No more debating if you’ve got the ‘face’ for a bob, we all do. It’s a low-maintenance haircut, ideal for hot weather, that comes ready-styled and works a treat with dry shampoo – yes. Though I’m more than au fait with haircut terminology (the hairdressers chair is my second home), asking for a ‘bob’ is just a starting point these days. It’s not a tricky world to navigate, but I’ll help you on your way. Thinking of going shorter? Do it. There’s 5 styles I’m loving right now.
By Rachel Spedding
-
1 BobBorn out of Paris in the 1900s, the ‘bob’ shocked society by rejecting expectations that long hair equalled ‘feminine’ – props to that, history. Over a century later and the style is still going strong (right, Dua Lipa?). If you’re ready to enter short-hair territory, this is your base cut – it frames the face and takes two minutes to style (if at all). Keep the ends sharply cut if your hair is finer, and rough it up with salt-spray for extra texture.
-
2 Sob
As short as it gets. Ideal for the roll out of bed and off you go gang (proud ambassador); a quick comb through and a spritz of hairspray is all the styling this 90’s cut needs. Otherwise known as the ‘boyfriend bob’, the androgynous cut keeps hair close the jawline and is a little choppier in finish (if you want it to be). Wear with baby bangs, a centre part, or slick down with gel, and tuck behind the ears. ‘Cute’, ‘cool’, who cares? It takes less time to wash.
-
3 Lob
Or, the long bob. Chopped to a shoulder-skimming length, it’s enough to feel the change, without a dramatic cut (or cold neck). It’s a real all-rounder, as the style suits every face shape, and looks great with fringe, or without. Better yet, the hair is kept long enough to tie back, so for those in the zone sessions (on the treadmill, or your laptop), you can pull it back with ease. Sure Kim K put it on the map, but we’re loyal to the lob for it’s easy-to-style length.
-
4 Wob
This one’s down to the styling, so prepare for achy arms, courtesy of the straighteners. Usually worn at lob length, soft waves and heaps of texture transform it to ‘wob’. Effortless, sultry, beachy – all the cheesy adjectives I’m striving for on a Monday morning. Pull your straighteners through the hair, moving forward and back for a crimped effect, or rough dry with a hairdryer and loads of mousse. So easy to style, a walk in the rain will sort it.
-
5 Fob
Ok, this one’s cheating but if you’re not ready to face the chop yet then a few cheeky hair grips and you’ve got yourself a ‘fob’. The style for those scared of commitment (hi, welcome), the faux bob creates the illusion of short hair without braving the scissors. If your hair’s super thick, braid from the nape of the neck and tuck under (pull from the crown to bring out some volume), if it’s finer in texture, a few hair grips should do the trick. Perfect if you’d like short hair, but maybe just for the night.
Try it, it looks so darn good. With Treatwell, you can book beauty online at all your favourite salons – simple, hassle-free, and you can do it on the go. Discover amazing salons in your area.
