Side bangs and side parts are officially back, and the latest take on the trend is a throwback inspired by a film icon. Spotted on the likes of Bella Hadid and Zoë Kravitz, Hepburn bangs are side-parted and piecey micro fringes reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn's classic do.
“This look is definitely a nod to classic Hollywood Hepburn, delivered with a ’90s supermodel nostalgia,” Amy Abramite, creative director and stylist at Chicago’s Maxine Salon says, noting that several supermodels of the era—including Naomi Campbell, Helena Christensen, Kate Moss, and Claudia Schiffer—wore side-swept piecey micro bangs at the height of their careers. “It’s a revival of the ’90s supermodels,” she says.
The look seems to heavily reference Hepburn's iconic fringe in films like Breakfast at Tiffany's and Roman Holiday, as well as the 1954 Academy Awards (where Hepburn nabbed the Oscar for best actress). It's no wonder A-listers are so fond of the look: Hepburn bangs are among one of the chicest side bang styles in all of hair history.
“Audrey Hepburn was a hair icon during her time and far beyond, and I’m thrilled to see this latest generation be inspired from her work and looks,” adds Kacey Welch, celebrity hairstylist and founder of the Kacey Welch method. “I think a lot of women have wanted to add bangs, and pulling inspiration from such an icon is the best way to do it.” What's more, Welch adds, is that adding or modifying your bangs is one of the quickest and easiest ways to change your look without drastically altering anything.
As for what's influencing the trend now, aside from historical figures known for their glam? “It's TikTok,” says Welch. “TikTok has massively influenced the speed at which various styles and trends manifest into the culture zeitgeist. With over 32 billion views, #hairtok provides some of the most incredible transition videos, giving the viewer what feels like instant results, thus inspiring more experimental hair.”
Plus, post-pandemic culture is inspiring everyone to try out more adventurous styles, normalising aesthetic experimentation on and off the catwalk—like at the office or school. “The job market has changed tremendously, which means there are way less restrictions on how you ‘must look' for a job or to get a job,” says Sabrina Rowe Holdsworth, celebrity hairstylist and founder of NTRL by Sabs. “This newfound freedom allows more people to experiment with their hair without fear, and I think we all like to explore the way we look. Now we live in a time where that is much more accepted.”
And clearly, celebrities are taking note: Bella Hadid, Kylie Jenner, and Katie Holmes recently debuted Hepurn Hepburn bangs, and Halle Berry, Cardi B, and Emma Watson have sported the look on various red carpets
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If you're tempted to try Hepburn bangs but don't want to re-create your hair circa 2010, don't worry: This style is very different than the super-layered look that was trending then. “The [late]-2000s and early-2010s bangs were more blended and layered than Hepburn’s,” says Welch. “They're two very different styles and effects.”
Hepburn bangs are also much less heavy, adds Abramite. “Hepburn bangs have an airier appearance: They are lighter and layered and texturised for weight removal,” she explains. “Bangs in the 2000s and 2010s were thicker, longer, and solid for a blunter look.” Plus, the current iteration of the trend is shorter and choppier, Holdsworth says.
To get the Hepburn bang look, Abramite advises telling your stylist you'd like a choppy, “half-moon” style bang, or “mini choppy bangs.” It's also always wise to bring a picture, Welch adds, noting that you should prepare for touch-ups every month or so. “Bangs are high-maintenance and require a level of commitment,” she says. “They need to be trimmed every four to six weeks.”
As for styling? Hepburn bangs are medium maintenance, in the sense that they require an immediate blow-drying post-shower. “Bangs need to go from wet to dry immediately after the shower,” Welch says, clarifying that they should be blow-dried flat and only after using heat protectant. You can use a traditional blow-dryer and brush, or a hot brush for a fuller look, so long as you blow-dry them in the direction you'd like them to go. Once they are dry, Holdsworth advises finishing with Nourishing Rose oil, which keeps the fringe moisturised and creates some separation.
Finally, if you're dealing with a cowlick that's cramping your Hepburn bangs' style, Abramite advises investing in no-crease sectioning clips to help relax the cowlick and train the bang to lie flat on the forehead.
This feature originally appeared on GLAMOUR US.
