Hair
Jul 1, 2023

Looking At These 14 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 favourite celebs this year. As someone with a bob haircut, I fist pump the air acting as if I’m the CEO of some kind of invite-only short haired members club when yet another chin-grazing look gets debuted on the red carpet.

Earlier this month, when Elsa Hosk took to her Instagram and shared the most insane 1950’s Marilyn Monroe-inspired bob––which she paired with a leather Louboutin trench coat, sheer tights and killer patent heels FYI––I realised I actually needed to give mine a bit of a glow up.

Since getting my hair cut short last year, it’s only been one length as I eased myself into getting used to it. But I realised my bob actually looked quite heavy, especially as it started to grow out. I hit up the Larry King hair salon in Notting Hill and booked in with hair stylist Annie Redman––she’s responsible for Nina Nesbitt’s short blunt bob.

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

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@molliecburdell FOR WHAT WHAT WEAR UK

My hair before chopping it to chin-length.

“Currently your bob is sitting too heavy on the front,” Redman explained. "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."

"With the scissors, I’ll point cut the whole hair cut so the outline is softer. 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 single second. I think there used to be the feeling that you couldn’t do much with bob haircuts, and 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 blow-dry using mousse for lots of body or put in a salt spray and defuse for a relaxed look,” says Redman. "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 14 looks I’m currently loving.

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Elsa's choppy bob also looks stunning in a centre parting with some natural texture.

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

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A cross between a shag cut and a bob. The choppy fringe gives it a real 70s edge.

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@TYLYNNNGUYEN

A sleek, slick and elegant chin length bob that really accentuates TyLynn's jaw line.

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Similarly to my new haircut, the front has been cut into to give the overall look more shape and movement.

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

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If you have naturally thinner hair like Hailey, getting it cut shorter can make it appear a lot thicker and fuller.

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@GRECEGHANEM

Fashion influencer Grece is known for her iconic white-grey cheekbone-skimming bob.

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If a voluminous side-parted chin-length bob is good enough for Zendaya...

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@CHLOEHELENMILES

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

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@BELLATHOMAS

A wet look bob in the summer is always a good idea.

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@LEFEVREDIARY

Again, this feels like it has a 70s shag cut edge to it and I am feeling very tempted...

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@THE_OLUWASEUN

Also tempted to take it slightly above the chin after seeing this effortlessly cool look.

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@KATHERINE_OREMEROD

Katherine provides endless interiors, fashion and now hair inspo...

Larry King Hair

My Nanna's Mousse

£19

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

Larry King Hair

Volumizing Hair Mist

£29

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

Ouai

Curl Crème

£25

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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

£9

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A multi-tasking hair hero. The conditioning cream hydrates, detangles, protects against heat up to 230c, and adds long-lasting shine.

Drybar

The Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush

£125

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