Celebrity Bang Hairstyles

A lot of celebrities have inspired hairstyles with bangs.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Bangs have long gone in and out of vogue -- in ancient times they were considered the height of fashion, and both men and women sported them. Celebrities in our day often inspire trends, and there have been quite a few starlets over the years to wear bangs and cause a national bang frenzy. Depending on the celebrity and the year, the bangs can take on dramatically different looks. Elizabeth Taylor, who starred in "Cleopatra" in the sixties, Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of "Vogue" magazine, and Cameron Diaz have all initiated quite different bang trends.

60s and 70s

When "Cleopatra" opened in 1963, starring Elizabeth Taylor, her thick fringe of dark bangs inspired a national trend. Even though the real Cleopatra wore her hair in tight curls with no bangs, Claudette Colbert in Cecil B. DeMille's 1934 screen version of the story wore bangs playing Cleopatra because she liked them. Elizabeth Taylor essentially just revived this look, demonstrating how fashion styles come and go. Other celebrities in the sixties and seventies who helped influence the popularity of bangs included Mia Farrow, Marlo Thomas and Twiggy.

Today's Heavy Bang

These days, the thick, lush straight bang, right across the forehead, is a hot look. Celebrities such as Jessica Alba, Kerry Washington, Kim Kardashian and Mena Suvari all have a thick fringe. This style of bangs is cutting edge and really makes your eyes pop. For older celebrities bangs are a glamorous way to hide fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. Goldie Hawn, for instance, has sported bangs for the last decade.

Side Sweep

Bangs that are brushed gently or swept to the side have been attracting a lot of attention with the starlet set. Reese Withersppon, Beth Behrs and Angela Simmons all have the side-sweep look. Stylists suggest this bang if you are not quite ready to commit to the full fringe. It's also considered the best style of bang if you happen to be growing out a shorter fringe or baby bang.

ReferencesBoston: Big Bang TheoryTotal Beauty: Best Celebrity BangsEgyptian Myths: CleopatraGood HousekeepingPhoto Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty ImagesRead Next:

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