It’s been a good few years for the bob-iverse. What began as the pandemic’s hottest hair hit remains wildly popular three years on, and even now—as the term approaches a billion views on TikTok—we’re not over it. Perfect for the cozy fall months, a bob looks excellent with a roll-neck, and it’s also a relatively low-maintenance hairstyle to try. So, whether you’re a French bob devotee, or you prefer something that’s super short, here are some trending bobs to inspire your next look as we head into a new season.
French Bob
If social media is anything to go by, then the French bob is by far the most popular iteration of the style, with a huge 1.5 billion views on TikTok. Google searches for the French bob have also risen by 40 per cent in the past week. “Historically, what made a bob French was its chin, jaw or lip length,” hairstylist Luke Hersheson previously told Vogue. “But I think now the thought of Parisian or French hair is just about it feeling effortless—it’s all about making the ‘imperfections’ of a cut, perfections.” A low-maintenance style, it features shattered ends and a lived-in texture.
Side-parted bob
An easy way to completely change your look, switching your parting to the side is free and super easy. The side-parted bob never goes out of style—it is the perfect way to add volume and requires very little styling—simply run your hands through your hair and go.
Micro bob
Whether you’re growing out a pixie cut or you’re simply in the market for a no-fuss, ultra short style, the micro bob is an impossibly chic option. Celebrity adoptees include Lily Allen, whose platinum cheekbone-grazing cut is the ultimate beauty statement, and Michelle Williams. A great style to try whatever your hair texture, it can be styled to look slick and expensive or messy and undone, and is particularly attention-grabbing when cut into a graphic silhouette.
Wavy bob
Google searches for the “short wavy bob” have doubled in the last seven days, which is unsurprising given the style’s versatility. Whether you wear yours in tousled beach waves or with a more defined S-wave, the wavy bob can be dressed up or down, and is a great one for every aesthetic.
Italian bob
What’s the definition of an “Italian” bob? Well, a chin-skimming length that is both effortless and sophisticated, much like the country it takes its name from. Cut using a razor, the Italian bob is best when it doesn’t look like it’s been “done.” It’s short, simple, and oh-so-cool.
Long bob
If you’re not quite sold on the idea of chopping all of your hair off, why not try the long bob (or lob)? A more forgiving bob, the lob is especially good for those with rounder faces, plus it’s also a commitment-free way to experiment with a shorter haircut. Great ways to add detail to the style include incorporating layers or opting for a choppy finish.
The blunt bob
One of the most popular celebrity cuts of the year, everyone from Hailey Bieber and Scarlett Johansson to Emma Stone and Cara Delevingne has been sporting a blunt bob this year. You can identify this style by looking at the ends—it is cut without layers and features a blunt finish for a minimalist effect.
This article was originally published on British Vogue.
