Cutting in a fringe is one of the easiest ways to add interest to your look, whether you're sporting long hairstyles, a pixie cut or a classic bob this spring. If you're unsure about committing to a full fringe, bottleneck bangs are increasingly popular for their ability to be impeccably chic yet still low-maintenance. The look closely resembles the curtain bangs seen on celebrities such as Daisy Edgar-Jones and Suki Waterhouse, with very slight differences.
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What are bottleneck bangs?
"Think of the shape of a Coke bottle," says Imy Chowdhary, Great Lengths educator at Michael John Salon. "The middle section, roughly 2cm wide, is cut straight, and then it gradually curves outward toward the ends, creating a soft, rounded effect." For references, Chowdhary notes that it sits somewhere in between Stevie Nicks' seventies vibe and Brigitte Bardot's more voluminous, sixties fringe.
While it is similar to curtain bangs in that it's versatile and blends into the rest of your hair, the bottleneck style is a little heavier and leaves the forehead less exposed. "It’s more of a fuller bang with more movement and length in the sides that frame the face," agrees Sarah Necia, session hairstylist and wig designer who's worked with Dolly Parton and Raye. They're softer, with a more blended finish.
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Who would suit bottleneck bangs best?
We're inclined to say that anyone can suit any hairstyle as long as you feel comfortable and happy in it, but as a starting point, both experts agree that bottleneck bangs are ideal for easing into the fringe. "What’s great about bottleneck bangs is their versatility—by varying the length and angle, they can be adapted to suit nearly every face shape," says Chowdhary, although he caveats that those with a strong cowlick (strands that grow in a different direction to the rest of your hair) might find the look trickier to manage.
On straight hair, the bottleneck bang can take extra effort to maintain. "I’m actually really into this style at the moment on my own hair," says Necia, who sleeps with a roller in so her straight hair achieves the desired texture and finish.
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How to nail bottleneck bangs
It goes without saying, but a good hairstylist will always perform a thorough consultation before giving you a makeover. "For thin hair, you want to create a thicker bang so you have more hair to play with, so make sure your hairdresser cuts enough hair into the bang," suggests Wood. Meanwhile, for those with thick hair, she does the opposite and chops into the fringe to create texture.
How to style bottleneck bangs
Necia is a big fan of blow-drying with round Kent hairbrushes. "I like the LBR1 bristle brush, but their ceramic core radial, the LPF6 is also brilliant as the core heats up and holds the shape of the bang beautifully," she says. "You want to create some volume in the root, so I also recommend using a little root boost or volume spray."
To add in texture and flicks, she uses straighteners or curlers. You can also follow Necia's lead and prep your hair the night before. "Put a large foam roller on with a little setting lotion. I then sleep in it and it’s perfect for the morning," she adds.
If your hair's truly lacking volume, discreet extensions will do the trick. "Try adding a few customised Great Lengths bonds to thicken up the sides and create more definition," suggests Chowdhary.
Our spring hair update, sorted.