Thinking About Getting A Bob? Consider This Your Ultimate Guide To The Latest Trends, Maintenance & Styling
At the time of writing, I'm considering getting a bob. Because, as the cut of the season continues to take over our algorithms, with before-and-after influencer reveals, endless new trends and every celebrity, from Kaia Gerber to Hailey Bieber, jumping on the bob bandwagon, at this point... who isn't?
A few years ago, the once-feared hairstyle veered more into the realms of runway trend rather than an everyday 'do, before creeping back onto our feeds thanks to a cohort of celebrities and stylists adding fresh appeal to the old-school trim. Now, French Girl bobs, textured lobs, and flicked-out styles have become hairstyle catnip and salons are reporting the bob in all its many guises to be the most requested trend, superseding every other chop right now.
So why are bobs making such a major comeback? According to Michele Antiga, signature colourist and stylist at Gielly Green, it's down to their versatility. ‘Contrary to an old- fashioned bob that used to be very geometric, fixed and static, the new era of bobs is much more fluid and soft; it's textured, versatile and easier to manage. Even if you opt for a blunt bob, the modern version has a lot more movement,’ he explains.
Of course, snipping off your precious lengths isn't always such a straightforward affair. It can take months to follow through (guilty); some lengthy research to work out the best style for you and hours of mindless scrolling to uncover just what kind of maintenance you'll be looking at. Because, surely it can't be as easy as the perfectly tousled, side-parted bob you spotted earlier on Instagram?
If, like me, you're intrigued but want to get your facts straight first, read on for our expert guide to getting a bob haircut; it's packed with everything you need to know about how to style a bob haircut, the freshest trends surfacing right now, plus, all the maintenance and styling tips you'll require thereafter.
First: what do you need to know before getting a bob?
Yes, chopping all your hair off is not for the faint-hearted. The best thing you can do, says Mitchell Ladbrook, senior stylist for Nicola Clarke at John Frieda Salons, is to ask yourself: are you ready for a change? Will this hairstyle suit your lifestyle? Will the length interfere with your day-to-day life? And is it going to be easy to maintain?
The good news is that save for some speedy styling (more on this below), a bob is actually pretty low maintenance compared to your classic longer hairstyles. You will, however, need to equip yourself with the right hair tools and products, depending on your hair type and texture.
Face shape, length of neck, and facial features are also key considerations. Because, while a lot of it comes down to personal preference, a bob might not be the right chop for everyone. 'Generally speaking, oval face shapes can pull off any bob style whether it's a long or a short bob,' adds Ladbrook. Meanwhile, if you have a rounder face shape, below the jawline could be a better option for you.
And what if you find the mere prospect of a trim daunting? Then, it might be worth weighing up whether this really is the right hairstyle for you or opting for a longer version, such as a lob. 'If someone comes in with super long hair and has never cut their hair short, I always suggest going for an in-between hairstyle first to see how they would manage it,' shares Gielly Green hair stylist, Charlie Williams.
What to ask for when getting a bob
With so many new bob styles to choose from, and countless new trends surfacing as we speak, it's all too easy to suffer from choice paralysis. Have a scroll of the biggest bob trends for the season, or consult your hairstylist as to which style might be the best option for you (don't forget to come armed with visual references and style inspo, too).
The blunt bob
'Blunt, one-length bobs are very popular this season and are being requested more frequently in the salon,' shares Ladbrook. Early adopters of the trend include the likes of Hailey Bieber, Kourtney Kardashian, Florence Pugh and Cate Blanchett.
The textured bob
Adding fresh appeal to the signature style is a textured bob. The best part apart about these cuts, says Williams, is that with the right haircut, shape and layers, they require very little styling. Simply 'use a sea salt spray and a diffuser to show the movement but without over doing it', she says.
The Italian bob
'Soft, versatile and with no set parting, you can wear this look freely, run your fingers through and allow it to fall naturally,' says Antiga, of one of the biggest trends right now, aka the Italian bob. 'Blow dry it for body and bounce, wave it or smooth it; it's a fun yet elegant style,' he adds.
The uncut bob
For a softer version, look to the 'uncut' bob; a new style that's been gaining momentum lately. 'Great even without blow dry and on curly, coily and straight hair, simply add a spray or serum onto your lengths,' says Antiga.
Is your bob going to be low maintenance?
While bobs are generally considered to be quite low maintenance, you will need more frequent trips to the hair salon. 'To keep it strong and defined, opt for a trim every six to eight weeks,' says Antiga, or grow it out into a 'lob' if you're not keen on the constant upkeep.
Keeping your hair healthy and nourished is key when it comes to your bob. 'This will help facilitate the natural body and movement of your hair,' he adds, recommending hairstyling products such as styling serums and regular hair masks.
How to style a bob haircut
This will depend on your desired aesthetic. 'If you fancy blow drying your curly or wavy hair straight, then you'll need a round brush or straighteners; for naturally straight hair, use curling irons or a Dyson Air Wrap to add soft curls,' says Ladbrook.
If you've got a textured bob, he suggests having a sea salt spray handy. 'I would use Sam McKnight's Sundaze Sea Salt Spray for a natural beachy style texture,' he adds. 'For bobs with bangs, the Virtue-6 in-1 Styler is great as it's not oily or greasy and helps control frizziness.'
Blunt bob? If your hair is naturally straight you can leave as is, otherwise, for curly or coily hair, use the Color Wow Dream Coat to help blow dry your hair with ease and apply a smoothing hair serum to finish.
The best haircare for a bob
Wondering what sort of haircare line-up is best placed for your bob? 'Start with a good shampoo and conditioner to keep the hair nourished, a heat protector spray and a volume spray or mousse for the roots depending on the look you want to achieve,' says Williams. The rest will depend on your natural hair type and desired finish.
Now, the only question remains: are you ready to bite the bullet and get that bob, after all?
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