In the late 1980s, big hair ruled, and for those in New Jersey, the trend stretched into the early ’90s. It was more than just a style—it was a cultural moment, marked by clouds of hairspray and towering, gravity-defying volume. For many, it was a time when even the tallest classmates seemed a bit more towering, thanks to their oversized curls. I remember feeling envious of the older girls in my middle school cheerleading squad. They had huge, bouncy perms, while I could only manage a modest side bang with some lift at the roots. That very look, which I wore proudly in my sixth-grade yearbook, is the same one Nicole Kidman is channeling in 2024.
At The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment Gala on December 4, Kidman appeared alongside other notable actresses like Jennifer Lawrence, Selena Gomez, and Kerry Washington. The Oscar-winning actress wore a black-and-blue Shushu/Tong dress, paired with matching short black nails. Her makeup was fresh and natural, with glossy lips and long, fluttery lashes.
Kidman’s hair, styled by Adir Abergel, was sleek with soft, subtle waves. While the rest of her look was understated, it was her bangs that made a statement. Deeply side-parted, they were given volume at the roots and gently folded forward, evoking the soft wave of a beach tide. This sophisticated yet understated style feels like a modern twist on what we now fondly call “mall bangs.”
Although Kidman may not frequent shopping malls these days, her influence on beauty trends is undeniable. With her latest look, she could very well revive the mall bangs trend in shopping centers across the globe—especially in New Jersey, where the style was once at its peak.
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