The 70s had “the Fawcett.” In the 90s, it was all about “the Rachel.” But now there’s a new era-defining haircut: “The Claudia.” Yes, the glossy, inky-black block fringe that often covers the face of its owner, presenter Claudia Winkleman, has become a major trend both on and off TV screens.
This fringe has inspired memes, online forums dedicated to debating its length, and a fan account on X. Its bio reads, “Thoughts and opinions from the highest paid fringe on the BBC.” Comedian Alan Carr has called the fringe, not Winkleman herself, a national treasure.
While Winkleman’s signature style from “The Traitors,” including her chunky turtlenecks and fingerless gloves, is easy to copy, her fringe is a bit more challenging. It demands unwavering commitment, similar to what Joe Marler thought Nick Mohammed had in the latest Celebrity series—until now. It turns out that, like firm buttocks or perky breasts, you can fake it. A quick online search reveals a variety of clip-in fringes that require no long-term commitment.
For someone like me, who has long dreamed of having a fringe but whose only major hair change in the past thirty years has been growing it from collarbone to chest length, this is perfect.
“We created them so customers can experience what it’s like to have a fringe without actually cutting one,” says Hadley Yates, a London-based hairstylist and extensions specialist who recently launched his own line of fake fringes under his brand Curated.
While online retailers sell synthetic versions for as little as £2, Yates’s full fringes cost £35 and are made from real hair, which he sources from ethically approved suppliers in India. I quickly learn that the difference between a synthetic fringe and a real hair one is like comparing a cashmere sweater to a polyester knit. A synthetic fringe, made from plastic, looks overly shiny and can get static. In contrast, a fake fringe made from real hair behaves like natural hair—it moves in the wind and can be styled with a hairdryer. If this were an episode of “Is it Cake?”, Yates’s fringes would definitely not be chosen to be sliced.
The fringes come in six colors and are ready to wear. However, if you want something more customized, you can visit Yates’s salon or take it to your own hairdresser for trimming or coloring.
The fake fringe is attached to a lace base with hair hand-sewn into it, and it includes a snap clip to secure it to your real hair. The toffee shade matches my natural color, but the base is lighter than my parting. To fix this, Yates darkens it with a spray of L’Oréal root touch-up.
Winkleman’s fringe inspirations include Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and The Pretenders’ Chrissie Hynde. She believes a fringe shouldn’t be “apologetic.” Meanwhile, I want a fringe that feels chic and effortless, like Jane Birkin or Brigitte Bardot with a glass of red wine. With a fake version, you can have the best of both worlds. Instead of a blunt cut, the clip-in has a curtain bang style, so you can part it easily.
We decide to place it halfway back on my natural parting to give me enough length to work with. Putting it on takes seconds: place it upside down and backwards, then flip it over and press the clip down. Winkleman has described herself as “half-fringe,” and as I look in the mirror, I understand why—though I can’t see much at first. Yates trims my fringe a bit, and while it still brushes my eyelids, my visibility improves.
I head to the office. From Emily’s “trauma bangs”…From Emily’s “trauma bangs” in Emily in Paris to Esther’s “crisis bangs” in the latest season of Nobody Wants This, it’s clear that cutting bangs is never just about the hair. So when people compliment mine, they tilt their heads with concern until I admit they’re fake. It’s like having one of those tiny purse dogs—I’ve never felt so popular. Everyone wants to touch them.
I soon realize that, unlike Fight Club, everyone in the “Fringe Club” is eager to talk about bangs. But as a fake member, I don’t have to stress over dry shampoo or frequent trims. When the temperature drops, I face another fringe problem: hats. A hood works fine, but wearing a beanie means I have to fix my bangs afterward. It’s not a big deal, so I just tuck them away in my bag and put them back on indoors.
After twenty-four hours, I still can’t get used to the sensation of something hovering over my eyelids like a fruit fly. I keep blinking uncontrollably. Maybe it’s not blondes who have more fun—perhaps it’s people with bangs?
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful and natural FAQs about clipon fringes
FAQs ClipOn Fringes
Beginner Questions
1 What exactly is a clipon fringe
Its a section of hair usually with a bangsfringe style that has small clips sewn into it You simply clip it into your own hair at your hairline to instantly get bangs without cutting your hair
2 How do I put it on
Part your hair where you want the fringe to start tease the roots of the top section of your hair slightly for grip and then snap the clips securely into place hiding them under the top layer of your hair
3 Will it look fake
Not if you choose the right one Highquality human hair fringes that match your hair color and texture blend in seamlessly and look incredibly natural
4 Can I style it with heat
If its made from human hair yes You can use a blow dryer flat iron or curling iron to style it just like your own hair If its synthetic check the label as most cannot handle high heat
5 Is it comfortable to wear
Generally yes Once its clipped in securely youll forget its there It shouldnt pull or feel heavy if its properly attached
Benefits Lifestyle Impact
6 How can a clipon fringe transform my look
It instantly changes your face shape frames your eyes and can make you look more stylish or sophisticated Its a dramatic change without any permanent commitment
7 Why do people say it can make you feel more popular or confident
A new look can give you a major confidence boost When you feel good about how you look you often carry yourself differently which can make you more approachable and open to social interactions leading to that popular feeling
8 What are the main benefits over cutting real bangs
The biggest benefit is zero commitment You can have bangs for a day a party or a week and take them off whenever you want You also avoid the awkward growout phase
Common Problems Solutions
9 What if it doesnt match my hair color
Many brands offer a wide range of colors If its slightly off you can take it to a professional
