Vanessa Hudgens rose to Hollywood worldwide fame waaay back when in 2006. And that was all down to her role in which she played the iconic Gabriella Montez in the (equally iconic) High School Musical franchise. Is anyone else getting glitter eyeshadow and shimmer gloss flashbacks? We're all in this together, right?
Now, Vanessa has momentarily taken us back to that time with one single Instagram post. 'How can that be?', I hear you cry. Well, folks, in the pic (where she is also rocking a neon pink bikini, no less), Vanessa is sporting a hairstyle we haven't seen her wear in years. And that is the classic Y2K side fringe.
Swipe to the second image to see what we're talking about:
It may not be Thursday just yet but this calls for a major throwback... I mean, does it not just transport you straight back to 2006? I'm thinking prime HSM era, specifically Gabriella during the *very heartfelt* 'Breaking Free' scene:
Plus, it's not just one celebrity bringing back this look. With Miley Cyrus and Billie Eilish both jumping on the side fringe bandwagon, too, it seems that this new-meets-old hairstyle may be a trend... again.
This, along with speculations emerging around Troy and Gabriella's supposed reunion, we can't help but think that a 2022 rendition of the movies may be true. Please just say it is so, 'Nessa.
Everyone's clicking on...
IDK if this is just me but I now feel the urgent need to revive the use of glitter MSN stickers and graphic pink MySpace wallpaper. Whose with me?
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Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
