Flirt with a 'fringe'

[brijv]

Right from international red carpets and fashion ramps to our desi silver screen, beauties are taking to the fringe like a fish does to water. And why not? As hairstylist Sapna Bhawnani says, the fringe is the best way to change your look within minutes without having to chop off those tresses you’ve been desperately trying to grow.

This trend of the late 70s and early 80s, has a strong advocate in Bipasha Basu. The sexy actress has been sporting a fringe for quite a while now and, we must say, it perfectly suits her face. “A lot of young girls walk into the parlour and ask for the Bipasha look,” admits Sapna.

The young actress Genelia, who wears a fringe in her latest film Chance Pe Dance, also seems to have fallen in love with it, ‘coz of late the fringed look is what Genelia’s been seen wearing to a number of parties and red carpet events recently. Manzoor Khan, the man who styled her sexy look, says, “Genelia’s oval face makes the fringe a perfect choice for her. Also, it has worked to add a bit of softness to her face.”

Other actresses who’ve been seen in the fringed look of late are Kangna Ranaut, Koyna Mitra, Minissha Lamba and Koel Puri. Among the international faces popularising the fringe are troubled star Lindsay Lohan, singer Katy Perry and sexy mum of two, Nicole Richie.

You can choose from two variations of the fringe. There’s the side fringe, which runs down one side of the forehead, and the front fringe which is combed down and often brushes the eyes. “The side sweep comes down the cheekbone and suits a lot of people,” says celeb stylist Dilshad Pastakia who believes the fringe itself softens the face and brings out the eyes in women. “You have to be either old or very young to carry off a fringe,” adds Dilshad. “Also remember, it’s a problem to maintain a fringe, so don’t go in for it if your hair is curly and permed – that looks terrible. You need straight, textured hair. And the fringe suits women with oval faces, broad foreheads and nice, big eyes.”

Agreeing with her is hot stylist Baku Meherji who says that the fringe gives a young and fresh look. “It doesn’t suit very rounded faces,” says Baku, “but goes well with oval, slightly longish and sharp faces. Girls are coming in a lot for this look. But remember, a fringe is high maintenance, it needs to be trimmed often, because when the hair grows it starts troubling the eyes.”

And here’s a warning from all stylists. Like other fashion trends, ensure that the fringe will suit your face before you get one. “Check with your stylist if it suits you,” suggests Baku. Dilshad adds, “Unless you have a hairline that comes naturally down, don’t get a fringe.” While Manzoor advises, “Don’t just get it because everyone else has it.”