Now that most hair salons are well and truly back in the swing of things, stylists are predicting that one hair style is going to reign supreme as those with long hair look for a fresh start at the end of a tumultuous year: the bob.
In fact, the bob style has taken the title as most popular in the world, with 222,580 average monthly searches. Coming in second was the bun (85,890 average monthly searches), followed closely by bangs/fringe (85,830 average monthly searches).
But a one-size-fits-all approach is no longer the only viable option. Bobs have been through a huge transformation in the last few months alone, with the likes of styles such as the French bob, the shattered bob, the micro bob, the collarbone bob and the asymmetrical bob all dominating hair care trends around the world.
However, most bobs are typically divided into two main categories:
The first is a blunt, squared-off shape that finishes just above the jaw: "It feels fresh and has a modern, youthful vibe. It's a bit braver,” Headmasters Salons creative ambassador, Jonathan Soons, told Glamour.
Image source: @kaiagerber
The second is the loose, breezy bob, which has a slightly less rigid shape, but works just as well cropped short as it does slightly longer.
Image source: @brielarson
And while experts say anyone can pull off a bob, “there are definitely styling tricks that suit different face shapes and textures, so it’s important to take all of that into consideration before getting started,” Redken UK ambassador, Larry King, said.
This includes determining your face shape, thinking about the length of your neck, considering your hair type and taking aftercare into account.
Below are some celebrity looks and inspiration, as well hair care recommendations, to help you achieve and maintain the perfect bob.
Image source: @jourdandunn
BD recommends: Hask Hemp Oil & Agave range, Lady Jayne Salon Pro Beach Waves Brush and Wella Professionals EIMI Bold Move Hair Styling Paste.
Image source: @hannahkleit
BD recommends: Andalou 1000 Roses Complex Colour Care Deep Conditioning Hair Mask, Sebastian Professional Whipped Cream Hair Styler and ELEVEN Australia Repair My Hair Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner.
Image source: @lucyhale
BD recommends: Batiste Hair Benefits - Dry Shampoo & Colour Protect, Sisley Paris Hair Rituel by Sisley - Restructuring Nourishing Balm and GROW Longer Stronger Anti-Breakage Hair Mask.
Image source: @kimkardashian
BD recommends: Arbonne TrueStyle Texturising Pomade with Shea Butter For Short Hair, Garnier Fructis Hydrating Aloe Vera Hair Food and BaBylissPRO Graphite Titanium by BaBylissPRO Ionic Hair Straightener.
