This Divisive Bang Trend Is Poised to Make a Comeback in 2023

Remember when side bangs reigned supreme? Throughout the mid to late 2000s, many millennials opted for a heavier side fringe (a la Reese Witherspoon’s now iconic ‘do at the 2007 Golden Globes). Though the look eventually fizzled out in favor of curtain bangs and center parts, it appears the pendulum is swinging back. As trendsetters like Beyoncé and Dua Lipa have shown us recently: The side bang is back, baby.

Given that we’ve been in a Y2K redux for the past couple of years, it makes sense that we’d make our way to the next era of the trend cycle: Indie Sleaze, which side bangs were a staple of (along with heavy eyeliner and emo music).

As Jennifer Korab, a hairstylist and owner of Renaissance Salon in New Jersey recently told us, “Side-swept bangs are going to be trending this winter and into 2023. Think voluminous ‘90s blowouts paired with early ‘00s side bangs.” If you decide to try the trend out, Korab recommends investing in root boosting products (i.e, a volumizing spray) to further enhance the style.

Cyclical nature of trends aside, side bangs are gaining popularity again for the same reasons they were popular before: They work on most hair types, they’re easily customizable and they’re less of a commitment than full fringe.

Wear them to one side (like Dua Lipa here) to start and then part them to either side of your face (curtain style) as they begin to grow out.

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