It's Official: Bratty Little Side Bangs Have Made a Comeback (and They're Better Than Before)

      The "bratty little side bang" (BLSB for short) embodies an attitude. She’s bold, rebellious, and has a spirited flair akin to the style endorsed by Charli XCX. By all indications, she is making a comeback—set to dominate the hair trend mood boards for spring and summer, reminiscent of a diva from the early 2000s. Get ready for the classic hair flip. "I find endless inspiration in what I refer to as an ‘early 2000s hot suburban mom,’” says content creator Natalie Shine, who actually coined the term BLSB during a trim in January. She cites Julie Cooper from The O.C. as a significant inspiration. Like many beauty enthusiasts, she was in need of a haircut refresh to welcome 2026, and it’s apparent that nostalgic styles—including side bangs and side partings—have surged in popularity recently. “The side bang was calling,” Shine states. Thus, the BLSB was created.

      Shine's BLSB straight from the salon. Shine isn't the only one embracing the side-bang trend. Numerous celebrities (like Bella Hadid, Zoë Kravitz, and Quenlin Blackwell, for instance), designers (including Sandy Liang and Tory Burch), and beauty insiders (like makeup artist Lila Childs) have endorsed swoopy side bangs in recent months, and leading hairstylists foresee the trend flourishing as warmer weather approaches. “We’re experiencing a resurgence of early 2000s nostalgia at full force,” explains celebrity hairstylist Sky Kim. “It’s showing up across fashion, beauty, and culture—though this time, it feels more self-aware.” Campy, if you will. Someone sporting a BLSB is attuned to the Y2K references and likely has the accompanying low-rise jeans and frosty eye makeup.

      What distinguishes the BLSB from its early 2000s counterparts? “It’s shorter, somewhat piece-y, and positioned higher on the cheekbone or just at the brow, almost like it’s been flicked into place,” Kim describes. “It doesn’t aim for a perfect blend with the rest of the haircut, contributing to its attitude.” Celebrity hairstylist Chris McMillan adds that it also boasts a fluffy volume. “It's not as rigid as it used to be,” he notes. While Y2K side bangs were often flat-ironed and hence fell limp over the eye, “this year, the ‘bitchy little side bang’ is sexy and messy,” McMillan remarks. “It’s all about a playful, voluminous hairstyle.” Kim concurs—gone are the days of heavy, uniform side fringes. "The 2026 rendition retains the influence but removes the rigidity—it’s lighter and airier. Plus, earlier bangs often featured chunky highlights and layers," she reveals.

      To keep your BLSB looking fresh and modern while retaining some nostalgia, she suggests lightly prepping the bangs with a blow-dry primer or touchable hair mousse (“Something that provides control without stiffness,” she notes) before blow-drying from side to side using a small round brush. Shine personally divides her bangs into three sections prior to blow-drying (an essential tip learned from her stylist, Aurora, at Yves Durif Salon) to promote bounce. Finish with hairspray for that side-part hold and a bit of hair oil for added shine.

      A final piece of advice? “Maintain the bang at the appropriate length and avoid over-blending,” Kim advises. “Isolate the bang to give it its moment.” While classic side bangs tend to appear softer, more romantic, and long enough to blend into layers, the BLSB showcases enough personality to stand out on its own. It would be a missed opportunity not to embrace the attitude.

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

      **Color Wow**

      Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer

      This soft-hold mousse is exceptional for achieving a bouncy, weightless blowout.

      **GHD**

      The Blow Dryer Ceramic Radial Hair Brush Size 3

      McMillan recommends Ibiza hair brushes, and this 55mm size is ideal for side bangs.

      **Tresemme**

      Lamellar Shine Ultra-Gloss Spray

      For adding shine, a touch of this shine spray is a great choice.

      **GHD**

      Speed Ionic Hair Dryer in Black

      This durable hair dryer features advanced ionic technology to reduce frizz.

      **CÉCRED**

      Thermal Shield Mist

      Whenever using a hot tool, prepping your strands with a heat protectant is essential. This new launch from Cécred is currently a favorite!

      **Aveda**

      Abundant Blowout All-Over Volumizing Spray

      If you’re aiming for a bouncy, '90s-style blowout (which pairs beautifully with a BLSB), Aveda’s prep spray will meet your needs.