If you’re the type who is SO here for bangs, but you’re either tired of the same-old traditional brow-length bangs or don’t feel like they suit your face, don’t give up on this flattering hair feature just yet. There is a bangs style that works beautifully on you (really!) and it doesn’t matter if your hair is straight and fine or thick and curly — bangs can take your style to a whole new level.
Seasoned Hairstylist Anna Peterson, creator of Salon Route, and Hair Expert Caleb Backe at Maple Holistics are here to cheerlead for side-swept bangs. But this bang style can be personalized so that it works perfectly with your individual features and hair type. Here are side-swept bangs women over 40 can try to instantly look 10 years younger.
Soft Side-Swept Bangs
Celebs like Reese Witherspoon have long known that adding a few longer layers in the front — not quite bangs, but something that mimics them just enough — can turn an ordinary hairstyle into something more exciting. It can also put the focus on your eyes and cheekbones.
Even better: these gentle, feather-light bangs suit almost every face shape, according to Peterson. “Ask your stylist for layered, side-swept bangs that seamlessly blend into your hair,” she says. “They soften facial features, giving a youthful, fresh look. Style them at home with a round brush and hairdryer for volume and softness.”
Long, Wispy Side-Swept Bangs
If you have fine or thinning hair and love the look of bangs, but aren’t wild about sacrificing your hair’s thickness to this style, take heart: wispy side-swept bangs like those sported by Emma Stone are a great compromise.
“Perfect for those with longer hair, request longer, textured bangs that sweep to one side,” Peterson says. “They impart a youthful, carefree vibe. Maintain the look at home with a texturizing spray for that perfect tousled effect.”
Curly Side-Swept Bangs
Don’t make the mistake of assuming that curly hair and bangs don’t go together. Take your cues from Beyonce and request curly side-swept bangs to get in on the youthful trend.
“For those with natural curls or waves, opt for side-swept bangs that embrace your hair's texture,” Peterson says. “They provide a lively, vibrant look. Use a diffuser at home to enhance your curls and a serum to keep them defined.”
Curtain Bangs
So we’re cheating a little by adding one more trendy and flattering side-swept bangs style to the mix: ‘70s-inspired curtain bangs. If they’re good enough for J-Lo, well, that says it all.
“Curtain bangs are longer bangs that are parted in the center and swept to the sides, framing the face like a curtain,” Backe explains. “This hairstyle adds a touch of playfulness and creates a youthful, bohemian vibe. Curtain bangs can be paired with both long and medium-length hair, providing versatility and a face-framing effect.”
How can you style your bangs once you leave the salon?
Styling side-swept bangs at home is relatively easy and can be done with a few simple steps, Backe notes. Here's Backe’s guide to styling your side-swept bangs once you're home from the salon:
Preparation: Start with clean, dry, and styled hair. Wash your hair using appropriate hair care products suitable for your hair type and follow your regular styling routine.
Heat Protection: If you plan to use any heat styling tools, apply a heat protectant spray to your bangs and the rest of your hair to shield it from potential damage.
Sectioning: Separate your side-swept bangs from the rest of your hair. Use a comb to create a triangle-shaped section of hair starting from the part where your bangs are divided from the rest of your hairline. This section should extend back to the middle of your head.
Blow-Drying: Using a round brush, blow-dry your side-swept bangs in the direction you want them to fall. For a natural and relaxed look, gently curve the brush while blow-drying to add softness to the ends.
Adding Texture: If you prefer a textured look, you can use a texturizing spray or a small amount of lightweight hair wax or pomade. Apply it to your fingers and gently run them through your bangs to separate and define the strands.
Ready to try a side-swept bangs look on this summer? Chat with your stylist about one that works best for you.
