Angelina Jolie just made headlines—but this time it’s not for a blockbuster movie or a humanitarian mission. It’s for her super chic new side bangs.
The actress opted for the iconic hairstyle to pose at the photo call for the 36th edition of the Palm Springs International Film Festival. She paired the style with a stunning black satin halter-neck dress.
The side bang had its golden era in the 2000s when it graced the faces of pop stars, A-list actresses and high schoolers experimenting with flat irons (guilty). Think of it as the perfect marriage between sophistication and a touch of rebellious edge. It was the must-have accessory, whether you were channeling your inner Avril Lavigne with a punk-rock twist or opting for the glamorous, polished vibes of a young Rachel McAdams. And now, thanks to Gen Z’s obsession with Y2K nostalgia and celebs like Jolie giving it a modern upgrade, the side bang is experiencing a full-fledged revival.
“Side bangs are always chic and always on trend,” says Gregory Patterson, celebrity hairstylist for Sally Beauty. “They’re the perfect go-to for many face shapes, easy to style, and a great transitional style.” A well-placed side bang can soften sharp features, draw attention to your eyes and add instant drama to any hairstyle. Plus, it’s low-maintenance compared to other bang styles—no constant trimming or awkward growing-out phases required.
Jolie’s new ‘do is proof that even the simplest tweak can make a major impact. Want to try your hand at the 2000’s style? Read on below for how to get the look.
What to Ask Your Stylist
To get any hairstyle, the first step is communicating with your stylist. “Tell your stylist you want side-swept bangs—you can even let them know if you want long, wispy, or slightly shorter bangs depending on your preference,” says Patterson. If you already have a fringe, try asking your stylist to subtly take in shorter pieces to help guide the longer strands in the direction you want them to fall.
But be very mindful of your hairline, hair growth patterns and cowlicks, warns Patterson. If you have strong growth patterns, “always tackle your fringe first and when it’s wet” for better control when cutting. Don’t let this deter you, though—all you have to do is work with your stylist to create a side-swept bang that frames your face and sweeps across all the sweet spots for a look that’s both flattering and trendy.
How to Style at Home
Now for the hard part: recreating that perfect salon style at home. The key is to keep it simple and not over-style your bangs with multiple swipes of your hot tool. “Over-styled, over-brushed, and too much product can date bangs quickly,” says Patterson. Instead, try using dry shampoo to give just enough oomph to bring bangs to life without getting heavy-handed on the hairspray.
So, how do you style them correctly? The complicated truth is that it depends on what your hair type is. For those with little to no texture or waves, Patterson recommends adding a heat-protecting spray or cream and using your fingers and your trusty blow-dryer to lift the roots of your fringe, shifting them side to side until they’re about 95% dry. Then, “direct the airflow in the direction you want to show movement or where you plan to part your bang, and blow them on low speed, high heat until completely dry.”
The key is going to be setting the bangs in the desired direction with a no-crease clip, allowing them to completely cool. Remove the clip and spritz with a spray for hold and define using a paste or cream of your liking.
For those with wavy or curly hair, you can follow the above method, but instead of using your fingers, swap it out for a flat blow-dry brush to direct and smooth your bangs. Once dry, set with a no-crease clip and secure with a spritz of spray and voilà! You’ve got that perfectly nostalgic look in seconds.
