Zoe Foster Friday 10 February 2012 12:14pm

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Nicole Richie.

How do I get that kind of fringe that sits down sexily over the face? It looks way better than my hair, which usually curls back or does nothing at all. – Belinda

Terrific question, Bel. I can’t recommend this style of fringe (or ‘front of hair’, more accurately, because you don’t need a fringe at all) enough, and not just because the Society of Forward-Styled Hair promised me 25c for each public vote of confidence I give it.

It is tremendously flattering, for one, and for two, is a splendid way of completely masking cowlicks and curls and baby hair and and other naughty things that can disrupt an otherwise delightful hairstyle.

Here’s what to do: (assuming the rest of your hair is styled and dry already, or is going to be pulled back):

1. Dampen the front section of your hair (‘fringe area’ and some of the side bits around it) Go back a bit further than you might normally, because more weight will help it sit flatter

2. Run some mousse through it, roots to tips (this is crucial to “re-set” the hair, keep hold and banish cowlicks and curls)

3. Find a small barrel brush and a hair dryer (they usually hide in bathroom drawers)

4. Blow dry the hair on medium heat and power down, straight over your face, several times to really tell that hair who’s boss (“you”)

5. Now take it to the strong left, again, going over it a few times

6. Now to the strong right, going over it several times

7. By now this ‘fringe area’ should be dry and obedient, so we’re going to start styling

8. Flick it back off your face and choose your part – centre, off-centre, deep side part

9. The hair should be sitting quite flat and silky and floppy and face-cover-ishy by now, so all you need to go gently coax it into final position with the same brush and your hair dryer on low-heat, low power. Take the brush and styling the hair in the exact fashion you need it to sit (for example, creating the “curtain” effect, where each half of the ‘fringe area’ slightly curves back to leave a gap in the middle, but remains very much across the whole forehead, ala K. Moss), but always ensuring the first 5cm or so of the hair is styled flat down over the forehead. THIS is what will keep it sexy and eye-covering-y

10. Lightly mist with a soft-hold hairspray to set.

It is one of the most flattering ways to treat the front of the hair, because it’s groomed and smooth, and accidentally-falling-over-the-face in a terribly sexy, peek-a-boo fashion. It’s highly versatile once you’ve mastered the art, (not to mention wonderful when you can’t be bothered styling the rest of your hair and wish to jam it back/up) and is the perfect front door for a ‘60s style beehive bun or pony, the ideal finish for glamorous, luxurious, ‘70s style centre part and the very essence of vintage style waves. Give it a go, why don’t you!

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Zoe is an author, columnist and porridge fan. She was beauty director of Cosmopolitan, Harper’s BAZAAR and PRIMPED and then collated all the best tips and tricks from her time in these roles for the beauty bible, Amazing Face. She is currently the dating columnist for Cosmopolitan magazine, although her best advice in this arena can probably be found in the dating and relationship guide, Textbook Romance , which she co-wrote with Hamish Blake. Zoe has published three novels, Air Kisses, Playing The Field and The Younger Man, and she rates them among the best novels ever written in the history of the written word. Find more info on her here, or supervise on her daily procrastination here and here.

Please understand that Zoë cannot respond to ALL your questions – but never fear, there are readers that are bound to know the answers, so don’t be afraid to ask.

Would you try a fringe like this? Do you already have a fringe?