What is a ‘Bottleneck’ Bob?

Well, it starts with a bottleneck bang as in fringe. The style sits in between a face-framing fringe (bangs) and something a little fuller, but it isn’t too voluminous or dramatic. The fringe is a bit more streamlined and blends in with the rest of the hair at the sides, hence the bottleneck name. With bobs and bangs both trending, it was only a matter of time before the two joined forces.

The thing that makes the bottleneck bob so desirable? “It has a face-framing silhouette that can be customized to suit various hair lengths. It works really well on shorter hair and hair that’s past the shoulders.” says Kay McIntyre.

“It’s a great one for summer – not just because the shorter length means there’s less hair to deal with. It’s also very versatile, so it can be easily styled into beachy waves or kept sleek and polished.” Kay says.
Versatile, ideal for warmer weather and very easy to look after, the bottleneck bob is officially the most versatile short hair style of them all.

There’s no denying that bobs are everywhere right now. From the petit bob to the chic bob, there really is something for everyone, but if you haven’t quite found the one for you, then the bottleneck bob might be one to consider. The bottleneck bob is inspired by last year’s popular trend for bangs (fringe), an alternative to the grown-out, lived-in fringe we all love so much!

Originally the term to help describe the way in which bangs frame the face, is a sort of bottleneck shape: narrow and shorter between the brows, curving out and around the brow bone to the cheekbones, and then it often kicks in at the contour of the cheek.

The bob is the latest of the bob cuts (yes, there are many variations on the bob out there) to circulate our social feeds and it’s one of the most versatile. But what makes it so special? In a nutshell, it’s bulkier with more layers than your traditional sleek bob. It’s ideal for all hair types and can be tailored to suit your texture and face shape. It’s so low-maintenance and versatile that it might even be the bob to end all other bob trends.

What is a chunky bob?

When many of us think about a classic bob, it’s normally sleek and uniform. A chunky bob “has a bold appearance. It has thick, defined layers, which creates a textured and edgier look compared to a regular bob. A chunky bob often has blunt ends and can be paired with a statement fringe for added dimension. It’s a versatile haircut and suits most face shapes and hair types.”

What hair types does the chunky bob work for?

Although you can make it work for anyone, the chunky bob works particularly well for medium-to-thick hair. “The density provides the necessary volume and texture to accentuate the bold, layered look of the style,” Collier says. It suits round, oval or heart-shaped faces the best as the “chunky layer frames the face beautifully, highlighting cheekbones and creating a flattering silhouette,” he adds.

It’s also a brilliant cut if you like to switch up how you style your hair and to suit your hair type. It can be straightened to give that sleek look, tousled for a messy-chic look or curled for a bouncy look. Kay says
Our clients love the flexibility of the chunky bob. “It’s ideal for individuals seeking a low-maintenance yet fashionable haircut, as it can be easily styled with minimal effort while still looking chic and modern.”

How to ask for a chunky bob at the salon?

Start with reference photos so that your hairdresser understands the style you’re after. From there, they can discuss how to turn your vision into a style that works for your hair type. “Ask for a style that’s short, typically just above the shoulders, with lots of volume and defined layers. Specify that you’d like the layers to be bold and textured. Ask for blunt ends and a face-framing fringe – if your stylist believes this will suit your face shape,” Kay explains.

How to style the bob?

here are many ways to style a bob. For a sleek and straight finish, we recommend using GHD Original Hair Straighteners to smooth out layers and finishing with a hair serum for added shine.
If you prefer a tousled and wavy appearance, apply GHD Curly Ever After Curl Hold Spray and use a curling tong or wand to create loose waves, then tousle with your fingers for a relaxed look.
For extra volume, we suggest applying a volumizing root boost on damp hair GHD Pick Me Up – Root Lift Spray and blow-drying it with a round brush to lift the roots.
For a textured and messy look, scrunch sea salt spray into damp hair and dry with a diffuser.