What You Need To Know Before Committing To A Bob

First, Brush Up On The Trending Styles 

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach here – the key is finding the right bob for you. This season, hair stylist George Northwood is flying the flag for the sharp, jaw-length ‘Perriand’. “Simple and classic, this look is one length all the way round with no shape at the front,” he explains. “It needs to be quite blunt and clean, almost architectural. It probably suits someone with quite good bone structure.” Another frontrunner is the Cloud Midi Bob, which according to hair stylist Samantha Cusick is perfect for anyone who spent last year in a short bob and is looking to grow their hair into something softer, longer and a bit more luxurious. “This cut grazes the collarbone with softer rounded edges that sit around the face like a cloud,” she says. “It has that dreamy 90s fluffy blow-dry with lifted roots and gentle movement that feels chic rather than styled.”

Trust Your Stylist’s Instincts

“When I’m cutting a bob, I always start with face shape, hair density and natural movement, but lifestyle is just as important,” explains Hershesons stylist Elliot Bute, who cuts Polly’s hair. “A bob should work with how someone actually styles their hair day to day. Fine hair might need bluntness for strength, while thicker hair often needs internal weight removal. Face shape guides the length and where the line sits. The goal is a bob that looks intentional even when it’s air-dried. The best bobs are always the ones that suit you, not just what’s trend driven.”

Embrace Alternative Cutting Methods

“I often combine classic precision cutting with softer techniques like point cutting or razor work. It depends on the hair. Some bobs need really clean, precise cutting, some are cut with a combination of scissors and razor, some with just a razor or point cutting. It’s like painting a picture, you see what you have in front of you and use the tools available to achieve the image you have in your head as the final result.” – Elliot

Perfect Your At-Home Technique

“The biggest complaint I hear from bob clients is that their hair won’t sit right at home. Usually, that comes down to over-styling or using products that are too heavy. The fix is lighter formulas and embracing your hair’s natural movement. A well-cut bob should almost style itself. One of my favourite methods is to rough dry the hair first to maintain body, then use straighteners just on the ends, turning them outwards very slightly. You can also use tongs or straighteners to add a touch of movement, again only slightly, to give that undone feel. It gives a bob great shape and movement without much effort.” – Elliot

Build Your Styling Toolkit

“For air drying, Hershesons’ Almost Everything Cream works brilliantly as a primer. Then Zhoosh Foam is very lightweight and volumising, giving structure without stiffness. I’ll also go back in with Almost Everything right at the end to create separation so the bob doesn’t look too done.” – Elliot

“When my hair is at its shortest, it feels like an accessory and makes every outfit feel a bit edgier. I also love when it’s grown out slightly after a couple of weeks, as it’s a little softer and more feminine – both stages have something different to offer. However, when it gets closer to that mid length, I personally find it quite tricky to make it look cool, so that’s when I know it’s time for a trim. Back when I first got my hair cut into a bob, I asked for a chin-length cut, all one length front to back with no layers. I was very keen that I didn’t want to end up with that dated cut that’s shorter at the back and longer at the front. I also decided to go with a super short cut, rather than easing in with a long bob. Brave perhaps but this worked for me, as making a lob feel modern can be difficult.”

“I get my hair trimmed every six to eight weeks. While it’s a very low-maintenance haircut when it comes to styling, the trade-off is that you need more frequent salon trips to keep it looking its best.”

“If you are blessed with very thick hair, I’ve heard a bob can look a bit blocky, so it might not be right for you. There aren’t many benefits of having fine hair, but one is that it is very well-suited to a bob and I’m convinced it appears thicker at this length. It’s also the only haircut I’ve ever had that allows me to leave it to dry naturally without needing to be heat styled, so my hair is the healthiest it’s ever been.”

“Certainly, for my hair type – fine and straight – less is more. Mine looks best when I’ve rough dried it with a hairdryer until it’s about 70% dry, then I leave it to air-dry, resulting in that effortless ‘kick out’ at the ends. I also tuck it behind my ears while it’s drying which creates a soft bend on the front section which frames your face nicely. If I need to have it completely dry immediately, I can create almost the same look by running straighteners over my hair and very gently turning out the ends away from my face. I don’t often put a curl in it – natural curls look gorgeous if you have them – I sadly don’t – but I find ones created with a tool can look a bit too ‘done’. If I do want to add some texture, I reach for The Wand by Hershesons which is the best for creating undone, tousled waves. Product-wise, I love Hair By Sam McKnight’s Cool Girl Texture Mist – it’s the perfect weight for fine hair and gives it a bit of oomph. Living Proof’s No Frizz Instant De-Frizzer is also brilliant for an ultra-sleek bob and I often use a bit of the Hershesons Almost Everything Cream on the ends to make them extra smooth and blunt.

Book via GEORGENORTHWOOD.COM, HERSHESONS.COM & SAMANTHACUSICKLONDON.COM 

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