Hello friends, it’s been a minute but I’m back, and with new bangs to boot! I’ll update you more on where I’ve been in my next Life Lately but today’s post is something a bit different.
Since sharing a peek at the new ‘do on IG I’ve received A LOT of messages (thanks for the love!), so I figured a post with all the details would be helpful.
Here’s what this post will cover:
- Why I decided to change things up.
- The inspiration.
- What I *wish* I’d known to ask my stylist for.
- How it looks!
- Answers to the questions I got in my DMs.
‘do join me!
SCARF old // CARDIGAN LEE15 for 15% Off // JEANS // BOOTS // BAG old
Below is a photo of my hair before, in case you’re new or forgot. I’ve worn my hair side parted with side swept bangs for basically my entire life. I have a high forehead and an oval shaped face so I find they suit me well and I’ve enjoyed them. I will also say, one of the “fringe” benefits (sorry not sorry) of lifelong forehead coverage, is that I have very few lines or sun damage to speak of. So that’s good I guess!
My “swoop” is a touch shorter than usual in the photo below since I’d recently trimmed them, but you get the idea.
WHY CHANGE THINGS UP?
You know when something just hasn’t been feeling right for a while? You can’t put your finger on exactly why or where it started (of course a good guess is social media) but you’re ready for a change? Well, that’s how I’d been feeling about my hair. I’ll also admit that Gen Z did get me thinking about a centre part, which I never thought would be in my future.
I’ve been in the process of growing my hair out after a long bob phase and I wasn’t sure how I’d make a full fringe work with longer hair until I started gathering evidence that it was possible.
Plus, it’s just hair! So why not have some fun with it while the mood strikes?
THE HAIRCUT INSPIRATION
I’ve saved more examples of this style on my How Do You ‘Do? Pinterest board to show how it might work for different textures and tones.
WHAT I WISH I’D KNOWN TO ASK MY STYLIST FOR
(and will next time)
I’ve trimmed my own bangs forever so I wasn’t worried, however, in my haste to try out out a full fringe, I ended up snipping things a touch wider than I should have. Not the end of the world, and luckily my stylist was able to help the sides blend in a little more. As it grows out she’ll be able to shape it into the style I should have asked for, which is, “Bottleneck Bangs”.
Aptly named after the shape of a glass bottle because they’re wider around the face and cheekbones and taper inward to a small section in the centre of the lower forehead between the eyebrows.
Bottleneck bangs look really great with a voluminous blowout or a messy ponytail. They also work with long and short hair alike, any face shape, and all sorts of hair textures. The longer sides make them easier to grow-out so if you’re not sure you want bangs for life, they’re a great option.
This article covers the style very well and gives some more advice on what to ask for but, London-based hair stylist, Tom Smith, recommends:
“Ask your stylist to create longer bangs that skim your cheekbones at an angle that flatters your face and curves around to create a layer that sits somewhere between your cheekbones and jaw. Then, ask for the central part to be cut slightly shorter, keeping the cutting line soft and choppy, with the shortest part in the middle gradually getting longer on the edges.“
HOW IT LOOKS
Here’s how it looks about a week post professional trim, with my own styling. That’s always the true test of a good cut for me. If I can make it look good at home, then it’s a winner. I think I did a decent job and have been finding the fringe itself super easy to maintain and style.
You can see it in action in this saved IG Story.
Answers to the common questions I got in my DMs.
Q: How did you decide how wide to go?
I just went with the section of bangs I already had and tried to shape the sides a bit. As I mentioned, I think they’re a bit wider than a true “Bottleneck” but it works for wearing glasses and I’ll see how things grow out.
Q: How do you style them?
Two ways. The first, and most common:
- After a wash I vigorously towel dry them.
- Comb them into place generally.
- & that’s it! They tend to air dry quite well and look just fine for lake life.
The second, for shoot days or any occasion where I want styled hair:
- I still vigorously towel dry them.
- Then I blow dry while still damp.
- Using a fine tooth comb I comb down from my roots to train the hair to fall evenly and flat over my forehead. This reduces any kinks or cowlicks.
- Then I use a bristly curved brush to swoop the sides out and add a bit of volume in the centre.
- I finish with a soft hold spray.
Q: Do they get greasy easily?
This will depend on your hair type, skin type, and general hair touching habits. I have fine hair, with combo skin and I tend to touch my hair a fair amount. So my bangs need a freshening up most days. Having a good dry shampoo handy has helped so much.
I will say that I’m much less inclined to touch my bangs in this style compared to when they’re side swept.
Q: Do they get in the way of your glasses?
So far, I’ve found they don’t get in the way when I’m wearing glasses or sunnies. I typically wear contacts from day to day, but I always try to remember to bring my glasses when I get a haircut. Then I can make sure they’re cut sort enough not to interfere with the frames.
Q: Do you plan to colour your hair now that you have more greys?
First of all, nobody actually asked this, but I figure a few folks must have thought it as the question has crossed my own mind and come up in discussions I’ve had with my girlfriends.
The answer for me is no. I haven’t dyed my hair in any way since high school so I’m not about to start. I’m much too lazy to maintain that sort of thing and I love how grey hair looks on women. I will admit, I was slightly surprised by how much more my greys show up now that I’m parting my hair down the centre but I also really like the bolts of lightning they add to my darker base.
& that my friends, concludes my hair update. I’ll be back soon with a proper life lately update but if you’ve got any hair q’s feel free to drop them here!
Oh and if you’re not a fan of bangs or my hair, that’s no prob, just consider keeping that thought where it is. Thanks!
This new hairdo looks so good on you! Tres chic!
It was nice to get your newsletter in my inbox again, of course I came over to see your new hair style. I think it looks great! A nice strong fringe/bangs…..as a curly haired person I can’t really have one but ironically my hairdresser recently suggested I part at the side instead of the middle, so the opposite to what you’ve done.
Thanks Kirra! If you want to check out my Pinterest board on hairstyles, I think you’ll find some inspo for curly hair bangs.
So excited to see a new blog post! Loving the new look and thanks for sharing your insights! I’ve basically had the same hair style for…..ever and I recently contemplated bangs, but then got nervous and didn’t do it. This bottleneck bang style sounds very appealing though and I may just try it out! I’m just nervous about the upkeep since I only go to a hair salon like once/year – do you think you’ll trim them yourself or go back in for trims? I’ve been a side-part girl since the early 2000s, so might be time to mix it up!
Thanks Nicole! I plan to go in for trims until I feel that the shape and layering is exactly right. Probably every month or 6 weeks for a season. Then I’ll attempt to maintain them myself. A good pair of hair trimming scissors are on my Christmas wish list.
Hi Lee, another long time fringer here! One thing I’ve found in maintaining my own bangs that lean towards the bottleneck style is to cut them in two layers, texturize the bottom layer with thinning shears, and then point cut in various depths to add more texture throughout. These elements together have helped encourage the 70s style flicks and movement I love so much! It’s helped me be happy with my bangs for almost five years now, but it was definitely a trek to get there! Hope you enjoy yours, they look great!
Thanks for these tips and insights Amy! Always appreciate wisdom from a fellow fringer 🙂
Hey, Lee – glad you’re back. And I love your new bangs – and the “lightning bolts” – both great.
What I really love is your postscript “If you’re not a fan of bangs, or my hair, that’s no prob, just consider keeping that thought where it is. Thank you”.
Yup, so many comments/thoughts/opinions on social media should just stay where they originate! Tks for the reminder.
Thank you Chris! I think some folks can sometimes get the idea that if you’ve put yourself out there in some way you’re automatically inviting opinions, but that’s just not necessarily so. Have a great weekend!
Was so happy to see your news letter pop up in my inbox this morning!
The new bangs look fantastic on you, and have me seriously contemplating a style change after I grew my bangs out a few years ago. I’m also glad to see you’re embracing the grey hairs, like you I have naturally dark hair and lots of new grey hairs making an appearance…
Also love this outfit, I have a pair of white jeans that I purchased in the spring and am always looking for new ways to style them, especially now that the cooler weather has arrived.
And finally, the Diredot effect was an interesting read. We just finished building/moving into our new house and we definitely felt like our old furniture (that was in storage for over a year) did not fit our new space. We’ve added some pieces but also tried to incorporate our existing pieces so it feels more like home 🙂
Already looking forward to the next news letter, have a great weekend!
Thanks for such a thoughtful comment Janelle! I definitely know what you’re going through with the furnishings in your new home (congrats!). We’ve become so used to these massive makeovers on spaces through TV shows and IG that it feels like it has to be all or nothing. Good for you for taking your time and only making changes that you feel best represent your home.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the newsletter. xo
I’ve had straight across bangs for years now. Sending your photos to my stylist to try the bottleneck bangs style! Love them and always love how you share the good and the learning lessons. Thank you!
Thanks so much Amanda! xo