Millennial Side Bangs Are Everywhere Right Now

Are you team left or right?

As far as the bang world is concerned, things are going sideways, not that that's a bad thing. Exactly 20 years after side-swept bangs began gaining their first round of popularity (see Ashlee Simpson's Autobiography album cover), the look is back—and not so different from how it was when we locked it in its time capsule.

"I honestly feel the side bangs [of today] are the same as the Y2K era as we are seeing a resurgence of different looks from that era come back into the forefront," shares celebrity hair artist Keshaun Williamson, perhaps better known by his Instagram name Lace Assassin. "The best trends always repeat themselves."

Over the past few months, we've seen a major upsweep in side-swept fringes. While the lengths have differed, a singular, gravity-defying 45-degree angle has tied all the versions together.

In February, Keke Palmer wore the look while celebrating the launch of her entertainment network, KeyTV. Crafted by Williamson, her take was flirty and fun, reminiscent of other side bangs slays in the past. Miss Palmer was one of the first celebs to call for a return of the side-bang, and she was on the right (or left, depending on what her hair part called for that day) side of history. Selena Gomez and Gabrielle Union have also recently taken note, and Kirsten Dunst, side bang legend of the early aughts, 2010s, and today, is another great example.

So, what's the deal with this return to millennial fashion? Keep reading to hear expert takes on the side bang revival and how to get the look yourself.

The Trend

Side bangs are exactly what they sound like: bangs that are worn swooped to one side of your forehead. While the look went nearly extinct for a few years thanks to Gen-Z's love for the middle part, it's risen from the dead and crept back into our consciousness.

"People are starting to cut layers and put more shape into their hair again, and the bangs are no exception because they can frame the face beautifully when done correctly," adds Williamson.

Emily Cable, a stylist at Nine Zero One Salon, also thinks the trend might have something to do with highlighting your facial structure. "Snatched cheekbones are in. Side bangs help achieve that because they accentuate that portion of the face!" she says.

While extremely similar, Y2K bangs were often worn paired with a heavy side part. According to Cable, today's looks have more equilibrium, with the fringe hitting from the corner of the eye to the cheekbone and styled with a more centered part.

How to Get the Look

While a stylist will certainly know what you're talking about when you say you want side bangs, it's important to be specific. You're in charge of what side you want the part on and how much swoop there should be.

"Styling side bangs can be a bit tricky at first," notes Cable. "Keep trying and experiment with what you like best. Rollers, creaseless clips, and a round brush are my essentials!"

When doing her thing, the artist likes to part the bang area first, thinking of it as a reversed triangle. "Then I choose where my shortest part will be and then slide my sheers in at an angle to create a diagonal line to the cheekbone," she notes.

Williamson, for his part, likes to go for a voluminous style with lots of layers added in, ending up with a Pamela Anderson-esque feel. "My tip for anyone trying to achieve this look is to cut layers from the ends of your bang to blend them into the hair seamlessly," he shares.

So, do you feel ready for the revival? If you need a few more tips, here's what I've learned from the very millennial cast of Vanderpump Rules: Sometimes, it's necessary to choose sides. And every night is emo night.

Read the original article on Byrdie.