The voluminous bangs of the late 1980s and early ’90s—popularly known as “mall bangs”—are staging a comeback, with more celebrities embracing the high-volume fringe that once ruled America’s shopping malls.
Nicole Kidman first sparked buzz earlier this month at The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment Gala. Her deeply side-parted, elevated bangs hinted at the return of this nostalgic hairstyle. Now, more stars are following her lead.
Over the weekend in Atlanta, actress and author Keke Palmer appeared on stage during her Many Masters tour to promote her new book Master of Me. Dressed in a pastel pink miniskirt and a floral blouse, Palmer matched her outfit with soft, monochromatic makeup. But it was her hairstyle that truly stood out.
Palmer wore long, voluminous curls that flowed past her shoulders. Her wispy, side-parted bangs were styled with extra lift at the front—an unmistakable nod to the “mall bangs” era. Editorial assistant Jennet Jusu even compared the look to DJ Tanner’s iconic hairstyle from the early 1990s.
Palmer isn’t alone. Actress Elizabeth Banks has also embraced the trend. Hairstylist Clayton Hawkins gave Banks a dramatic side-swept fringe with a pronounced arc, as seen in a photo shared by makeup artist Fiona Stiles.
As 2025 approaches, the return of bold, blow-dried bangs seems more than a passing fad. Fans of retro beauty may want to stock up on strong-hold hairspray—this look is back, and it’s bigger than ever.
