It seems like every day there’s a new version of bobs (French, razored, or asymmetrical, anyone?) and bangs (we’re still not over curtain), but the creativity of the hair world leaves so much opportunity for innovation. And you better believe we’re the first in line to try every single one. With bobs and bottleneck bangs trending more than ever, it was only a matter of time before the two collided to create the ultimate haircut.
The new bob on the block is charmingly called the bottleneck bob. Inspired by the look of a crisp beer or soda bottle on a hot summer's day, we wondered what made this 'do different from the bobs and bangs of years past, so we tapped celebrity hairstylist Clariss Rubenstein to weigh in. Whether you want a fringe upgrade or are thinking of going in for that big seasonal chop, here's everything you need to know about the bottleneck bob haircut.
What is a bottleneck bob?
There are few key characteristics of a bottleneck bob haircut.
“It starts with a soft fringe or curtain bangs with gradual layers that end in a bob, instead of the classic blunt version,” says Rubenstein.
The bottleneck nickname refers to only the fringe itself since they create a similar silhouette to a bottle's neck when framing the face. Bottleneck bangs start slim and short in the middle (the bottle's neck) and then gradually widen around the cheek and temples until it blends in with the rest of the hair at the sides (the bottle's body).
Good hair day by @adamogeva.
What is the difference between a bob and a bottleneck bob?
As mentioned, Rubenstein points out that a bottleneck bob is softer and more forgiving than a blunt or French bob, both of which are more severe.
“The bottleneck bob is a less harsh-looking version of the classic bob, with fewer blunt edges and sharp angles,” the stylist says.
Good hair day by @mageofhair.
What face shape pairs best with a bottleneck bob?
The bottleneck bob is very versatile and can flatter various face shapes simply by adjusting the length and angle of the bangs and layers.
Rubenstein points out that depending on where the fringe ends and the layers begin, a bottleneck bob haircut can widen the cheekbones or draw attention to the eyes. On the flip side, you can use the style to strategically create the appearance of a more narrow face, pulling attention down to your lips and jawline.
We always recommend going to a trained professional when opting for a short cut, especially when bangs come into play. Stylists are well-versed in determining the best length, shape, and layers that will most flatter your hair texture and face shape.
Resistane Ciment Thermique Blow Dry Primer
A strengthening thermal heat protectant for over-processed, weakened, and damaged hair.
Vavoom Extra Full Freezing Spray
A finishing hairspray that also works as a dry shampoo and texturizing spray.
How do you style a bottleneck bob?
There’s no right or wrong way to style this chic short cut, but we personally love keeping the ‘do fluffy, feathered, and textured to help it make a soft yet effortless statement.
A classic round brush and blow dryer combination helps give a bottleneck bang haircut a little bounce and bend. Adds Rubenstein: “Don’t be too precious about it; you want the style to be relaxed!”
If you decide to treat your locks to an at-home blowout, always use a heat protectant. One of our go-to’s is Kérastase Resistane Ciment Thermique Blow Dry Primer, which preps and protects hair from heat up to 450 degrees and repairs breakage as well, so strands become stronger.
Spritz Matrix Vavoom Extra Full Freezing Hairspray onto the roots and throughout the hair for soft movement. A finishing hairspray that also works as a dry shampoo and texturizing spray, the formula gives controlled texture to a bottleneck bob while still maintaining its body.
Is a bottleneck bob high maintenance?
While styling a bottleneck bob is a walk in the park, your bangs require more frequent touch-ups to maintain their bottleneck shape. You’ll likely need to visit your stylist for a trim every four to six weeks to ensure they stay on point and free of split ends.
“If you’ve never worn a bob before but are ready to give it a try, [this] is the one to experiment with,” Rubenstein says. Now that you’re equipped with everything there is to know about the bottleneck bob haircut, here are 10 of our favorite looks to try.
The 10 Best Bottleneck Bob Hairstyle Ideas to Try Now
Good hair day by @max_rokitskiy_stylist.
‘70s-Inspired
The ‘70s hairstyle that’s had a true glow up is the shag, and it looks amazing when paired with bottleneck bangs. The look entails snipping in feathery ends and plenty of layers to build volume at the crown. It’s an ideal choice for those wanting to enhance their natural waves or curls since this cut frees hair from a lot of dead weight.
Good hair day by @kirstyannehair.
Money Piece
Using the money piece highlighting method is an enchanting way to draw attention to bottleneck bangs while adding a halo of brightness around the face.
Since the bleach required to achieve this effect requires a higher lift, strands may be left more prone to damage and breakage. To combat it, add an intensive mask like Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Intensive Treatment into your routine. Part of the Acidic Bonding Concentrate family, this highly reparative rinse-off formula works within your hair to strengthen hair bonds weakened by stressors like hair color, lightening, and more.
Good hair day by @danni_solier.
Bombshell Waves
Infusing a bottleneck bob with large, dramatic waves emphasizes its nuanced layers and creates a beautiful swooped bang effect.
Whether you’re going the curling wand or flat iron route to recreate this look, prep hair with a leave-in like Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner. Not only does it guard against heat, but it also fights frizz and adds shine, so your waves remain bouncy and lustrous.
Good hair day by @shear_envytupelo.
Space Buns
It used to be that there were limited styling options available to those with short hair, but these adorable space buns on a bottleneck bob prove otherwise. The beauty of this cut is that you still get the face-framing effect of bottleneck bangs even when half of your hair is pinned up.
These bangs are on the fuller side, so to prevent them from getting weighed down, spray a bit of Pureology Style + Protect Refresh & Go Dry Shampoo onto the root to absorb moisture and add a bit of tousled texture.
Good hair day by @sabinasocol.
Lob
The perfect amount of trendy and messy, a lob with bottleneck bangs is a smart way to ease into a full-on bottleneck bob gradually.
Good hair day by @leohairartist.
Long Wisps
Versatility is what we predict will give the bottleneck bob its staying power. Case in point: Wispy, full fringe that still maintains its fullness at the sides of the face. This one can be especially flattering for those with square-shaped faces since it pulls focus to the cheekbones and not the jawline.
Good hair day by @hair.ericacrawley.
Multi-Colored
Another bold way to draw attention to the bangs on a bottleneck bob? Dye them bright blue!
Keep your fantasy hue looking its most vibrant with a regimen like Matrix Total Results Keep Me Vivid Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner, which can extend its color up to 21 washes.
Good hair day by @heatherpaints_hair.
Forest Green Ombre
Why not try a bottleneck bob haircut with a forest green and red ombre for a more subdued take on fantasy hair color? Trendy, bold, and chic—what more could you ask for in a hairstyle?
Again, fantasy hair color requires a bit more TLC since it’s susceptible to dehydration and dulling. Once a week, consider adding a conditioning treatment to your routine. Biolage Professional Ultra Hydra Source Deep Treatment Pack uses cupuaçu butter to instantly transform dry strands, making them softer and more manageable.
Good hair day by @shereeknobel_bixiecolour.
Curly
If you thought bottleneck bangs were just for straight hair, you’ve got another think coming. These curly bottleneck-inspired bangs take the hassle out of having to constantly push them out of your beautiful eyes, sitting higher on the brow bone and then getting longer near the cheekbones.
Ensure this bob is buoyant, not boring, by working a bit of Mizani True Textures Curl Enhancing Lotion through wet hair before styling. This conditioning, frizz-fighting leave-in enhances and defines curly hair while keeping hair soft (because crunch is best for snacks, not strands).
Good hair day by @mallari.cuts.you.up.
Long Hair with Bottleneck Bangs
Not quite ready to commit to a bob? We have great news: bottleneck bangs look equally gorgeous on princess-length hair. You'll still get that short yet full face-framing fringe without parting ways with your hard-earned length.
Want to give the bottleneck bob trend a try? Of course you do! Head to Hair.com to find everything you need to make this ‘do come to life.
Resistane Ciment Thermique Blow Dry Primer
A strengthening thermal heat protectant for over-processed, weakened, and damaged hair.
Vavoom Extra Full Freezing Spray
A finishing hairspray that also works as a dry shampoo and texturizing spray.
Acidic Bonding Concentrate Intensive Treatment
An intensive acidic rinse-off treatment that helps reinforce weak hair bonds and repair damaged hair.
Acidic Bonding Concentrate Bundle
Acidic Bonding Concentrate bundle to strengthen hair & repair damage
25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner
A lightweight leave-in conditioner with heat protection that detangles, calms frizz, and treats damage and dryness.
Total Results Keep Me Vivid Sulfate-Free Shampoo
A sulfate free, gentle shampoo that gently cleanses so hair color remains vibrant.
Total Results Keep Me Vivid Nourishing Conditioner
A lightweight, yet hydrating conditioner that leaves colored hair vibrant, smooth and soft.
Ultra Hydra Source Deep Treatment Pack
Deeply hydrating moisture mask conditions, softens and restores very dry, thick or coarse curly hair.
True Textures Curl Enhancing Lotion
A hair lotion for curls that adds definition and enhances texture.
