While middle parts have taken centre stage for over a decade, side partings are back in the spotlight, and with that has come the resurgence of the side bang. Side swept bangs were everywhere in the early 2000s, seen on movie stars, singers, reality stars, and more. It’s not surprising they’ve made their way back to the forefront given how flattering they are for almost everyone. They’re also perfect for those considering a full bang, but not quite ready to make the commitment. Here are 6 2000s side bang looks we love, plus how to style them.
What Are 2000s Side Bangs?
2000s side bangs were seen on everyone from Hilary Duff to Britney Spears to Lindsay Lohan and Rhianna. In fact, there weren’t too many celebrities who weren’t flaunting side bangs during the Y2K era. Like most trends do, they trickled down into mainstream culture and pretty much all of us were wearing the thick, choppy, deeply swooped bang. Y2K bangs are longer than a classic fringe and typically start from a side part. They’re angled diagonally across the forehead, and are shorter on one side than they are on the other, which exposes one eye more than the other. They often dip just below the eyebrow of the longer side, giving a sultry vibe.
Are 2000s Side Bangs a Good Look for You?
- Face shape: The best suited face shapes for side bangs are round, oval and square, although anyone really can pull off this look. If you have a round face, long side-swept bangs can elongate your face and make it appear slimmer. If you have a square or more angular face, softer wispy side bangs can help soften your features.
- Forehead size: Side swept bangs typically work best for those with a longer forehead. If you have a really small forehead, a deep side fringe will likely fall into your eyes and may not be the most practical hairstyle.
- Your part: Side bangs are great for those who regularly part their hair to the side. While middle parts reigned supreme over the past decade, side parts are back in a big way. If you’re ready to hop on the side part trend, side swept bangs are the next natural step.
- Maintenance: Y2k bangs require regular heat styling. They’ll also need to be trimmed every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain the side swept look. However, they’re also a super easy fringe to grow out if you find they’re too much upkeep.
How to Style 2000s Side Bangs: 4 Tips
- Blow dry your fringe down and in the opposite direction to the side you’re going to sweep it to. Focus more on the roots than the bangs themselves while drying.
- You can then use a round brush to style and shape your bangs over to the other side. Start by drying down then over to the side. A blow dryer with an attachment is best as it focuses the air on a specific spot and will help you get the look you want. Make sure to use a heat protectant before going in with the blow dryer.
- To help maintain the side sweep, sleep with your bangs pinned to the opposite side. In the morning, unclip the pin and flip your hair to your preferred side. This will help your bangs stay in the direction you want them to fall.
- Use a velcro roller. If you want a more voluminous side bang look, place your bangs in a velcro roller and let them sit for 20 minutes. Once you take the roller out, you can sweep it over to the side and help it stay in place with a pinch of hair paste.
6 2000s Side Bangs Looks We Love
1. Classic Side Bang
Bella Hadid has been one of the celebs at the forefront of the modern side bang movement. These are some of the most classic side bangs we’ve seen, as they’re thick and totally Y2K. They look perfect with her medium length hair that sits just below the collarbone and we love how the ends are flipped out for an even more retro vibe.
2. Wispy Side Bangs
While Y2K side bangs were often thick and choppy, we love this modern take. A wispy side bang softens your features and can help contrast a sharper jawline. They’re similar to a traditional side bang with a more feathery quality that makes the entire look more gentle.
3. Side Bangs with a Bob
The bob haircut is effortlessly chic and we love how it’s paired here with a side part and side swept bang. The fringe falls below one eyebrow creating a sultry, alluring vibe. This is how to do a modern side bang in a fresh and trendy way.
4. Sophisticated Side Bang
Side swept bangs also work for a more sophisticated look. The wavy soft layers and side swept bangs work together to frame the face and the deep side part adds to the sleek and polished vibe. The side bang is gently curled to the side and sits right on the eyebrow so that it doesn’t dip down into the eye.
5. Top Knot with Side Bangs
Dua Lipa is another celeb who’s been rocking the modern side bang. Although we often see the bang transition seamlessly into the rest of the hair, we love it paired with a top knot. This really allows the bangs to shine and creates an elevated, cool girl look. We love that this side bang look isn’t too thick and is seamlessly swept to the side.
6. Wavy Side Bangs
Side bangs also look amazing when they’re a little more “out of control”. Featured here with a wolf cut, the side swept bang falls lower into the eye for a more laissez faire effect. It’s a bit more rugged and choppy but works really well with the overall look.
Side bangs are back. Here’s how to style them to perfection.
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