Make no mistake: The bob is having a moment. While it may sound like a pretty low-maintenance style for the summer months, stylists say this is one look that takes special consideration.
Featured Experts
- Frederic Fekkai is a celebrity hairstylist and founder of Fekkai
- Valery Joseph is a celebrity hairstylist and founder of Valery Joseph Salons
- Nunzio Saviano is a celebrity hairstylist and founder of Nunzio Saviano Salon in New York
- Felix Fischer is a celebrity hairstylist
Why Is the Bob Trending?
We’re still not over Joey King’s bold during-Cannes bob chop—and some stylists point to the season. “It’s a look that is a nice, seasonal transition cut as we enter the warmer months,” says founder of Fekkai and celebrity stylist Frederic Fekkai, who considers the bob a classic. “The timeless appeal of the bob is its versatility, and it’s a low-maintenance cut that’s easy to manage. The bob is more than just a haircut—it’s a statement, iconic and sophisticated! I’ve recently seen many celebrities sporting the bob, which I think has helped to bring it back into the spotlight.”
Celebrity hairstylist Valery Joseph of Valery Joseph Salons calls out a more sinister source of the bob. “A lot of people are struggling with hair loss since COVID and for these clients, I often recommend a bob because it creates a fuller look.”
What Should You Consider When Getting a Bob?
Fekkai warns that this is one cut that doesn’t have a lot of wiggle room to get wrong: “A bob has to be perfect with no room for error. It’s all about the line—shorter at the nape of the neck and slightly gradually longer at the chin,” he advises.
Nunzio Saviano, owner of Nunzio Saviano Salon in New York, agrees and says that a bad bob can actually bring your face “down.” His two no-nos: chin-length bobs and bangs that are cut straight across. “Hair should be kept longer than chin length and layered, so it adds body on top and gives the illusion of an elongated face. Avoid cuts that are chin-length and above, and do not add volume around the cheeks, as that won’t be flattering.”
What Should You Ask for When Getting a Bob?
Sounds simple, but communication on this one is key. “A bob isn’t for everyone, as it really depends on hair type and face shape. It’s important to see a skilled hairstylist if you’re changing your hairstyle as things like hair density, coarseness, face shape and lifestyle all need to be considered,” Joseph says. “Have an honest conversation about if a bob is right for you and discuss at-home styling needs before you start. Depending on hair density and texture, keratin might be a good option to consider should you be heading into the high-humidity summer months, as it will help keep your bob smooth.”
How Can a Bob Age You?
This isn’t unique to just bobs, but Joseph warns if a bob doesn’t work with your face shape, it can make you look older. “Also, a shorter cut draws the eye up, where as a longer style draws the eye down, taking the focus directly off the face. A blunt bob is the most dramatic, so adding layers to break it down and even a sweepy bang will soften the look and make it less aging.”
“A good cut depends on your face, your face shape, your body size and height,” stresses celebrity stylist Felix Fischer. “A bob is one of those styles that can make some people look younger—if done right. But when it’s done incorrectly or done on the wrong face, it can make you look older.”
One solution to consider? Play the shade game. “My go-to rule is to go lighter with your color,” Fischer says. “That’s the key. Don’t go darker with your hair color as you get older. It just makes you look older.”
How Should You Style a Bob?
And, as far as the almighty styling step, Fekkai recommends sticking to the root. “To style your bob, I recommend root-lifting products like the Fekkai Root Lift Spray ($28). Apply it only at the roots and work it into the scalp before blowing out the hair to add life and extra body to your hair. I also recommend using the Fekkai Straight Balm ($28). The key to this look is no frizz, and this product gives your hair a liquid glass look. Add one to two pumps of it on damp hair before blow drying for a brilliant shine.”
