Want to rock side bangs? Here’s how to work it like a pro

Side bangs that'll sweep you off your feet!  

If you’ve got your finger on the pulse when it comes to beauty trends, you’ll know that bangs and fringes are a surefire way to earn yourself some style points. But if the thought of cutting in some blunt bangs or a feathered fringe has your strands screaming in protest, one way you can get in on the fun is by working some sweet side bangs.

Universally flattering and versatile, side-swept bangs are the ideal style for fringe newbies, allowing you to shake up your look without dramatically cutting your hair! So if this sounds like the trend you’ve been waiting for, take a peek at our side fringe & bangs gallery above, and read on for more details.

Side bangs haircut: How to wear & how to style

 

a front look of a girl smiling while closing her eyes
Sweep longer hair to the side, for romantic side bangs. Credit: indigitalimages.com

The side swept fringe

Got lovely lengthy locks and don’t want to cut even a single strand on your head? Fret not, as you can still emulate the side swept look. How, you ask? By pulling your hair forward, and gently twisting the ends to the side and pinning in place.

This will give you the look look of long side bangs without the commitment, as well as helping to perfectly frame your face. Oh and did we also forget to mention, that this is the ideal look for angular square-shaped faces and fuller round faces? Yep it’s true!

Hailee Steinfield at awards ceremony with side fringe hairstyle
Hailee Steinfeld keeps things sleek with her side bangs for long hair. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Sleek side swept fringe

An understated way to rock side bangs in long hair is to have one cut so that it blends into the rest of your hair.

Long locks and a side bangs haircut (like Hailee Steinfeld’s) is particularly flattering, as it keeps the entire look neat and elegant, yet still gives you extra length to play around with. Need we say more?

Editors tip: Keep your side-swept fringe perfectly polished and in place with a lightweight, frizz resistant hairspray. The TRESemmé Get Sleek Creation Hairspray is a favourite backstage and will work hard to keep your hair sleek and smooth all day long!

Haley Williams with orange bob hair choppy long side bangs
Hayley Williams rocks a choppy side swept fringe perfectly! Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Choppy and edgy

Hayley Williams puts a spin on the long side bangs look and we’re loving how her choppy cut brings a rough ‘n’ ready twist to the usually sleek style.

As Hayley demonstrates, having a long side fringe doesn’t require having long hair, proving that you can get a rock star fringe that looks fabulously edgy when paired with a pretty pixie cut or a beautiful bob. You can even elevate your look further with a bold hair colour, for a truly showstopping ‘do!

Westworld's Angela Sarafyan with long side bangs hairstyle
How to style long side bangs? Angela Sarafyan shows us how it’s done. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Volumised side bangs

Are your fine strands preventing you from trying out some side-swept bangs? We feel you. But know that all is not lost, because you can still get rock a long side bangs look in thin hair, just like Angela Sarafyan, who has given her mane a serious volume boost!

By blow-drying the fringe with a round brush and spritzing in a little hairspray, you can easily create beautiful yet bouncy bangs. It’s the perfect option if your tresses are naturally quite fine or lack body, as this will give your hairstyle a lovely lift!

TRESemmé Defence Spray Front

Editor’s tip: Before blow-drying your hair, don’t forget to guard your locks with a heat protectant, like the TRESemmé Heat Defence Styling Spray. It contains a heat activated complex to help protect hair when drying and straightening. Smart, right?

Sienna Miller at awards ceremony with iconic bangs hairstyle
Sienna Miller gets it spot on again! Loving the parted double fringe. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

The middle parting

If you’re torn between which side to wear your bangs on, there is a compromise: a middle parted fringe. Giving you the best of both worlds, this flattering look will frame your face, is ideal for those with square or oval faces, and is still long enough to be pinned back should you wish!

Kylie long side fringe
Kylie’s still got it rocking the long bangs. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Sweeping side bangs

Do you love all the on-trend looks that are on social media, but can’t quite bring yourself to get a blunt fringe cut in? Then it’s your lucky day, because there is a way to ease yourself in!

Our girl Kylie may have moved on from the gold hot pants, but her endless side fringe & bangs styles are timeless. Simply work with your stylist to blend your side-swept bangs into your longer hair. Think soft lines rather than harsh edges.

Mandy Moore Sweeping up do with side bangs
Inject some glam a la Mandy Moore with a sweeping bangs up-do! Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Side-parted updo

If you’re after a super subtle way to work a side bangs haircut, look no further than Mandy Moore’s glam updo, which can be achieved in minutes!

Simply create a bun at the back of your head, securing it in place with some bobby pins and leaving a section of hair loose at the front. Take that front section of hair to create a side-swept fringe and curl it for an added touch of elegance. Yep, getting a red carpet-ready look is as easy as that!

Andrea Riseborough pixie cut and side bangs
Andrea Riseborough has perfected the pixie crop with side bangs. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Pixie crop

Just because you have a short hairstyle, that doesn’t mean you can’t get in on the fringe fun! Andrea Riseborough shows us that pixie cuts actually work a treat when teamed with side swept bangs.

The cropped length of her tresses helps to emphasise the sleek looking side bangs in a totally elegant, fuss-free way. Excuse us while we make our next salon appointment…

Editor’s tip: Just remember, using a little of the VO5 Classic Styling Soft Moulding Wax to tame and smooth your pixie, will go a long way in earning you loads of style points.

Rita Ora long sweeping side fringe
Rita Ora shows us how to add a flash of colour to a long side fringe. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

The sweeping fringe with a flash of colour

Rita Ora’s long sweeping side fringe is achingly cool, with flashes of bright, on-trend colour, and kept soft and sophisticated for an uber flattering finish.

Take a leaf out of Rita’s book by sweeping up the rest of your hair and styling your bangs to the side in loose, relaxed waves, for a look that will really amp up the wow factor!

 

So, which side bangs will you try out at your next salon-sesh? Whichever style you pick, don’t forget to check out some more celeb looks to inspire you, and share your fab fringe selfie with us on Twitter @AllThingsHairUK, will you?

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