Zendaya, Hailey Bieber, Gigi Hadid, Lily Collins, Selena Gomez. What do these women have in common? Well, aside from the fact that they’re A-List celebrities, they’ve all hopped on the bob bandwagon. Over the past few months, celebrities have been opting for the chop and, whether they are doing it for ease or fashion, the trend has trickled down to us mere mortals. Whose hairstyle is the most requested? “Hailey Bieber,” says Maria Dowling, founder and owner of her eponymous Dubai-based salon. “Her style has a strong line but isn’t too bulky. It's a great versatile bob for those seeking a tailored-meets-lived-in look.” “Gigi Hadid and America Ferrera have popularised distinct bob styles that continue to inspire clients,” adds Natalie-Ann, Art Director at Pastels Salon. We are living in a social media-driven world where beauty trends are dictated by what we see on screen. “When Lily Collins cut her fringe in Emily in Paris, it seemed as if everyone was coming into the salon looking for bangs. She has now followed the likes of Hailey Bieber and Zendaya and debuted a bob, so I suspect we will be inundated with requests for the style once again.” However, there is one long bob (or ‘lob’ for those in-the-know) that truly achieved icon status. “We’re seeing a nod to the 90s with the return of the popular Rachel cut,” says Mark Antony Coates, Senior International Education Manager at Olaplex. “The layered, face-framing style always comes back into fashion,” concurs Rachel Ann Bunce, Art Director at The Den Salon.
It’s all well and good wanting to replicate your favourite celebrity’s style, but there is plenty to consider before taking the plunge. “Have a thorough consultation with your hair stylist regarding not just your hair goals, but also about your lifestyle and the wardrobe choices you routinely make,” urges Maria. Plus, don’t be fooled into thinking that lobbing off your locks will result in an easier morning routine, as that may not be the case. “The notion of the bob as a completely low-maintenance hairstyle is somewhat of a myth,” explains Natalie-Ann. “While some bob styles require minimal effort, others demand more attention.” If you’re looking for a more tousled, woke-up-like this look, opt for layers. “If cut well, the style can make the bob be more of a ‘wash and wear’,” adds Mark. Choose your stylist wisely, as having a bob will ensure you’re on best-friend basis thanks to frequent upkeep. “Asymmetrical bobs will require regular trims to keep them in shape every six weeks, while a more textured lob will only need to be trimmed every eight-10 weeks,” says Rachel.
Face shape must also be taken into consideration when choosing your cut, otherwise you could emerge from the salon looking like a Willy Wonka cosplay. “The key to finding the perfect bob lies in understanding your face shape,” explains Natalie-Ann. “For instance, a long bob can elongate a round face, while a chin-length bob can accentuate a strong jawline.” Although bobs can be tailored to suit any face shape, texture could put an end to your Hailey Bieber-hair dreams. Short bobs add volume to fine hair types, while bobs for those with wavy hair are best cut shorter at the back to avoid looking too round. Some hair types will also require more styling and maintenance than others, so if you have curly or coiled hair and prefer a lie-in in the morning, it may be time to search for alternative haircuts.
As many types of bob as there are - blunt, French, lob, boyfriend - there are as many ways to style it. “You can use serum to keep it sleek, use a texturising spray to give it a lived-in look, or use mousse to enhance its volume,” explains Maria. “Consider how much time you’re willing to dedicate to styling,” adds Natalie-Ann.
As winter approaches, opting for shorter lengths can seem like an odd choice, considering bobs were once seen as a seasonal cut to provide relief from soaring temperatures. However, celebrity culture has blurred the lines of seasonality and made the bob popular year-round. “While summer months often see an increase in demand for shorter haircuts, bobs remain a popular option in all seasons. Their ability to adapt to different styles and occasions contributes to their enduring appeal,” says Natalie-Ann.
