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
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1 BOB
Born 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
FAQs
Which bob haircut is best if you want a low-maintenance style?
The sob is best for low-maintenance lovers. It sits close to the jawline and only needs a quick comb and a bit of hairspray, making it one of the easiest styles to manage daily.
How do you get the look of a bob without cutting your hair?
You can create a faux bob (fob) using hair grips or braiding and tucking the ends. This style gives the appearance of short hair for a night out and works well if you’re not ready to commit to an actual chop.
What bob style suits every face shape?
The lob works with every face shape. Cut to shoulder length, it’s an all-rounder that’s long enough to tie back and looks great with or without a fringe, offering plenty of versatility.
How can you add texture to a classic bob haircut?
You can use salt spray to rough up the ends and create extra texture. Keeping ends sharply cut works well for finer hair and a bit of product can give that lived-in, stylish finish.
What is a wob and how do you style it?
A wob is a wavy bob, usually at lob length, styled with soft waves and lots of texture. Achieve the look with straighteners for a crimped effect or rough dry with mousse—the style is effortlessly beachy and relaxed.