We’re always tempted by the face-lifting potential of a fringe, and Eva Longoria’s latest look might just be the encouragement we need. The actress, 51, just debuted an Audrey Hepburn-esque fringe that beautifully framed her eyes and put her cheekbones in the spotlight.
The Desperate Housewives star showed off her new look at this year’s Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles, with her hair swept up in a sleek updo that let her new fringe take centre stage.
With its delicate texture and gently separated strands, Eva’s fringe brought softness to her glamorous look. The face-sculpting effect was beautifully complemented by her form-fitting black gown, while her smokey eye makeup looked perfectly defined against the backdrop of her bangs.
The fringe framed Eva’s eyes and cheekbones
The hairstylist behind the look was Ken Paves, who shared a glimpse of Eva’s Academy Museum Gala look on Instagram. “My girl @evalongoria giving full glamour,” he captioned the post.
Eva’s face-sculpting fringe was complemented by her form-fitting dress
Why is Eva’s fringe so flattering on her?
The secret to Eva’s look lies in the texture and length of her fringe, says hairstylist Philipp Haug of Haug London Haus. ‘The choppy pieces and the length draw attention to Eva’s eyes and cheekbones, especially with the rest of the hair slicked back into the updo,’ he tells GH. It’s a lovely reminder that putting your hair up can give a fringe its moment, whether you’re dressing for an evening out or simply sweeping your lengths back for the day.
Before you run to the salon, think of Eva’s look as a starting point. ‘Fringes are only ever really flattering when they’re cut to suit the face shape and features,’ says Philipp. 'Eva has very petite features so the elfin finish of this fringe is easy to wear, and is reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn’s signature choppy fringe.'
The soft texture gives Hepburn-like glamour
Should I try this fringe myself?
The softer approach to a fringe is also a favourite of stylist Tom Smith. ‘Clients often joke that they are weighing up Botox against a fringe, and the fringe is certainly the more budget-friendly option, though I'd always steer people towards the right shape,’ he says.
For Tom, the key is considering how the fringe frames your face. “As we age, gravity tends to make the face look a little squarer, and a heavy, straight-across fringe can add another horizontal line that exaggerates that,” explains Tom. “Which is why I tend to recommend something softer and more sweeping that frames the eyes and cheekbones and lets a little of the forehead show through.”
Eva combined her new fringe with a swept-up style
What should I ask for at the salon?
If you’re tempted by a fringe but haven’t quite committed to the chop, a longer shape at the sides could be a good place to start. Philipp suggests keeping a few shorter pieces in the middle, then blending them into curtain bangs for a softer effect. Ask your hairdresser to help you find the length that draws attention to the features you love.
Taking a photograph to your appointment will help, too. ‘This is definitely a look that you should show a picture of when talking to your hairdresser,’ says Philipp. A clip-in fringe is another way to try the effect before making a change, or simply to add something different for a special occasion. Try Beauty Works x Huda Barely There Bangs Clip-In Mini Fringe, from £52.50 or Curated Hair Extensions Clip-In Fringes, £40. As Philipp points out, you can also position it further back on the head to create a fuller finish.
Does a fringe suit fine hair?
It can do, but you need to keep things like when your hair is finer. ‘A good rule of thumb with fringes is to work with your hair type; otherwise you’ll be fighting your fringe daily,’ says Philipp. He recommends an airy shape and a restrained approach to styling products, as too much can leave the hair looking flat. To style, Philipp advises using a small amount of OSIS Dust It Mattifying Volume Powder, £17, worked into the roots to create volume. For that softly separated finish, warm a tiny amount of OSIS Thrill Elastic Fiber Gum, £13.86, between your fingertips and pinch just the ends.
And there’s reassuring news for anyone who doesn’t want a demanding new hair routine: Tom says softer fringes grow out more forgivingly and offer more styling options. For those of us forever hovering between ‘shall I?’ and ‘shan’t I?’, that might be the most persuasive detail of all.