Recreate Jodie Comer’s ‘French girl fringe’ with these easy tips
Jodie Comer is one of four remarkable talents gracing the Harper’s Bazaar December 2021 covers, which celebrate our extraordinary Women of the Year.
For the exclusive shoot, Comer debuted a chic new fringe, cut by celebrity hairstylist Patrick Wilson on set.
With a length just skimming the eyebrows, “it’s very much the French girl fringe,” he explains.
Key to the cut (as with most aspects of the ever-celebrated French aesthetic) is its effortless-looking finish. “I like to use a razor as you don’t want any bluntness to the fringe,” Wilson says. “It’s got to look soft and textured.”
If you're tempted to try sweeping bangs like Comer’s you can do so with baby steps, Wilson suggests. “Remember, you can always go shorter; start off a bit longer and then take it up a bit after a while.”
For the shoot he styled the actress’ hair in a ponytail with beehive height. “The inspiration for the hair was very much taken from the Sixties,” he explains, “Brigitte Bardot being the main point of reference for me”.
After cutting the fringe he blow-dried her hair using a round brush “to give a curve and bend to the ends”. He then used a tong “to add a little bit of wave to the longer tendrils”. For added texture he spritzed her hair with Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray and used his fingers “to manipulate the shape”. Wilson calls this “‘the pinch’ – which, he says, "every girl with bangs should know!”
The ultimate ‘French girl fringe’ tips
Indeed, ‘the pinch’ is a trick used by many celebrity stylists. To try it, immediately after the use of a hairspray or texturising spray, pinch the hair at your parting together and let it set a bit before removing your grip. It creates lift at the root and closes in your hairline to frame the face in a flattering way. (The product ensures it stays like that.)
But before that finishing touch, Wilson has another tip for A-list worthy bangs.
“Nobody likes a flat fringe; you want the style to have body which lasts throughout the day,” he says. For this, try prepping your damp hair with some Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray, “then comb the hair forwards and blow-dry with a round brush moving it from side to side, adding a curve to the fringe”. Wilson always use the medium setting on his Ghd Helios hairdryer, “to make sure I have full control”.
Whether worn up for a full retro nod, or down with a 'too cool to care' air, this look has timeless sex-kitten appeal. From Bardot to Comer, we'll never tire of it.
Jodie Comer stars on one of our limited-edition December issue covers, available nationwide now.
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