Fringe Benefits

Since I had my fringe (bangs) cut back in, quite a few people have asked how to avoid getting forehead breakouts. My first tip comes from my mum who, when I first had my fringe cut in around age 17, told me to always pin the hair away my face and take my makeup off as soon as I got home. So I've been sporting either the Forever 21 headband or some kirby grips (below). You can also do this when you sleep, but my hair tends to adopt the position I pin it in, leaving me looking a little 'Something About Mary' when I wake up in the morning. (By the way, I picked up the little Kent comb from Boots and it is seriously handy to keep in your handbag if you have a fringe! It's really sturdy so you won't find it missing teeth after a week bouncing around against your keys.)

If your hair is like mine and only needs washing every couple of days, you may find a dry shampoo handy to prevent your fringe becoming stringy. Obviously it is best to keep the hair as clean as possible but, if I'm pushed for time or my hair has become a bit too clean, I love the Full Detox Rub-Out Dry Cleansing Spray by Ojon* to put some texture back in without leaving a powdery finish. It's also a good idea to avoid silicone based styling products (or at least avoid using them in the fringe region) to prevent skin congestion; I like Philip Kingsley Weatherproof Styling Froth (full review here) to prevent frizz without weighing the hair down. If you still have issues with build-up try using an anti-residue shampoo, such as Bumble and Bumble's Sunday Shampoo, once a week.

This is probably the most obvious tip but make sure you are thoroughly cleaning your skin, twice a day. Alongside this, day-to-day, I don't bother with makeup on my forehead (top marks for laziness, Meg) to reduce the potential gunk under my fringe and I also use a clay-based mask once a week. My current favourite is REN Invisible Pores Detox Mask which seems to draw out impurities and balance oil production. If you don't have these sort of issues anywhere else, try just using it across your forehead and temples and treat the rest of your face to a hydrating mask while you wait for it to dry. Be sure to moisturise well afterwards. I go on about it a lot, but Alpha H Liquid Gold (full review here) is perfect for refining skin and, in this case, clearing away dead skin cells that could combine with oils and impurities in the hair to clog the pores.

Finally, It's handy to have a little arsenal of spot fighters if you do feel a breakout is brewing. I'm currently using the Super Breakout Solution* (full review here) or Witch Blemish Stick*. I just apply a thin layer in the evening after cleansing and toning, either over my entire forehead or directly onto blemishes. Neither are miracle workers but they are both invisible and non-oily so perfect for use during the day too as a preventative measure. 

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*PR Samples