Bottleneck bangs are having a moment. Known as curtain bangs' equally chic and shaggy younger sister — just a bit more choppy — this variety of fringe has picked up steam among It girls and those interested in refreshing their look (but without all the effort). Stylish, practical, and universally flattering, bottleneck bangs are one of the most requested styles this season. To find out more, we tapped stylists to get the DL on the trending cut, from styling advice to maintenance tips, and everything in between.

Keep scrolling to learn everything there is to know about bottleneck bangs and see whether they're right for you.

What Are Bottleneck Bangs?

The term was coined by London-based hairstylist and international creative color director for Evo Hair, Tom Smith. "Bottleneck bangs are the ultimate 70's inspired, super flattering, face-framing, cutting technique that can be adjusted to suit almost any face shape," he says. "This hairstyle takes inspiration from the neck of a bottle, starting slim and short in the middle, curving longer around the eyes, and then longest following the line of the cheekbone."

Smith recommends asking your stylist to create longer bangs that skim your cheekbones at an angle that flatters your face and sits somewhere between the cheekbones and jaw. "Then ask for the central part to be cut shorter, keeping the cutting line soft and choppy, with the shortest part in the middle and getting longer on the edges," he says.

How to Style

Nick Stenson, a celebrity hairstylist and Matrix artistic director, recommends purposely creating a laid-back style using nothing more than a flat brush and a spritz of a dry texturizing spray. "Spray Matrix Miss Mess Dry Finishing Spray in the roots and ends to create a day-two effect and keep the hair from appearing overly polished," he says.

Who They're For

On top of the low-styling effort, another plus of bottleneck bangs is that they truly work for everyone. So, if you have been reluctant to try bangs for fear of how they frame your face, rest assured you can customize bottleneck bangs to suit your features and preferences.

"Many people don't suit a classic fringe, but most can wear bottleneck bangs to add softness to the face," says Smith. "You can adjust the length and angle depending on whether you want to make your cheekbones appear wider or stronger, or maybe you'd prefer to slim and narrow a wider face, drawing focus to your eyes and lips."

Another plus? They are also very versatile and work with different hair lengths. "Bottleneck bangs will pair very well with long or short hair and tends to look good on all straight, wavy, and curly textures," says Stenson. Smith agrees, "The asymmetrical shape makes for much more variety when it comes to styling, and you can accompany them with face-framing feathered layers, soft waves, a shaggy 70's style haircut, or left hanging out for a cheeky up-do look."

The Bottom Line

Essentially, if you're someone who's looking to add a bit of texture to your hair and edge to your look, then consider bottleneck bangs for your next hairstyle. However, before heading to the salon, make sure to bring some pictures to give your stylist a visual of what you want. "With every trending haircut, there will always be customized variations that make them work for different individuals," says Stenson. "Be sure to bring images to your appointment that demonstrate the examples of bottleneck bangs that inspired you to make this change."

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What's the difference between bottleneck bangs and curtain bangs?

    "Curtain bangs generally fall away from the face in a soft way," says Stenson. "With bottleneck bangs, the length is short enough in the center to be worn falling straight."

  • Are bottleneck bangs low-maintenance?

    Despite falling in the center of your forehead, Smith assures that bottleneck bangs are low-maintenance since they are more choppy and textured. So the more lived-in, undone, and effortless they look — the better.

  • Do bottleneck bangs work for curly hair?

    Yes, bottleneck bangs work for all hair types and textures, including curly hair. Working with your natural hair texture, in terms of your cut and style, is a great way to enhance your look with minimal effort.

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