Jessica Biel’s Flirty Side Fringe

Mon, 16 July 2012 1:21PM

Fringes. They’re an instant way to take your hair from lacklustre to luxe. They also give good shape. Face shape, that is. I mean, you only had to catch a glimpse of Katie Holmes on the cover of ELLE late last week, and what a polished, fine figure she cut with her heavy, blunt version.

But if that didn’t convince you to want to take the plunge, seeing Jessica Biel on the red carpet late last week at the ESPY awards with this stunning side-swept variation might just be what tips you over the edge …

I don’t know about you, but I love this fringe and hairstyle on Jess. It’s flirty, fun and sexy, and that hint of back-combing at the crown gives it that swinging ‘60s feel. It’s sleek yet playful and reminds me a little of Nicole Richie’s fabulous fringe. And while it’s still mid-Summer over in the US of A, full front fringes or this side-swept style are both perfect and on-trend for winter.

In fact, winter is possibly the best time to get a fringe. One, it’s a nice touch of added warmth for your chilly face (it’s a cardi for your hair!). Two, in the cold weather, it won’t risk turning into one hot sweaty mess – as bangs are prone to do in summer.

I chatted up with Barney Martin from Barney Martin Hairdressing, who gave us a little insight into styling this side-swept fringe, as well as what you need to think about when your hairstylist is cutting the style.

Will it suit me?

• According to Barney, the straighter your hair and the more prominent your forehead, the better. “If you have a little forehead, don’t have a big fringe, because it will just drown you in hair. This style is a good way for somebody who might not suit a fringe to try one without the full commitment, as it takes the edge off it, leaving a softer finish. If you have a rounder face or you have a lot of layers it can be a nice way to blend it in with the rest of your haircut.”

What should I ask for?

• “Ask a long fringe with versatility, which means you can wear it straight at the front, but it also allows you to sweep it over to the side without it looking too short. The last thing you want is to have it sitting halfway up your forehead.”

How should I blow-dry it?

• Skip the styling products on your fringe. Because your fringe is in constant contract with your skin, it will naturally become oily anyway. You can add a spritz of hairspray at the end just to hold it in place.
• The key when it comes to styling a side-swept front fringe is to minimise root lift and try and keep it flat to your forehead. Barney says to always style your fringe first before the rest of your hair, otherwise kinks might begin to set in. Begin by side-parting your fringe, secure it with a clip (tip: pop a tissue between clip and hair to prevent an imprint) and blast down the hairdryer at the roots on medium setting, drying it to the side. One more tip: if you have a troublesome hairline, one of Barney’s top editorial styling tricks is to back-comb the fringe in the direction you want the fringe to go and then spray with hairspray so it will hold, before smoothing the hair out.

How can I steal her ‘60s style?

• To recreate Jess’s ‘60s style ponytail, Barney says to blow-dry hair smooth and then, using a teasing comb, back-comb around the top of your head. Tie it back in a high ponytail, making sure to leave height in the crown.

What do you think Primpettes? Do you have this kind of fringe, or would you like to try it out?

Do you think it’s a softer variation on the full front fringe like Katie Holmes’s style, and therefore easier to wear?

What are your tips for blow-drying front fringes?

Hayley x

Posted by: Hayley Bennett

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Tags: bangs, barney martin, fringe, front fringe, hair, hair tips, how to, jessica biel, side fringe