Make It Known: Sassy Little Side Bangs Are Making a Comeback (and They're Better Than Ever)

      The "bitchy little side bang" (BLSB for short) has a distinctive personality. She's daring, rebellious, and has a playful attitude reminiscent of the Charli XCX vibe. By all indications, she's making a comeback—set to dominate the spring and summer aesthetic boards just like the early 2000s diva she embodies. Cue that signature hair flip. "I draw endless inspiration from what I'll refer to as an 'early-2000s attractive suburban mom,'" shares content creator Natalie Shine, who actually created the term BLSB during a trim back in January. (Think Julie Cooper from The O.C., whom Shine identifies as a significant influence.) Like many beauty enthusiasts, she was eager for a hair update to welcome 2026, and it’s no surprise that nostalgic styles—like side bangs and side parts—have surged in popularity recently. "The side bang was beckoning," Shine notes. Thus, the BLSB was introduced.

      Shine’s freshly styled BLSB right from the salon chair isn’t a singular occurrence. Many celebrities (including Bella Hadid, Zoë Kravitz, and Quenlin Blackwell, among others), designers (like Sandy Liang and Tory Burch), and beauty experts (such as makeup artist Lila Childs) have embraced swoopy side bangs in recent months, and leading hairstylists anticipate the trend will gain even more traction as the weather warms up. "We’re in a phase where strong waves of early 2000s nostalgia are making a prominent return," explains celebrity hairstylist Sky Kim. "This revival is apparent across fashion, beauty, and culture—but the distinction now is that it carries a more self-aware vibe." Campy, if you like. A person sporting a BLSB is tuned into the Y2K reference and likely has low-rise jeans and frosted eye makeup to complement.

      But what distinguishes the BLSB from its early 2000s counterpart? "It’s shorter, a bit piece-y, and positioned higher on the cheekbone or just at the brow, almost as if it’s been flicked into place," Kim explains. "It doesn’t aim to blend seamlessly with the rest of the haircut, which contributes to its attitude." According to celebrity hairstylist Chris McMillan, it’s also plush with volume. "It’s not as rigid as it once was," he adds. While Y2K side bangs were generally flat-ironed into submission, leading to a lifeless fall over the eye—"this year, the 'bitchy little side bang' is sexy and tousled," McMillan states. "It’s all about a flirty, voluminous look." Kim concurs—heavy, uniform, smoothly tucked side fringes are a thing of the past. "The 2026 edition retains the reference but discards the stiffness—it feels lighter and airier. Also, older bangs often featured chunky highlights and layers," she observes.

      To ensure your BLSB looks modern and fresh while holding onto just the right amount of nostalgia, she suggests lightly preparing the bangs with a blow-dry primer or a touchable mousse ("Something that offers control without stiffness," she states) before blow-drying from side to side with a small round brush. Shine personally divides her bangs into three sections before blow-drying (a vital tip she learned from her stylist, Aurora, at Yves Durif Salon) to promote bounce. Finish with hairspray for lasting side-part hold and a bit of oil to amplify shine (McMillan's Glassy Smooth Hair Oil is essential), and you'll be all set. One final piece of advice? "Keep the bangs at the appropriate length and avoid over-blending," Kim suggests. "Isolate the bangs to allow them to shine." Unlike traditional side bangs, which often appear softer and more romantic, the BLSB has enough character to stand independently. Ignoring the attitude it brings would be a mistake.

      **Shop The Best Styling Products for Side Bangs**

      **Chris McMillan**

      The Glassy Smooth Hair Oil

      The one must-have product for the BLSB is McMillan's shine-enhancing oil mist. It’s incredibly lightweight (meaning it won’t weigh down those shorter strands) and has a "gritty vanilla" scent that definitely evokes a Y2K vibe.

      **milk_shake**

      Volumizing Mousse

      In the realm of soft-hold mousses, Kim personally recommends this volumizing formula from Milk_Shake. It’s perfect for achieving a bouncy, weightless blowout.

      **Ibiza Hair**

      Boar Bristle Round Brush

      McMillan recommends Ibiza hair brushes, and this 55mm size works wonderfully for side bangs.

      **Chris McMillan**

      The Major Shine Hairspray

      Regarding shine, McMillan's flexible-hold hairspray is an excellent choice.

      **ghd**

      Helios Professional Hair Dryer