Heavy and deep or frilly and tussled-looking, give the fringe a chance to change your look (and your face) for good

Apr 25, 2008 07:27 GMT  ·  By

The fringe made a spectacular return on the trendiest hairstyles list last year - however, there were several months towards the end of the interval when we all thought the fringe craze was finally coming to a (quiet) end and would slowly die down. And then uber-style icon that is Kate Moss went and got herself a tousled, just-out-of-bed style fringe, with the instant result that the madness re-ignited almost overnight. Consequently, the fringe is one of the hottest hairstyle trends this year, and if you're considering getting one yourself, you've come to the right place for a small crash course in how to best choose a style that suits you.

The first thing you have to know is that the fringe-mania is mainly centered on three major types of fringes: the blunt-cut fringe, the Kate Moss hairdo and the pixie-style short fringe, with the mention that the third variety of fringe is basically borrowed form another one of this year's hot trends - the short cropped hair. However, we're all free to borrow, mix and match whatever suits us best. If you're looking for a safe choice, go with the fist one. The thick, blunt cut is achieved by bringing in hair from near either temple. A slightly more conservative, day-to-day option would be a softer, slightly jagged-cut fringe.

In any case, remember this: the length of the fringe makes all the difference, setting apart the Kate style and the regular blunt-cut: the Kate 'do means the fringe will not stop right above your eyebrows, but rather extend to a length that basically makes it hang in front of your eyes (check out the photos). Some people might find that annoying, but not Kate Moss - so you know the drill. If she can stand it...

The good news is that long fringes can be styled in many different ways, with or without a little help from your trusted friend, the round brush. Keep the fringe sleek, shiny and straight, or give it that tussled, just-woke-up-but-I-look-gorgeous feel by allowing it to fall naturally - and steer clear of the over-styled, over-worked look. Also, if you're going for the blunt, eyebrow-skimming fringe, make sure you get regular trims. Keep in mind that this season, the natural, home-styled look really works, but when it comes to fringe length, don't cut any corners.

Finally, another important point: not everyone can pull off a fringe, and by that I mean that a fringe doesn't suit every facial conformation. If you have an oval or heart-shaped face, rejoice - you can definitely book an appointment at the hairdresser's. The same goes for the girls with large foreheads - if cut correctly, a fringe can actually become you best friend forever, balancing your features and helping you achieve a trendy, edgy look. Round face or curly hair? Not so good news for you, I'm afraid: a fringe places a lot of emphasis on your jawline, and if you have a round face you really don't want that, so you might as well look for other options for the perfect hairstyle.

Photo Gallery (5 Images)

Keira Knighttley's fringe perfectly suits her facial conformation
Heidi Klum's fringe 'do looks great with her face and hair colorModel Irina Lazareanu for Chanel
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