, model Maddie had let her hair grow out to a simple shoulder length cut. By cutting in a graduated bob, with a soft asymmetrical fringe, Neil really brought out her stunning features.
"With Maddie, a fringe really works cut to one side," he says. "Her hair looks sexier and full of movement."
Colour specialist Sophie decided to lighten Maddie's look for summer.
Adding rich blonde and brown colours to her naturally brown hair - using a "triangle" technique of applying colour underneath her parting so regrowth and roots won't show.
Finally, for maximum shine, it was finished off with Hang Straight and Volumising Tonic by Aveda and Colour Illuminating Crystals Serum by Alphaparf.
Hair: Mahogany, 3 Pall Mall, 55 King Street, Manchester. Tel: 0161 839 3772. Visit
mahoganyhair.co.uk
Make-up: Joe McDonagh and Anna Priadka for Bobbi Brown at Selfridges. Tel: 0161 838 0552
Pictures: Emma Williams and Paul Burrows
Models: Caroline Senior at Boss models and Maddie Cameron for Mahogany.
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