From blunt to breezy.
Our obsession with bobs has been going strong since the trend really started going stratospheric last summer. Granted, they've been harder to maintain, what with three months of regrowth edging them into lob territory (also very chic), but now that salons are reopening after Coronavirus forced them to close their doors, we're back booked in for our bi-monthly trim.
Stylists are predicting those of us with long hair will be tempted to throw caution to the wind and lop the lot off, signalling a fresh start during what's been a pretty full-on year. So, if you’ve been toying with the idea of chopping off your hair for a while, now's the time to go for it.
You can forget bowl cuts or cringe-worthy page boy hair, the jaw-skimming styles that have already done the rounds with the likes of Kaia Gerber, Kim K and Dua Lipa, feel modern, refreshing and a little bit sexy (see the sliced bob and blunt bob for reference). As it goes, peekaboo necks are a sophisticated and sultry way to show a little more skin.
In fact, the bob style has just taken the crown as the most popular in the world with 222,580 average monthly searches! This was followed by the bun (85,890 average monthly searches) and in third place, bangs/fringe (85,830 average monthly searches). The bob is the most popular hair look in 52 countries including UK, USA, Belgium and Germany. Woah!
The question is, which cut to go for? It's no a longer one-size-fits-all approach. Bobs have been through a renaissance and the possibilities are endless. The last few months alone has given us the French bob, the shattered bob, the micro bob, the collarbone bob and the asymmetrical bob which means there's room to experiment and tailor the trend to you, even within the same style.
Bobs are typically divided into two main camps. The first is a blunt, squared-off shape that finishes just above the jaw: "It feels fresh and has a modern, youthful vibe. It's a bit braver,” says Jonathan Soons, Creative Ambassador for Headmasters Salons.
Anyone can pull it off with the right styling
“Anyone can pull off a bob. However, there are definitely styling tricks that suit different face shapes and textures, so it’s important to take all of that into consideration before getting started,” says Larry.
Determine your face shape
“If you have a round face, you should opt for a bob that finishes closer to the collarbone to elongate your face. For those with a heart-shaped face, make your bob super short to accentuate the jaw line and cheekbones, and if you have a square face, go for a length that sits below the jaw and break it up with a grown-out fringe,” explains Larry. And if you have an oval-shape face? You’re in luck – you can take your pick.
Think about your neck
“If you have a long neck, it opens you up to a lot of choice on bob length. However, the shorter your neck, the more classic the bob needs to be. To avoid making your neck look any shorter, keep your cut jaw-length and above,” says Jonathan.
Consider your hair type
For those with thick hair, the risk of your cut turning mushroom-esque is all too real. “If your hair is thick, you need to keep it longer in order to weigh it down. Ask your stylist to slice into it, but refrain from cutting in layers,” says Larry.
If your hair is thinner and straight, you are blessed enough to pull-off the coveted 2020 jaw-length blunt cut with ease. Larry warns: “Make sure you keep it all one length, going higher at the nape can look a little dated.”
Blessed with curls? Make sure you sit down with your hair stylist before you go in for the chop. “Curls are better with layers. Ask your hairdresser to cut your bob wet to dry. This means they get the length while it’s wet, but cut in the layers and shape as the curls start to develop as it dries,” advises Larry.
Remember the aftercare
“Bobs require a lot more blow drying and heat styling than longer hairstyles do, so swap a conditioner for a nourishing mask to prevent strands from drying out. I love John Masters Organics Honey & Hibiscus Repair Mask, £39, for this,” says Jonathan. On top of heat styling, you should also be prepared to start investing in dry styling products such as powders and texturising sprays in order to keep your bob looking fresh and current.
Here's some inspiration to get you started...
Original article from GLAMOUR UK | Author Elle Turner and Lottie Winter
