How To Choose The Right Bob Haircut

Bobs are the eternally cool cut many of us have either dabbled with or considered at some point in our life span. Having short ‘cool girl’ hair has never been more desirable or indeed accessible, with so many great cuts and styles out there. The likes of Instagram is a treasure trove for bob haircut snaps that’ll tempt even the most Rapunzel-esque among us to chop it all off, but how do you actually pick the right haircut for you?

As with most things these days, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to different types of bob cuts. It’s no longer a ‘one size fits all’ style; from short, razor-sharp cuts to delicate layered lobs, the options are endless. Just look at trending new establishments like The Hair Bros, who offer several bobs on their cut ‘menu,’ which could not be more different. But while choice is great, it can all feel a little overwhelming at times, especially to bob newbies who don’t quite know where to start.

Luckily, the experts have some top tips when it comes to choosing the cut for you. Luke Hersheson, CEO at Hershseons, explains that when it comes to getting a bob, the cut you choose is absolutely essential for long term results. “If you don’t get the haircut right, no amount of styling will make it right,” he says. In fact, he adds, "if you get the haircut right you can get away with very minimal styling — some Almost Everything Cream and an air dry should do.”

For Hersheson — who believes “bobs are the most universally easy-to-wear haircut that work on everyone” — cutting hair is a very visual experience, and for that reason, he recommends working alongside your stylist with photographic inspiration to help you find the right style. “Take pictures above anything,” he advises. “Any hairdresser that makes you feel bad about taking a picture, you shouldn’t be seeing. We want you to bring pictures because they are the best references.”

As well as discussing different bob inspirations and imagery with your stylist, it’s about finding the right hairdresser in the first place, especially if you're totally new to shorter styles. “You want to go to a hairdresser that cuts hair very visually as opposed to a hairdresser who cuts it in the most technically perfect way - you actually don’t want a ‘perfect bob’. It’s about celebrating the imperfectness and undone-ness of bobs rather than making them ruler perfect. Search people’s Instagrams and work before you book them.”

Like Hersheson, Syd Hayes, BaByliss Ambassador and International Session Hairstylist, agrees that everybody can pull off a bob, it’s just about confidence and finding the cut that makes you feel that way.

However, Hayes does have a few favourites that he believes work on everyone, and are easiest to style from home even for bob newbies. “The most universally flattering bobs will be the slightly longer ones that sit below the jawline,” he explains. These require little styling — just a great hairdryer such as the BaByliss Hydro Fusion Hair Dryer with the diffuser attachment, which allows hair to dry naturally and end up feeling super chic and undone.

“I think the choppy bobs are easiest to style too,” he adds. “Leave them to dry naturally, then blast with a texture spray like Sam Mcknight Cool Girl or Oribe Texturizing Spray.”

In short, the most important factor to take into account when picking your bob haircut is what makes you feel good. Working closely with a quality stylist who has experience in cutting a variety of bobs will help in finding this cut, as will a wide range of visual references to narrow the search down.

That said, the following are some of the coolest cuts around that while trending now, are also sure to stand the test of time:

The coolest bob cuts to choose from:

Both Hayes and Hersheson agree this is the coolest cut of the momennt, with Hayes referencing Billie Eilish’s recent chop, which he said was “shattered with a razor,” and Hersheson mentioning Taylor Lashae. “There are a lot of French-style bobs going on that are slightly shorter on the sides closer to the jaw line,” Hersheson says.

Layered mid-length bobs A perfect starter bob for anybody scared to go the full way with a short ‘90s bob, this style is defined by its mid length (in between a ‘90s bob and a lob), and its flattering layers, which bring movement and softness to the style overall.

“Anything with a chunky end feels very current, but with an undone texture so it feels modern,” says Hersheson of this look. He also explains that thickness and volume is totally achievable even for fine hair; it’s just about finding the right cut.

The graduated bob is a beloved, everlasting cut and one that works for many hair types, textures, and styles. It will always be flattering, and looks great when styled with both waves and in a straight, sleek finish.

Another gorgeous starter style for those worried about getting too blunt and choppy, feathery, delicate ends are super soft and work with all hair textures.

The lob (long bob) is a brilliant style if you’re growing out your bob, or again if you want to ease into a shorter cut from long hair. Hayes says that Kourtney Kardashian is sporting the perfect lob atm, describing it as “slightly choppy and cook as f*ck.”Hi!

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