Hair
Apr 20, 2023

Looking At These 12 Bob Hairstyles Made Me Chop My Hair—Now I'll Never Look Back

by Mollie Burdell

It's safe to say I've been utterly obsessed with the chin-length bob hairstyles that have emerged on some of my favorite celebs this year. As someone with a bob haircut, I fist pump the air, acting as if I'm the CEO of some invite-only short-hair club when yet another chin-grazing look gets debuted on the red carpet.

But earlier this month, when Elsa Hosk took to her Instagram to share the most insane Marilyn Monroe-inspired '50s bob––which she paired with a leather Louboutin trench coat, sheer tights, and killer patent heels––I realized I needed to give mine a bit of a glow up.

Since I cut my hair short last year, it's stayed one length as I eased myself into getting used to it. But I realized my bob actually looked quite heavy, especially as it had grown out. To remedy the situation, I hit up the Larry King hair salon in Notting Hill and booked in with Annie Redman, the hairstylist responsible for Nina Nesbitt's short blunt bob.

Chin Length Bob Haircuts: Mollie gets a chin-length bob, BEFORE

Photo:

@molliecburdell FOR WHAT WHAT WEAR UK

My hair before it was chopped to chin-length.

"Currently, your bob is sitting too heavy on the front," Redman explained during my appointment. "I am currently loving those that have more shape through the front, with a square outline or even curving up a little at the front. It makes it feel a bit edgier and more modern."

She then walked me through how she'd add shape to my bob. "With the scissors, I'll point cut the whole haircut so the outline is softer," Redman explained. "I'll then bring the front corners of the bob forward and take them off to give a rounded shape where the front is no longer than the back. Then, I'll add some shorter pieces through the front and slice into the bob to give it a little bit of natural texture."

Chin Length Bob Haircuts: Mollie gets a chin-length bob, AFTER

Photo:

@molliecburdell FOR WHAT WHAT WEAR UK

My new chin-length bob.

The result? I'm officially in my bouncy-bob era and loving every second of it. I think there used to be this feeling that you couldn't do much with bob haircuts and that longer hair gave a lot more scope for new and exciting creations, but that couldn't be further from the truth. "This haircut is great because you can dress it up or down by either doing a glamorous blowout using mousse for lots of body or put in a salt spray and defuse it for a relaxed look," Redman said. "You have a nice wave to your hair, so it'll also dry really nice naturally."

Versatile chin-length bobs are very much here to stay. Here are 12 looks I'm currently loving.

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Getty Images

Hosk's choppy bob looks stunning with a center part and some natural texture.

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Getty Images

Kerry Washington's look is giving all-out glam. I am living for her sweeping, voluminous fringe.

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Getty Images

Emma Chamberlain's style is a cross between a shag cut and a bob. The choppy fringe gives it some real '70s edge.

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@Tylynnnguyen

TyLynn Nguyen's sleek, slick, and elegant chin-length bob really accentuates the designer's jawline.

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Getty Images

Similarly to my new haircut, the front of Eleanora Romandini's bob has been cut in to give the overall look more shape and movement.

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Ever since I first saw Laura Harrier with a bob, I knew it had to be a lifelong partnership. I literally can't take my eyes off of her or her hair.

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If you have naturally thin hair like Hailey Bieber, cutting it shorter can make it appear thicker and fuller.

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@greceghanem

Fashion influencer Grece Ghanem is known for her iconic gray cheekbone-skimming bob.

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Getty Images

If a voluminous side-parted chin-length bob is good enough for Zendaya, it's good enough for me.

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@chloehelenmiles

Sweeping bangs and natural waves make this cut feel super-chic and Parisian. It also beautifully elongates Chloe Miles's neck.

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@lefevrediary

Amy Lefévre's bob also feels like it has a '70s shag-cut edge to it, and I am feeling very tempted.

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@the_oluwaseun

I'm also tempted to take my bob slightly above the chin after seeing this effortlessly cool look on Oluwaseun Ogunsola.

Larry King Hair

My Nanna's Mousse

$34

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Before blow-drying, Redman ran this through my hair with her fingers when it was wet to give it volume and shine.

Larry King Hair

Volumizing Hair Mist

$39

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She also spritzed this through my hair when it was wet to give the hair more oomph and help tame flyaways. It's scented with rosemary, pine needles, lavender, jasmine, and violet.

Ouai

Curl Crème

$32

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If you have a natural wave to your hair like me, give it a helping hand by scrunching in a curl cream before blow-drying.

Hair Proud

All Inclusive 5-In-1 Protection Milk

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A multitasking hair hero. This conditioning cream hydrates, detangles, adds lasting shine, and protects against heat.

Drybar

The Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush

$155

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I've persuaded so many people to buy the Drybar hot brush that I should be on a commission at this point. It's the closest I get to creating a salon-worthy blow-dry at home.