In Defense of Side Bangs: Here's Photographic Evidence the Style Isn't Dead

Leave it to the internet to wage war on our most beloved beauty trends. First, TikTok declared the good ol' concealer triangle completely uncool. (In all fairness, we're ready to let that go, too.) But then, side parts came under fire, and with them our beloved side bangs. How can this be? Side bangs are widely accepted as the most flattering style for every face shape and forehead length, not to mention their uncanny ability to conceal overgrown roots and scraggly lengths. To put it plainly, side bangs aren't just pretty. They're useful, too.

In return for their decades of loyal service, it's only right that we step in to defend them now and take a firm stance on this polarizing subject. We're pro side bangs in this house! And we're not just being stubborn. We actually believe the classic style still has legs. But don't just take our word for it. Ahead, find 25 of our favorite examples of side bangs in all their glory. Scroll on to see the proof and prepare to recommit.

Zoë Kravitz

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Kravitz's micro-bangs look so chic all the time, but especially when pushed to the side.

Lupita Nyong'o

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(Image credit: @lupitanyongo)

The subtle side part in Nyong'o's curly coif makes for the perfect bangs.

Lily Collins

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(Image credit: @lilyjcollins)

These bangs have a slight bend in them, so they look even better swept to the side.

Camila Morrone

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(Image credit: @chadwoodhair)

There's nothing like a loosely curled tendril to add the most elegant touch to any hairstyle.

Kris Jenner

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(Image credit: @ash_kholm)

Jenner is the queen of the power pixie and always finishes her hair with piecey side bangs. Iconic.

Normani

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(Image credit: @normani)

This smooth side bang is giving major '90s vibes.

Get the look:

Dua Lipa

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(Image credit: @patrickta)

So much yes to Lipa's pseudo-bangs. Just flip your bob to one side and you can get the look, too.

Tessa Thompson

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(Image credit: @ninapark)

Thompson demonstrates how to get a similar look with box braids. Just gorgeous.

Kerry Washington

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(Image credit: @kerrywashington)

The only thing better than coily bangs is coily, side-swept bangs like Washington's.

Kate Mara

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(Image credit: @mararoszak)

Mara's new haircut is really doing it for us, especially those built-in bangs.

Rowan Blanchard

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(Image credit: @rowanblanchard)

Blanchard's shaggy bangs are so perfect, even when pinned back with dainty hair clips.

Get the look:

Emily Ratajkowski

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(Image credit: @jennifer_yepez)

These vintage-looking bangs may or may not be clip-ins, but either way, they're so good.

Bella Hadid

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(Image credit: @jennifer_yepez)

These tousled bangs give Hadid's cropped wig some serious edge.

Cindy Crawford

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(Image credit: @cindycrawford)

These long, layered bangs are timeless.

Jasmine Sanders

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(Image credit: @goldenbarbie)

Loose, cascading curls are so pretty, too.

Vanessa Hudgens

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(Image credit: @ckaedingcolor)

Here, Hudgens demonstrates how to up the ante on a sleek side-bang moment with a face-hugging bump.

Lili Reinhart

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(Image credit: @lilireinhart)

These side bangs plus all that volume are a recipe for success.

Get the look:

Ashley Graham

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(Image credit: @justinemarjan)

We're living for this retro-inspired high ponytail and smooth swoop courtesy of our girl Graham. 

Michelle Williams

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(Image credit: @michellewilliams)

Side-swept beach waves are always a vibe.

Jenna Dewan

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(Image credit: @kristin_ess)

Even with eyebrow-grazing bangs, a side-swept moment coupled with beachy waves just never gets old.

Yara Shahidi

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Curly bangs give us life, especially when they lean to one side like Shahidi's.

Get the look:

Kristen Stewart

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Still recovering from Stewart's undone, textured bangs. From cut to color, it's all working.

Rihanna

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(Image credit: Gettty Images)

Riri got it right with this mod look, complete with a flip and side swoop.

Megan Thee Stallion

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(Image credit: @theestallion)

See? Side bangs are hot girl approved.

Miley Cyrus

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Cyrus's edgy texture is so cool, right down to the effortless sweep of her fringe.

Up next, The 10 Hair Trends Fashion Girls Are Already Jumping On for Spring

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Associate Beauty Editor

Courtney Higgs is a Cancer sun, Libra rising beauty enthusiast with about six years of experience in the editorial space. She was previously Who What Wear's associate beauty editor after spending many years working on the West Coast edit team at InStyle Magazine. She graduated from California State University, Northridge, with a BA in communication studies and pivoted to editorial after spending her college years working in the legal field. Her beauty philosophy is simple: She believes there are no wrong answers and that discovering our favorite beauty products and rituals is a journey, not a sprint. When she's not geeking out over products, she can be found adventuring around L.A. with her fiancé; watching reality TV with their French bulldog, Bernie Mac; or relating way too hard to astrology memes.