We’ve all been there. You’re bored and tired of your standard middle part and long layers, so you scour the Internet looking for some hair inspiration for your next cut before an idea strikes: you should go back to having a fringe.

You try to justify the decision to yourself…it will be different this time, you’ll style it every day and go back to the hairdresser for regular trims to maintain the cut. And while some of you may do just that, the majority are more than likely to let the fringe get the better of them.

So, to avoid the telltale signs of a neglected fringe and to find out the solutions to nine of the biggest fringe problems, we reached out to two leading hairstylists, Anthony Nader from RAW in Sydney and Lisa Farrall, Brand Ambassador for Fudge Professional, to get their expert opinion on the tricky hairstyle.

#1 / You keep getting forehead pimples

If there’s one thing that is synonymous with a fringe, it’s the increased chance of developing pimples on your forehead. If you have skin that’s prone to breakouts, Nader recommends steering clear of a “heavy fringe as your pores on your forehead won’t be able to breathe as easily as say, a light wispy fringe.” He continues: “The rule you should stand by is the more your forehead is hair strand free, the less problems you will have with your skin.”

#2 / You're spending too long getting ready

The reason why many people opt not to have a fringe is because of the additional styling that’s required when getting ready each morning. To ensure your fringe is as low maintenance as possible, Nader suggests discussing your morning routine with your hairdresser so the two of you can customise your fringe and find the best option for your hair type and lifestyle.

Additionally, Farrall recommends using “a comb in the morning to blast your fringe forward with a hairdryer. Even if the rest of your hair isn’t completely dry, the fact that your fringe is finished will give you a lot more forgiveness in the mirror.”

#3 / You don't know which tools and products to use

In addition to a comb, Nader says, “you only want to use one brush, which would be a medium size round barrel with loads of bristles, as this keeps your fringe polished for longer.”

Nader also suggests seeking out a hairdryer with a thin nozzle attachment: “this is key for keeping your fringe looking runway ready as it gives that perfect finish and also keeps its shape for longer.”

Product wise, foam or sea salt sprays work best to “dirty up your fringe,” shares Nader. “As crazy as this sounds, doing this to your fringe will give it more substance and ensure the style lasts longer, rather than no product where it might feel too clean or soft.”

We love ghd Cermaic Vented Radial Brush size 4, Dyson Supersonic™ Hairdryer and Toni & Guy Sea Salt Texturising Spray.

#4 / You don't know how to maintain your fringe

There isn’t much you can do to avoid constant trips to the hairdresser if you want to keep your fringe nicely shaped and in good condition. Nader says you should be having your fringe snipped every three to four weeks however, Farrall mentioned, “Most reputable salons will offer you a free fringe trim in between your six to eight week cut, so make sure you take them up on this offer.”

#5 / You're afraid of the commitment

If you want a fringe but are afraid of the hair commitment, Nader suggests opting for “a fringe length that always has a soft nibbled out appearance rather than a solid blunt edge.” As a rule of thumb, he also recommends a fringe length that sits “just below the eyebrows and curve lower around the temple area as this complements any face structure the most.”

#6 / You don't know how to hide it

If you’re looking to go back to your days when you didn’t have a fringe (just for the day), or simply need it out of the way while exercising, “you can’t go past the ever classic wide black elastic headband,” says Nader. Alternatively, you can integrate your fringe with the rest of your hair at the crown of your head and tie it back into a braid or plait.

#7 / You're not sure how to style it

“The most common mistake I see people making is blow-drying their fringe with a round brush straight from the root. This creates a massive lift at the root and unless you’re going to an ‘80s party, it isn’t a good look. Instead, comb the hair flat and blow-dry in the direction you want it to fall, then using a round brush you can smooth the ends, if needed,” explained Farrall.

Additionally, for those who have a cowlick, Nader suggests avoiding a fringe altogether unless you’re willing “to blow-dry your fringe daily to control where and how it sits.”

#8 / You want to grow it out

There will inevitably come a time when you’ve had enough of your fringe and you’re looking to grow it out. When this happens, Nader says the best way to style your fringe is by sweeping it to one side. “This is by far the best way to keep your appearance looking groomed and polished 24/7.”

#9 / You don't like the cut

As Chloe Morello recently discovered, we’re all at risk of experiencing a haircut disaster at one time or another. If this happens to you while getting a fringe, Nader’s number one piece of advice is to “tell them then and there and work out a solution before you leave the chair.”

Are you keen to get a chop? If so, here’s how to pick the best fringe for you face shape.

Have you had a fringe disaster? Share your experience with us in the comments below.

Image credit: @kristiness