Wondering why “Taylor Swift Without Bangs” is suddenly trending online? The Grammy-winning singer is known for her signature straight-across fringe, making any appearance without it a major topic among fans. But has Swift actually ditched her iconic look?
Here’s what we know about the viral trend and the rare times Taylor has stepped out without her trademark bangs.
‘Taylor Swift Without Bangs’ trend explained
The “Taylor Swift Without Bangs” trend highlights how rarely the singer appears without her signature fringe.
Swift first adopted the look permanently after her January 2012 Vogue cover shoot, where she asked stylists to cut clip-in bangs. “Why don’t you just cut them?” she recalled saying in a 2011 HuffPost interview. She added, “I’ve loved the way that bangs look on other people.”
Since then, bangs have remained a defining part of Swift’s public image. Fans online often express surprise when she appears without them. At the 2015 Elle Style Awards in London, she wore a green strappy dress with slick-straight, bang-free hair. During the 2013 Met Gala, she embraced a teased, swept-back style to match the “PUNK: Chaos to Couture” theme. At the 2012 Grammys, Swift arrived with her hair in an updo before later being seen backstage with her bangs back in place.
Swift also appeared without bangs at the 2020 Golden Globes, where she was nominated for Best Original Song. A Reddit user reacted, “Wow, no bangs. It’s a Christmas miracle.” Another commenter said, “It’s nice to see her forehead.”
The trend resurfaced in December 2023 when Swift was spotted in New York City with thick side-parted bangs that resembled 2000s-era “MySpace fringe.” On December 13, she appeared with the look again after previously wearing straight-across bangs at a football game. The style change aligned with a broader revival of side bangs seen on other celebrities at the December 3 Academy Museum Gala, including Dua Lipa, Keke Palmer, and America Ferrera.
To replicate the look, hairstylists suggest blow-drying bangs straight and setting them with clips and flexible spray. A curling iron or Velcro roller can also help shape the fringe, depending on hair type.
