Side-swept bangs, also known as side bangs, involve cutting the front section of hair shorter than the rest and sweeping it to one side of the face. They are angled diagonally across the forehead, following the natural curve of the hairline, and can vary in length to flatter different face shapes.
Side bangs first gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, characterized by long and straight bangs to complement mod and hippie styles.
In the ’80s, they took on more wave or curl to match the voluminous hairstyles of the time, while the ’90s saw them blending seamlessly with layered or textured haircuts, epitomized by the iconic ‘Rachel’ haircut from Friends.
Moving into the 2000s and 2010s, people began personalizing side-swept bangs to suit their individual styles, appearing in various lengths, textures, and hairstyles, from pixie cuts to long layered looks.
Present-day styling of side-swept bangs remains similar, focusing on customization to complement your chosen hairstyle seamlessly. Recent celebrity sightings, such as Selena Gomez and Megan Thee Stallion sporting side bangs with their glamorous looks, highlight the timeless appeal of this hairstyle.
Additionally, icons like Beyoncé, Lindsay Lohan, and Rihanna have all rocked side-swept bangs during the peak of millennial pop culture.
Below are nine side-swept bang hairstyles suitable for all hair lengths and cuts, offering inspiration for your next salon visit. Whether you’re aiming for a retro vibe or a modern twist, the choice is yours.
Sleek Bob With Side Bangs
The chic bob hairstyle is gaining momentum, offering a timeless yet modern look. When paired with side-swept bangs, it adds a touch of movement and exudes sophistication.
Bold Pixie Cut with Side Bangs
Looking to spice up your pixie cut? Incorporating side-swept bangs is a guaranteed way to achieve a more daring and edgy look.
Dramatic Side-Swept Bangs
Craving a touch of flair? Look no further than Rowan Blanchard’s deep side-swept hairstyle, crafted by celebrity hairstylist Sylvia Wheeler. With her fringe sweeping across her forehead, Blanchard achieves a timeless yet attention-grabbing look.
Whisked-Away Side Bangs
For an added touch of glamour, consider incorporating accessories like pins or headbands. Take cues from celebrity hairstylist Laura Polko, who adorned Sydney Sweeney’s hair with a Prada hairpin.
According to Tavakoli, the key to this look is to focus on styling the bangs first, blow-drying them with a round brush, and then securing them with a styling clip to maintain their placement while finishing the rest of the hair.
Elegant Top Knot With Side Bangs
Celebrity hairstylist Larry Sims elevated Gabrielle Union‘s sophisticated top knot by pairing it with side-swept bangs. To add more dimension, he styled a long, straight strand of hair extending from the bun and sweeping it over the side, landing just above her shoulder.
Tiny Bangs
Ready to take a bold leap like Zoë Kravitz? Her iconic micro bangs, expertly styled by hairstylist Nikki Nelms, make a striking statement. Nelms showcased the actress’s bangs prominently while elegantly securing the rest of her hair into a sleek bun.
Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs, a popular trend on social media, offer a stylish variation of side-swept bangs. Parted in the middle and swept to the sides, they create a flattering “curtain” effect that frames the face.
Layered Long Hair
Side bangs are not just for short hairstyles. They beautifully complement long layered hair, seamlessly enhancing the overall style.
Textured Shag With Side Bangs
Imagine a mix between a shag cut and a wolf cut. That’s the result that comes from giving your shag choppy side-swept bangs, adding a trendy flair to the style.
Photo: Instagram.com/tramsue
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Esther Ejoh is a Fashion Editor at Fashion Police Nigeria, where she writes all things fashion, beauty, and celebrity style, with a sharp eye and an even sharper pen. She’s the girl who’ll break down a Met Gala look one minute, rave about a Nigerian beauty brand the next, and still find time to binge a movie or get lost in a novel. Style, storytelling, and self-care? That’s her holy trinity.
