Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1498691
56 indie stylist Volume 4 Issue 1 HOW MUCH HAIR DO YOU HAVE TO WORK WITH? The next step is to decide how much hair will be added to the fringe. You can do this by looking at how open the client wants their forehead. Do they want more of their skin visible or do they want no skin visibility at all? You can open up the fringe toward the sides of the face and include a lot of hair or you can keep the fringe narrower and use the sides of the fringe to blend into the rest of the hair. The more open the fringe, the more the face will be exposed. For example, if I am working on a wider face shape, I will usually only open the fringe to a medium width. Then I'll use the last section to blend into the rest of the hair. IS THIS A STAND-ALONE FRINGE OR ARE YOU BLENDING? The fringe can be connected or disconnected from the rest of the cut. A curtain fringe is usually connected to the rest of the hair, creating a soft, gentle blend. While this has been a very popular style in recent years, we are now seeing the return of disconnected fringe, which gives a stronger, bolder look. The Wednesday Addams fringe is a great example of this style. It has a strong line and one small piece that creates a slight connection to the rest of the hair. In my classes, I call this the "Wednesday piece." When you think about it, there are really only three ways to cut hair—one length, layering, or graduation— and you have to keep them in mind when you are working on the bangs. These are the same techniques we use when we're cutting other styles, such as a bob, a layered cut, or a graduated shape. They create the same effect in those hairstyles as they do in that small section of the cut we call the fringe. So, if you want a heavy effect, keep your elevation low. On the other hand, if you want a light layered effect, raise the elevation. BANGS FOR YOUR BUCK Fringes can make or break your cut. With so many options, it's important to have a process for creating them. The key to success is to determine the look and feel your client wants with their fringe, what will be suitable for their face shape, and how you will technically execute the look. Bangs will come and go depending on current fashion and hair trends. It's up to us as stylists to keep up on what is happening and know how to create what clients want—because there is nothing better than seeing your client leave the salon, catch a glimpse of themselves in the window, and flash a confident smile! 1 2 3 2 3 Openness of fringe, where 1 is the narrowest and 3 is the widest.