Rihanna’s Side Bang is So “Umbrella” Coded—See the Photos

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Rihanna attends a premiere. She wears her hair up and wears pink blush.Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

The year is 2007 and one song rules them all: Rihanna's infectious, unforgettable “Umbrella.” It's everywhere, and so is the Good Girl Gone Bad singer's cropped, angled hair cut, often styled with a brow-obscuring side bang. It became one of the most popular and imitated hairstyles of the mid- to late-2000s thanks to Rihanna's influence, and now that major side bang is back on the red carpet—and back on Rihanna—again!

The Fenty Beauty founder stepped out to support her partner, A$AP Rocky, at the CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City—her first major appearance since the birth of her third child, daughter Rocki Irish Mayers, in September. (Rocky won the Style Icon Award at the ceremony.) Her go-to hairstylist Yusef parted her hair very deeply to the side and pulled the lengths back, leaving a large portion loose in the front to cover half of her face, side bang-style.

This isn't some brow-brushing, subtle side bang, either. No, this is the side bang to rule all side bangs, completely blocking one eye and cascading down Rihanna's face to end right at her chin, adding an element of mystery and edge to her red carpet outfit. The side-parted side-bang hairstyle has that “Umbrella”-esque 2007 vibe, but updated for 2025 with Rihanna's eternal cool factor always playing the starring role.

Rihanna attends the CFDA Awards in a turtleneck jacket white pants and a loose updo with side bangs.Getty ImagesRihanna attends the CFDA Awards in a turtleneck jacket white pants and a loose updo with side bangs.Getty Images

The finished look, paired with a spring/summer 2026 Alaïa turtleneck, coat, and white trousers, was elevated but easy, cool but comfy; the star herself described it to People as a “postpartum-forward look." She finished off her glam with a subtly smoky eye, lined lip, and soft milky manicure.

This isn't the first time Rihanna has refreshed a throwback hairstyle; in August, while pregnant with baby Rocki, she had fun with the beloved, Y2K-era zig-zag part, incorporating it into her braids. And while it's been nearly 20 years since “Umbrella” hit the airwaves (OMG), there's really no time like the present to give it a spin again—preferably with a side bang of your own.

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Chesung Subba

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