Hair how to: the sweeping fringe

Ruth Crilly models her catwalk-inspired sweeping fringe Photo: Soulla Petrou

The marvellous thing about a long, sweeping fringe is that it can be entirely faked. On the spring/ summer 2013 runways many of the fringes had been fashioned from side-parted hair, brought slightly forward so that it crossed just above the eyes and carefully pinned behind the ear.

For those not wanting to make the, frankly terrifying, commitment to proper, no-going-back bangs, this style is ideal.

How to create the undone blow-dry

To fake a sweeping fringe, it's essential that enough hair is used - a single wisp will not suffice. The "comb-over" effect must be avoided at all costs; there should be enough hair brought forward to avoid sparse patches and mean, stringy separation.

Whether the lengths of the hair are left long, as seen at Topshop Unique, or pulled back like at Chloé, the general rule is that an extreme side parting will create the foundations necessary for this look.

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Preparation for the sweeping fringe is simple; a nourishing leave-in conditioner will give just enough shine to make the hair healthy-looking without weighing it down. Although a full blow-dry is not necessary, it is advisable to smooth out the sections on the top and front. It will also get rid of any kinks and add volume. Drying the hair in the direction of the fringe, over and forward, will also help the style to hold for longer (make sure to use a heat protector spray first).

Step 1: part your hair at the side, just above the ear

To create the fringe the hair is parted to the side, almost above the ear and the hair pulled over to the opposite side, securing the front section with a hair grip. The lengths can then be secured in a low ponytail or messy bun, whichever takes your fancy.

Step 2: secure the lengths in a low ponytail

Much of the creation will be down to arrangement with your fingers - pulling and teasing at the front section of hair to achieve the desired effect. The fringe should just kiss the eyebrow and sweep down to the ear - any lower and it'll be irritating.

Step 3: pull and tease your hair to achieve the desired effect

It's also important to get the angle of the sweep just so; you don't want a full forehead of hair but equally you need enough hair to make it look stylish and deliberate.

When you're happy with your faux-fringe, you can spritz with hairspray to fix it in place. But if you blow-dried it over and forwards to begin with, it should hold pretty well on its own.

All attention will be drawn to your eyes with this style, so if you've always wanted to wear bold eyeshadow or coloured mascara, this is your chance. A sultry Sixties look works particularly well.