Did she or didn't she? Every time a celebrity has been spotted with cowlick-free, '70s-inspired bangs, we immediately need to know whether it is the real deal or not.
Faux fringes have been a big hit on the red carpet this year, the ideal solution if you are not sure you want to take the plunge. Cue in Gigi and Bella Hadid, Ciara, Lily Collins, Kendall Jenner and Karlie Kloss, who have all sported commitment-free tapered bangs this year. Even actress Lea Michele wore clip-in bangs for months before actually going for the real deal.
![Kendall Jenner lead the faux-fringe charge last year, with a complimenting top-knot at the American Music Awards.](/web/20161206043745im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/2/l/i/f/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gt2e3u.png/1480936857427.jpg)
Many affordable beauty brands like Scunci and Lady Jayne do fun fake bangs you can just clip on. Just tease your roots a little and then clip the fringe in and run a straightener over for a smooth finish (if they are fake, check the packet for heat-style, otherwise you may melt the strands). To hold the look, finish with a touch of hairspray.
If you want a more professional look, go to a salon for a face-fitting trim, colour and fitting session. Great Lengths stocks human hair that has been ethically harvested and will give you a natural look.
![Gigi Hadid rocking her faux bangs at the 2016 MTV Music Awards.](/web/20161206043745im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/2/l/5/3/image.related.articleLeadNarrow.300x0.gt2e3u.png/1480936857427.jpg)
If you're brave enough for the chop (remember bangs take a while to grow out), it's good to do a bit of research before deciding what sort of fringe you want.
Fringe apps are the perfect way to experiment with what works for you – or if you are really unsure, talk to your hairdresser.
Fringe rules of thumb (feel free to break them)
1. For faces that are long and narrow, try a blunt fringe that scrapes in just below the brow line as this will make your face look a little fuller. Take notes from Alexa Chung, who has been doing this signature look for years.
Alexa Chung showcases the perfect brow-scraping fringe. Photo: Getty Images
2. If your face is round or square, go for a fringe that is long and feathery, but tapered on the sides to soften the effect.
Rhianna can do no wrong in the beauty stakes. Photo: Getty Images
3. For heart-shaped faces, like Emma Stone's, try a side-swept layered fringe to draw focus down onto the eyes. This is a good starter fringe because you can keep the length long if you don't want to commit any further.
Emma Stone's fringe is low on commitment but high on impact. Photo: Getty Images
4.And for oval-shaped faces, a fringe that falls between the brow and lash line with more length on the sides means you can wear it down or side swept with a centre or side part.
Taylor Swift mixes up the look of her fringe. Photo: Getty Images
5. Wearing a very short, blunt fringe is a bold look and tricky to pull off, especially if you have curly hair. Unless you're Rooney Mara, a slightly curved version works best, so wear it slightly longer at the temples than in the middle.
Rooney Mara showing how the short, blunt fringe is done. Photo: Getty Images
Fringe maintenance
Lock in a trim every six weeks. Lots of salons offer free fringe trims if you are a regular, and if you run over time the side-swept fringe is always on trend. For those who struggle with oily locks (like me), try washing your fringe only to get a day extra out of your blow dry.
Easy styling tips
For straight hair, blow-dry the fringe side to side with a paddle brush.
If hair is wavy, work against the grain by using a small round-barrel brush, and dry it in the opposite direction to the way it falls.
When a fringe is very short and blunt, blast it with your hairdryer while using your fingers to pull it down.