There's no doubt about it, the bob haircut is the hairstyle of 2024. More celebrities than ever are debuting unique takes on the style, but it hasn't always been seen as versatile. The common belief around the bob haircut is that you're limited to one look, but celebrity hairstylists have proved that the bob can be styled in several different ways.
At the BAFTAs on February 18, EE BAFTA Rising Star Award nominee Ayo Edeberi [1] arrived in a dreamy peach halter neck gown, beautifully partnered with her take on what we're calling the Italian bob [2]. POPSUGAR UK's associate editor Lauren Ezekiel snipped off her lengthy locks for the style, writing in her Italian bob hair cut review [3] that the look "changed her personality".
Carey Mulligan [4] dove head first into her Italian bob era with a platinum blonde rendition of the style, highlighting her flawless décolletage and killer collarbones. Then, supermodel Naomi Campbell [5] arrived with a blunt cut "F*ck Ass Bob", a term coined by social media users to describe a serious bob haircut, often seen on the likes of "The Devil Wears Prada"'s Miranda Priestley and "The Incredibles"' Edna Mode. She added micro fringe [6], solidifying the return of not one, but two major hair trends.
Singer Rita Ora indulged in the mob wife trend [7], transforming her golden, curly locks into a hybrid style, combining the Italian bob and hair flick ends [8] on NBC's "Today" show.
Keep reading for everything to know about the new iterations of the timeless bob hair cut.
What Is a Bob Haircut?
A bob haircut is a popular short hairstyle and a perfect choice for those looking for a low-maintenance look. The bob haircut means the hair sits between shoulder and ear length. From a haircare perspective, it can soften the blow of having to chop off unhealthy ends to bring it back to health.
The bob haircut can be styled in more ways than one, despite popular belief that it can only be worn down. "The bob is surprisingly versatile, you just have to play around with different products and textures in a more creative way to get more variety with your finished look," says Patrick Wilson, ghd UK Ambassador. "We're seeing a lot of side partings in bobs to bring through that old money aesthetic, or you can have a play around with gel products for a more of a wet look finish."
Are Bob Haircuts Still in Style in 2024?
The bob is trending in 2024, and not just among A-listers. It's quickly made its way to the street style set, most likely due to how easy it is to achieve.
Richard Scorer, hair expert and creative director at Haringtons [9] tells us that the bob is practical and cultural, hence its popularity on and off the runway. "Its versatility allows for a range of styles, from the classic to the modern, making it suitable for anyone seeking a fresh look," he says. "Moreover, social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have played a significant role in popularising the bob, with countless adaptations and trendy variations being showcased by influencers and celebrities."
Scorer delves into the historical significance of the bob, explaining that it symbolises liberation and empowerment, particularly for women. "In today's uncertain world, where control may feel elusive, embracing a bob haircut can offer a sense of agency and self-expression," he shares. "Ultimately, the bob's enduring appeal lies in its ability to transcend trends and embody timeless elegance."
Wilson believes the Baby Bob will take centre stage this spring. "With a slightly shorter length than its predecessors, it exudes a charming, youthful vibe, akin to the cute younger sister of the classic box bob."
Types of Bob Haircuts: The Wet Look
A wet-look bob takes the photo-finish hair trend to the next level. The dual-texture haircut features sleek, smooth hair that can be worn straight back or with ends subtly flicked outwards.
The drenched hairstyle recently made an appearance on the BAFTAS red carpet, courtesy of "Saltburn" star Alison Oliver. Patrick Wilson, BAFTAs hairstylist and ghd UK Ambassador, gave POPSUGAR UK a step-by-step tutorial [10] while defining the new trend. "It's a twist on the more chic and understated bobs we're seeing at the moment, whilst still remaining elevated," he said.
Types of Bob Haircuts: F*ck Ass Bob
F*uck Ass Bobs - also known as blunt bobs [11] - "are used to signal strength, power, and hardness — an inability to break no matter what is going on in the world around them," psychologist Abra McField tells POPSUGAR UK.
Kim Kardashian [12], Edna Mode and even The Beatles have been praised for their F*ck Ass Bob, and more recently, Naomi Campbell [13] embraced the hilariously-titled bob haircut. Naomi's look consists of a micro fringe and is cut just under the ears, following and accentuating her jawline for her recent BAFTAs appearance.
Types of Bob Haircuts: The Italian Bob
The Italian bob is the chicer cousin to your standard type of bob (it is European, after all) and it embodies everything we know and love about the destination. It's effortless, laid-back, flirty, and an all-around good time. Recent examples of this haircut can be seen on Loose Women panellist and former The Saturdays member Frankie Bridge as well as Zendaya [14], and Hailey Bieber.
In her review of the Italian bob [15], our Associate Beauty Editor Lauren Ezekiel says: "This haircut isn't meant to blend into the background, it is giving main character vibes and I think may have just forced me to enter my new era."
Will A Bob Haircut Suit Me?
Clearly the bob haircut is a classic and enduring style, but you might still be convinced the look won't suit you. Fear not, as Scorer reveals that the bob's versatility means that anyone can rock it.
"From blunt chin-length to textured with bangs, the versatility of the bob knows no bounds," he says. "At Haringtons, we believe there's not just one way to rock this iconic cut. It's about embracing individuality and tailoring the style to suit any hair texture or face shape. Whether you're inspired by celebrities or craving a fresh look, there's a bob waiting to transform you."