Fringe Benefits: Jessica Biel Gets More Bang for Her Buck

Thu, 16 August 2012 8:44AM

I know what you’re thinking: That Emily Taylor is obsessed with fringes. Will she not shut up about bangs and talk about something much more important, like Miley’s new crop or Kate Moss’s ah-mazing hair at the Closing Ceremony?

It’s true. I have become a little, ah, fixated. So I solemnly promise that this is the last time I shall talk about blunt fringes on this forum (*crosses Chanel Sky Line-painted fingers innocently behind back*). But, oh my goodness, look at Jessica Biel:

What a shining example. Without that fringe, her hair would just be, well, long. But with? It’s a strong style that’s fresh and fun. I instantly felt the need to workshop her look, as you do, so I put in a call to New York-based stylist extraordinaire, Anthony Nader. He loves a chinwag about new ‘dos.

“A blunt fringe is always a bold statement of confidence and strength, and its reinvention is making huge waves in international fashion campaigns.” he said. I agreed, natch. But then he added a word of warning: “Not everyone can pull the look off – a well proportioned bone structure is a must, while oval shaped faces are perfect for this.” No wonder it looks so good on La Biel. “Remember that the downside to a solid fringe is that it’s difficult to change up your look as much, while growing it out can also be challenging.”

You’re not wrong there, Anthony. Which is actually one of the main reasons I’m loving what Jess is working right now. Because she knows how to conceal said fringe in a sassy way that’s less bobby-pin-on-top-of-head and more red carpet glamour. I know which I’d prefer. Case in point: the sneakily sexy sweep …

Nicely done. “This low, sweeping look adds a softer feel and highlights Jessica’s facial features while “opening up” her face,” is why Anthony loves it. Want to try? “Swing your fringe off to one side in the direction that it wants to ride,” he says, adding, that this styling technique makes the growing-out phase much less painful. You will, however, need some strong hold hair lacquer to keep your part sharp and those strands in place. Try Kevin.Murphy Anti.Gravity.Spray, $34.95, 1800 104 204, for when you mean business.

Still not convinced JB is the bang master of 2012? Allow me to present article number three: the soft and tousled updo …

Coming over all romantic in Berlin this week, Jessica demonstrates that a fringe-less French roll is still possible, even with a fringe. If you keep your hair textured – which, let’s be honest, is more modern anyway – and use a little workable hairspray, like L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Normal Strength, from $4.95, Priceline, it’s simple to disguise bangs in style. “No one will ever know that you’re trying to hide that slow growing fringe, and by next season, you’ll have softer, longer pieces framing your face,” concludes Anthony. Don’t mind if I do.

So, tell me, Primpers, which one of Jess’s recent looks do you like best?

And do you have any tips for concealing a fringe you wish you’d never cut?

Until next week,

Emily x

Posted by: Emily Taylor

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Tags: anthony nader, fringe, hair, hairspray, how to, jessica biel, jessica biel fringe, kevin murphy, l'oreal youth code