When you\u2019re ready to change up your hairstyle, bangs can be a good option as they instantly transform your current style and allow you to maintain your length. However, there are a few caveats to consider\u2014think awkward grow-out periods and a long-term commitment\u2014but side bangs are the alternative that gives the best of both worlds. With a few light layers and sweeping pieces, side bangs deliver a new look without the commitment. Once a mega-popular style of the early aughts, the side bangs of 2026 are softer and bouncier than you think. To get all the details, we tapped three celebrity hairstylists to share the modern styles to try and tips on how to master the side bang look today.<\/p>\n
Featured Experts<\/h2>\n\n- Nick Stenson is a celebrity hairstylist and the founder of Nick Stenson Beauty<\/li>\n
- Min Kim is a celebrity hairstylist<\/li>\n
- Joseph Maine is a celebrity hairstylist and the co-founder of Trademark Beauty<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Why Side Bangs Work<\/h2>\n
Side bangs are versatile and face-framing without the serious commitment of a full fringe. They\u2019re also not tied to a particular look and can be flexible with your style. \u201cEase and manageability are what people want most out of a hairstyle,\u201d says celebrity hairstylist Min Kim. Side bangs deliver on both fronts, adding softness while still feeling polished and modern.<\/p>\n
A side-swept fringe is also extremely flattering and adaptable. They usually feature light layers that add movement to the hairstyle. \u201cThis instantly softens the face and gives your overall look more depth,\u201d says celebrity stylist and founder of his namesake beauty brand, Nick Stenson. According to the pro, side bangs offer the exact opposite of what most people expect when thinking about bangs. \u201cBlunt and center-parted looks have been popular for years, but right now people are interested in a style that feels more effortless and customizable.\u201d <\/p>\n
Who do Side Bangs Work For?<\/h2>\n
When it comes down to it, side bangs are the upgrade that works with any hairstyle. \u201cThey\u2019re stunning with long layers because they add movement and shape around the face, but they can also elevate bobs and lobs by softening the overall silhouette,\u201d says Kim. Another pro? They don\u2019t have to be the focal point. \u201cSome styles put a lot of focus on the middle of the face, but this style isn\u2019t as sharp and draws attention to your hairstyle, not just its fringe,\u201d says celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of Trademark Beauty, Joseph Maine. Unlike blunt styles, side bang layers blend seamlessly into your existing hairstyle, making them ideal for anyone and any texture. \u201cWhether you have straight, wavy or curly hair, side bangs can add shape and polish without needing a lot of styling effort,\u201d says Stenson. Side bangs can be paired with every face shape, too. <\/p>\n
Side Bang Hairstyles to Try<\/h2>\n\n\n 1<\/span> \/ 4<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\nLayered Lob<\/h2>\n
Side bangs give the classic lob a very youthful and fun feel. According to Maine, light heat styling is the best way to get the lived-in look. \u201cBlow drying with a round brush or using large velcro rollers, such as Trademark Beauty\u2019s set, creates soft curls for that tousled feel.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n
![\"Long](\"https:\/\/cdn-cjhgk.nitrocdn.com\/CXxGixRVyChwAxySbAyltuCiQXRKaWDN\/assets\/images\/optimized\/rev-9dad235\/www.newbeauty.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/503291119_18512387086052586_8376328620163492126_n-e1770664351233-375x375.jpg\")
IG: @josephmaine<\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n 2<\/span> \/ 4<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\nSubtle Side Bang<\/h2>\n
Don\u2019t underestimate the power of a subtle side part. It\u2019s effortless and doesn\u2019t feel as basic as a middle part. Styling is also a breeze, but if you want your look to pop, Kim suggests running a lightweight serum such as L\u2019Or\u00e9al Professionnel\u2019s Vitamino Color Spectrum Glass Shine Serum ($38), through the ends for a final polishing touch.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n
![\"Long](\"https:\/\/cdn-cjhgk.nitrocdn.com\/CXxGixRVyChwAxySbAyltuCiQXRKaWDN\/assets\/images\/optimized\/rev-9dad235\/www.newbeauty.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/625161545_18556172377031579_2678629276739598688_n-e1770664233626-375x375.jpg\")
IG: @minkimcolorist <\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n 3<\/span> \/ 4<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n2000\u2019s Side Bang<\/h2>\n
A full-body side bang is a nod to the hairstyles of the early 2000s. Instead of all-over volume, it focuses on the sweeping side bang, which is amplified by long layers and soft waves. \u201cThe key here is to frame the face without overpowering the cut,\u201d says Stenson.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n
![\"long](\"https:\/\/cdn-cjhgk.nitrocdn.com\/CXxGixRVyChwAxySbAyltuCiQXRKaWDN\/assets\/images\/optimized\/rev-9dad235\/www.newbeauty.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/classic-2000s-side-bang-375x375.png\")
IG: @hairvivi_official<\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n 4<\/span> \/ 4<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\nSide Bang High Ponytail<\/h2>\n
A side bang adds drama to a simple ponytail, transforming it into a glamours and chic hairstyle. \u201cIt\u2019s the perfect way to give your style an editorial touch,\u201d says Kim<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n
![\"high](\"https:\/\/cdn-cjhgk.nitrocdn.com\/CXxGixRVyChwAxySbAyltuCiQXRKaWDN\/assets\/images\/optimized\/rev-9dad235\/www.newbeauty.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/468854942_18476459320052586_456451651087595212_n-e1770664302425-375x375.jpg\")
IG: @josephmaine<\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n
Why Side Bangs Work<\/h2>\n
Side bangs are versatile and face-framing without the serious commitment of a full fringe. They\u2019re also not tied to a particular look and can be flexible with your style. \u201cEase and manageability are what people want most out of a hairstyle,\u201d says celebrity hairstylist Min Kim. Side bangs deliver on both fronts, adding softness while still feeling polished and modern.<\/p>\n
A side-swept fringe is also extremely flattering and adaptable. They usually feature light layers that add movement to the hairstyle. \u201cThis instantly softens the face and gives your overall look more depth,\u201d says celebrity stylist and founder of his namesake beauty brand, Nick Stenson. According to the pro, side bangs offer the exact opposite of what most people expect when thinking about bangs. \u201cBlunt and center-parted looks have been popular for years, but right now people are interested in a style that feels more effortless and customizable.\u201d <\/p>\n
Who do Side Bangs Work For?<\/h2>\n
When it comes down to it, side bangs are the upgrade that works with any hairstyle. \u201cThey\u2019re stunning with long layers because they add movement and shape around the face, but they can also elevate bobs and lobs by softening the overall silhouette,\u201d says Kim. Another pro? They don\u2019t have to be the focal point. \u201cSome styles put a lot of focus on the middle of the face, but this style isn\u2019t as sharp and draws attention to your hairstyle, not just its fringe,\u201d says celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of Trademark Beauty, Joseph Maine. Unlike blunt styles, side bang layers blend seamlessly into your existing hairstyle, making them ideal for anyone and any texture. \u201cWhether you have straight, wavy or curly hair, side bangs can add shape and polish without needing a lot of styling effort,\u201d says Stenson. Side bangs can be paired with every face shape, too. <\/p>\n
Side Bang Hairstyles to Try<\/h2>\n\n\n 1<\/span> \/ 4<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\nLayered Lob<\/h2>\n
Side bangs give the classic lob a very youthful and fun feel. According to Maine, light heat styling is the best way to get the lived-in look. \u201cBlow drying with a round brush or using large velcro rollers, such as Trademark Beauty\u2019s set, creates soft curls for that tousled feel.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n
IG: @josephmaine<\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n 2<\/span> \/ 4<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\nSubtle Side Bang<\/h2>\n
Don\u2019t underestimate the power of a subtle side part. It\u2019s effortless and doesn\u2019t feel as basic as a middle part. Styling is also a breeze, but if you want your look to pop, Kim suggests running a lightweight serum such as L\u2019Or\u00e9al Professionnel\u2019s Vitamino Color Spectrum Glass Shine Serum ($38), through the ends for a final polishing touch.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n
IG: @minkimcolorist <\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n 3<\/span> \/ 4<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n2000\u2019s Side Bang<\/h2>\n
A full-body side bang is a nod to the hairstyles of the early 2000s. Instead of all-over volume, it focuses on the sweeping side bang, which is amplified by long layers and soft waves. \u201cThe key here is to frame the face without overpowering the cut,\u201d says Stenson.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n
IG: @hairvivi_official<\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n 4<\/span> \/ 4<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\nSide Bang High Ponytail<\/h2>\n
A side bang adds drama to a simple ponytail, transforming it into a glamours and chic hairstyle. \u201cIt\u2019s the perfect way to give your style an editorial touch,\u201d says Kim<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n
IG: @josephmaine<\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n
1<\/span> \/ 4<\/span> <\/p>\n Side bangs give the classic lob a very youthful and fun feel. According to Maine, light heat styling is the best way to get the lived-in look. \u201cBlow drying with a round brush or using large velcro rollers, such as Trademark Beauty\u2019s set, creates soft curls for that tousled feel.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n 2<\/span> \/ 4<\/span> <\/p>\n Don\u2019t underestimate the power of a subtle side part. It\u2019s effortless and doesn\u2019t feel as basic as a middle part. Styling is also a breeze, but if you want your look to pop, Kim suggests running a lightweight serum such as L\u2019Or\u00e9al Professionnel\u2019s Vitamino Color Spectrum Glass Shine Serum ($38), through the ends for a final polishing touch.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n 3<\/span> \/ 4<\/span> <\/p>\n A full-body side bang is a nod to the hairstyles of the early 2000s. Instead of all-over volume, it focuses on the sweeping side bang, which is amplified by long layers and soft waves. \u201cThe key here is to frame the face without overpowering the cut,\u201d says Stenson.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n 4<\/span> \/ 4<\/span> <\/p>\n A side bang adds drama to a simple ponytail, transforming it into a glamours and chic hairstyle. \u201cIt\u2019s the perfect way to give your style an editorial touch,\u201d says Kim<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\nLayered Lob<\/h2>\n
Subtle Side Bang<\/h2>\n
2000\u2019s Side Bang<\/h2>\n
Side Bang High Ponytail<\/h2>\n