'I got the bob hair cut and these are the 5 things to consider before getting the chop'
If there is one haircut to rule them all in 2024, then Bob, we’re looking at you. Whether it’s the mob wives’ big bouncy bob, the chic French textured bob, or the new and improved graduated bob, iterations of this timeless look are back and bigger than ever.
Presently #bobhaircut has over 7 million views on TikTok, while on Instagram, there are over 2 million posts with #bobhaircut. Celebrities who have recently opted for the chop include Hailey Bieber, Zendaya, Kourtney Kardashian and Gigi Hadid, all of whom now sport hair that sits prettily above their shoulders.
So why is it back with a bang? This is one of the very few hairstyles that comes back around every decade with a bang.
‘Long before Hailey Bieber and Victoria Beckham rocked chin skimming styles, Blondie, Mary Quant and Barbara Streisand were at it. Then before them, there was Marilyn Monroe and Rita Hayworth, and then, of course, there were the original flapper girls of the 1920s.’
Larry adds that aside from the bob representing rebellion and a rejection of traditional gender norms, one of the best things about it is that (pretty much) everyone can pull it off. ‘It’s very versatile and therefore suits every face shape and hair texture. You can add bangs or shift the parting, slick it back, or texture it with different products.’
If you’re thinking about getting any type of bob, King offers some sound advice below.
What to consider before getting a bob according to a stylist
1/ Do your research
‘Having a bob can feel quite different if you’re used to long hair. Make sure you really do your research on the length you’d like and that you are clear in what you’re going for.’
2/ …but don’t overthink it
‘Taking images with several different lengths can confuse your stylist and you can potentially end up going shorter than you really wanted. Having said that, do listen to your stylist. They are experts on enhancing face shape and will instinctively know what will suit you. Spend time on the consultation part so you get just what you want.’
3/ Consider a fringe
‘Having a fringe with your bob can really make it look and feel like a whole new haircut and give it a different dimension.’
4/ Consider your colour
Why is this so important? King explains that ‘if you’ve got long hair with balayage at the roots, cutting off the length can affect how the colour looks and feels, and it may not work in the same way. So consider a colour revamp at the same time.’
5/Be prepare for totally new way of styling
‘You will probably finish your hair in totally different way once its short, so stock up on new products and ask your stylist for tips before you leave. It’s also a good idea watch some tutorials and then give yourself some time to practice when you’re home.’
‘I got a bob and here’s what you need to know’
As someone who’s had Rapunzel-esque hair their entire life, the idea of getting a bob felt very daunting. What if I hated it? What if I looked like Lord Farquaad? What if I didn’t know how to style it after the first crucial wash at home? These were all the (dramatic, granted) thoughts that ran through my head as I sat down in the stylist’s hot seat and watched him get handsy with the scissors.
Pleasingly, a few months in, I could not be more obsessed with my new chop. I’ve gone even shorter since the first snip and am enjoying my fresh look no end. It feels freeing in a strange way, and old wardrobes staples suddenly look new when teamed with my current hair. I will say, however, that getting my head around the new way of styling was the biggest challenge.
As every long-haired gal will profess, on the days when you’re short on time or when your barnet is looking less than fresh, slicking it back into a low bun or fashioning it into a ponytail or braid is your secret weapon. With a bob though, there is no hiding. I have to style it every day, and for the first few weeks, I found myself having to get up earlier to wash, dry, and tousle it, or else risk looking like Harry from Dumb and Dumber.
Initially, this was a hassle, and it tacked on at least 30 minutes to my morning routine, despite having way less hair to deal with than before. Now though, I’ve whittled it down to 15 minutes, max. My secret weapons are a full volumizing shampoo and conditioner followed by a volumizing mousse. I’ll then blow dry my hair before using my GHDs to tong small sections, alternating the direction. I was using a curling iron, but I found the curls looked like ringlets and I ended up looking like Taylor Swift circa 2006.
To switch it up I’ll also blow dry with a diffuser to create a straight (ish) textured look. I’ll also skip on the texture spray and use a cream instead. Oh, and a volumising dry shampoo is a must on the days I can get way without washing it and starting all over again.
Is the styling and the regular 6-week-trim appointments worth it? A thousand times yes. I’m team bob for the foreseeable.
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