Bottleneck Bangs Are the Cool Girl Fringe Trending Right Now- NewBeauty
We’ve been around the block with curtain bangs by now, and we’re looking for a fringe that’s a bit fresher but in the same realm. The answer? Bottleneck bangs. Named for their shape that begins short and slim in the middle and curves out, these bangs sweep above and around the eyes, falling perfectly at the top corner of the cheekbones.
Hairstylist David Reid says bottleneck bangs are beloved for their versatility. Hairstylist Samantha English adds that the style can work with most face shapes. “These bangs are textured and add quite the edge to anyone’s look. The coolest thing about this style of bang is that they truly suit all face types,” says hairstylist Haven Whiteman.
If you want to get this stylish look that has unique movement and dimension, read up on what the experts have to say about bottleneck bangs.
Featured experts
- David Reid is a hairstylist for tgin
- Samantha English is a hairstylist and artist lead at DESIGN.ME
- Haven Whiteman is a hairstylist and extension expert at Luxy Hair
What are bottleneck bangs?
“Coined by London-based stylist Tom Smith, bottleneck bangs are a classic style that mimics the silhouette of a wine bottle,” says Reid. “They begin with a short and slim peak in the center forehead that descends in a linear taper sloping downward as it sweeps over the eyes and rests at the cheekbones.”
Bottleneck bangs often “feature longer, layered strands that frame the face, gradually transitioning into shorter, rounded bangs at the center,” says English. The narrowing that mimics a bottle’s neck gives the bangs a soft, flattering effect, she explains.
Bottleneck bangs vs curtain bangs
While English says bottleneck bangs are a contemporary take on classic curtain bangs, there are specific points of differentiation. Reid explains that the steep linear slope is what sets bottleneck bangs apart from curtain bangs. Additionally, bottleneck bangs “feature a curved angle compared to a traditional fringe, allowing for a softer grow out and versatility in styling.”
What to ask for in the salon
“Luckily, most stylists are familiar with the bottleneck bang, but if you need some inspo to share, look to celebrities like Dakota Johnson or Lily Collins,” says Whiteman. “Simply put, say, ‘I’d like bottleneck bangs, which are longer at the sides to frame my face and gradually get shorter as they move toward the center of my forehead.’”
When asking for this style, Reid suggests requesting “a linear taper that starts from a short point near the third eye at the top and slopes down to the tops of cheekbones.” There are customizable moments. These bangs can be layered, and adjustments to length and weight can be bespoke to the client, says Reid.
The length of the center pieces is up to you as well. “Some prefer them to fall right between the brows, while some opt for a more striking look, with the shortest pieces right in the center of the forehead,” says Whiteman.
The bangs should blend seamlessly with the rest of the hair for a natural, effortless look, says English, describing them as “somewhere between curtain bangs and shag bangs, but with less thickness and a softer feel.”
Whiteman notes that bottleneck bangs are especially “gorgeous when paired with shorter face-framing layers in front of the ear. When you pull your hair back into a bun or pony, you’ll be sporting an effortless, chic look. ”If you’re nervous to fully commit to bangs, you could also opt for clip-ins. “Want the look of a bottleneck bang without the commitment? Luxy Hair’s Clip-In Curtain Bangs are the perfect foundation since they’re already in the ideal curtain shape. Taking these bangs into your next hair appointment would only require a quick install and having your stylist trim the center pieces.”
How to style bottleneck bangs
Since this fringe is very versatile, you can style it in a multitude of ways. “For an everyday look, blowdry your bangs using a round brush, lifting at the roots for volume while directing the center pieces straight down or slightly to the sides and sweeping the side pieces outward toward the top corner of your cheekbones,” says Whiteman. English recommends applying PUFF.ME Volumizing Mousse ($31) ahead of blow drying to get good body. If you’re looking for added texture, spritz on PUFF.ME Dry Texture Spray ($31).
“To achieve a voluminous yet wispy effect (Hello, Sabrina Carpenter vibes), use a small-barrel curling iron or a flat iron to curl the bangs inward, focusing on the side pieces to create a face-framing effect. Tousle with your fingers and add a spritz of texturizing spray to finish this off,” directs Whiteman. For a sleek, polished bang, she recommends using a flat iron to straighten the bangs and angle the side pieces slightly outward for a modern vibe.
Lean into the 70s vibe and go for a messy, textured, effortless style by letting the bangs air dry with a touch of mousse or sea salt spray, then piece them out for a tousled look, suggests Whiteman. “This looks exceptionally stunning on those with a natural wave.” To get mega volume and bouncy, curved shape, Whiteman recommends using a large roller or round brush.
