Short story: this season's new cut

But when Rooney Mara - the actress who plays Salander - stepped off set, removing Lisbeth's trademark piercings and well-worn leather in favour of some Prabal Gurung and Givenchy couture, she kept the character's micro-bob complete with what is fast becoming this season's hair trend - the extreme fringe.

Albeit smoothed and sleeked down, Mara's cheekbone-flaunting look secured her some serious fashion credentials, since the two-inch fringe was a staple of some of the biggest label spring/summer advertising campaigns.

From Saskia de Brauw's feathered fringe at MaxMara to Guinevere van Seenus's rolled bangs at Prada and Mariacarla Boscono's helmet hair for Yves Saint Laurent, a host of glossy brunette models mirrored Mara's now iconic do. The catwalk girls at John Galliano's new season show also embraced the ultra-short style with high, textured fringes
paired with loose buns and fishtail plaits.

While the extreme fringe may look like a terrifying chop, it doesn't have to be - especially if you follow the advice of a good stylist.

"It's a very strong style that has quite a European vibe mixed with punk rock," says Sarah Louise Okin, style director at Daniel Hersheson. "It can look fantastic if done well on the right person but disaster if not. A sharp, short fringe needs a strong colour - a red, platinum or black works best. A strong jawline, heart-shaped face or defined cheekbones will make it work, but try to steer clear of this look if you have a round or long face, or frizzy, curly hair."

For a softer take on the look, a choppy edge which rests just above the eyebrows is the most flattering, or to really stand out from the crowd, follow Dalston hipsters' lead with a curved fringe - where bangs either curve down at the sides like those of rock'n'roll offspring model Zoë Kravitz, or curve up for a Fifties style. Either way, complete the look with immaculately groomed eyebrows - a more wearable approach than Lisabeth's bleached-out brow. If you're scared of commitment, experiment with a clip in a wig fringe from the Daniel Hersheson range, or blow-dry a longer fringe under.

And if you're still worried about being stuck with just another flash-in-the-pan hair trend, don't worry - this one will soon grow out.