I Got an Italian Bob and It's Changed My Whole Personality

I've had long hair for well over a decade. I'm not sure if its a force of habit or laziness, but I just haven't considered cutting it — until now. I kept seeing all the different bobs and shorter styles cropping up on trend reports, and celebrities like Frankie Bridge and Rochelle Humes pulling off the 'Old Money' or Italian bob and could feel a bit of hair envy creeping in for this classic, above the shoulder, hairstyle.

These styles scream business and I wanted some of that. I recently started this new role at POPSUGAR UK and I kept getting this nagging feeling that my shapeless long locks were looking dated and drab. It was time to shed my cloak of comfort, aka my long hair, and try something new.

Image Source: Getty

In the past if I ever went for a new style of colour change, I would turn up to the appointment armed with a pinterest board of different options. But this time I put myself in the hands of Ronan Cotes, creative director at House Of Keune by Bloom and told him to do as he pleased: words you should probably never utter to a person in control of a pair if scissors. Instantly, he picked up the lengths of my hair and told me to say goodbye before roughly cutting off eight inches in one motion. It was like a weight had been lifted, I didn't realise just how much my long hair had been drowning my petite five foot frame.

We then chatted through the new bob styles from the lob to a blunt edge bob and decided we would go with something in between to suit my face shape. Ronan insisted it was time everyone should see my cheekbones and neck, which I hadn't even realised I had been hiding away.

Image Source: Lauren Ezekiel

If you're starting to nod in agreement then maybe its time for you to take the plunge and chop it all off too. Keep reading for more of my experience getting a new bob haircut and to see the end results.

What is a Bob Haircut

It's a word bandied about a lot when it comes to mid and shorter styles, and is often negatively associated with a childhood parent-controlled hair cut, but what actually constitutes a bob? "In simple terms it is a classic sharp cut characterised by its straight lines and typically falls around chin-length," explains Coates. "It was made famous by Cleopatra and has remained a timeless hairstyle choice." It has however evolved since the days of the pyramids, and is now used to describe various styles including the lob (long bob), layered bob, graduated bob, one-length bob, and textured bob. Each variation offers a unique look and can be tailored to suit individual preferences and hair type

How do you Know Which Bob Cut Will Suit You?

Determining which bob cut will suit you depends on factors such as your face shape and neck line. Often this requires someone else to assess your face from an objective point of view. "Consulting with a professional hairstylist can also provide valuable insights and recommendations tailored to your specific features and preferences," suggests Coates. So, even if you have an idea of the type of bob you think you would like cut, it's best to look at the different options which you may not have considered.

"When Lauren came into the salon I took a step back and looked at her face shape, neck line and felt the texture of her hair. We decided that it was best to go for a textured bob with a sharp edge - an Italian Bob. This works well for Lauren as she has a lot of hair and volume, hence the added texture providing depth and dimension to the hairstyle," explains Coates.

How do you Style a Bob?

One of the best parts of having a bob is that you can really wash and go. "Let your hair dry naturally and just focus on styling the front section," says Coates. "This will encourage your natural texture and give hair lots of movements." If you're going to dry naturally then always add a smoothing serum or spray to damp hair, avoiding the roots. This will ensure you eliminate any frizz and prevent hair from looking frazzled and puffy. If your hair is naturally straight or you prefer to add a slight wave, the a tong will be your best friend.

Although, you should always avoid curling the bottom half of your hair as this can make it stick out in an awkward position and alter the overall shape of the cut. Instead take small sections and loosely tong in a variety of different directions. At the front of the hair, tong away from your face as it really makes the most of your cheekbones. Styling a bob typically involves using two different styling products to achieve the desired look.

My Italian Bob Results and Photos

Image Source: Lauren Ezekiel

It is going to take me awhile to get used to the look. At the moment, I feel like I'm missing a limb and keep absentmindedly running my hands through my hair only to find its not there. However, it has made me feel far more aware of myself - in a good way. It has made me want to apply new makeup and contemplate buying a silver wrap skirt I would not considered a few days ago. As I put on my usual uniform of jeans and a striped jumper this morning it suddenly felt all wrong. 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.