Trimming your own Fringe, How to trim fringe

To trim your own fringe or not to trim your own fringe, that is the question. Unfortunately, I don't have a good answer. The hairdressers I know would suggest never cutting your own fringe. And I understand their position: everyday they are faced with fringes that are crazily listing, oddly snipped, or downright butchered - all created by clients who were attempting to save themselves a visit to the hairdresser.

But I'm a realist. If your fringe is in your eyes, you have no time to see a stylist, and you've go t an interview tomorrow that you need to look smart for, I know you are going to prune your own fringe. I have trimmed my own fringe and nothing bad happened to me or my hair, so here's my official stance: leave fringe thinning, thickening, layering, or shape-changing to the professionals, but if you need a small trim to tie you over until next appointmnet at the hairdressers, then follow the directions below very carefully. And remember, you are trimming your fringe, not altering its shape or thickness.

Steps for trimming fringe

1. Pull your hair off your face in a ponytail or headband. Comb only the hair you are trimming - your fringe - onto the forehead.

2. Search around for a pair of sharp scissors. A smallish pair with a sharp blade are best; new cuticle scissors are ideal. You don't want to use a pair of kitchen scissors that cut paper, cloth, and cardboard - these will be too dull to clip hair well.

3. Hair should be dry, dry hair is easier to work with and also makes it easier to gauge results. Starting at the centre, take a small section of hair - maybe 6mm wide and hold loosely between your left thumb and forefinger (left-handed people should reverse these directions). If you pull too hard you can remove too much length.

4. Snip away no more than 3mm , then continue, moving to the left. When you've reached the outer corner, return to the centre and move to the right.

5. Resist the urge to cut more.