I have had long hair for over 10 years. I don’t know if it’s just force of habit or laziness, but I never thought about quitting it until now. Different bob and short styles continue to pop up in trend reports, and we keep seeing celebrities like Frankie Bridge and Rochelle Humes rocking the “old money” or Italian bob, and this classic I felt a little bit of envy creeping into my hairstyle. Shoulders, hairstyle.
These styles scream business and I wanted them like that. I recently started this new role at POPSUGAR UK, and I always had the unpleasant feeling that long, shapeless hair looked outdated and drab. It’s time to shed the cloak of comfort – your long hair – and try something new.
In the past, if I wanted a new style color change, I would go to an appointment with a Pinterest board of different options. But this time we put it in the hands of Ronan Coates, creative director of House of Quene by Bloom, who told us to do as we please. These are words you should never say to the person in charge of the scissors. Immediately he grabbed the length of my hair and told me to say goodbye before cutting off about 8 inches in one motion. I felt like a weight had been lifted, and I had no idea how much my long hair was drowning out my petite 5-foot frame.
We then discussed new bob styles from lobs to blunt edged bobs and decided to choose something in between to suit my face shape. Ronan insisted it was time for everyone to see my cheekbones and neck, but I didn’t even realize I was hiding them.
If you’re starting to nod your head in agreement, it might be time to take the plunge and cut it all out. Read on to see my experience and final results of getting a new bob haircut.
What is a bob haircut?
The bob is a term often used in reference to mid-length or short hair styles, and is often negatively associated with the haircuts administered by parents in childhood, but what is a bob actually? It’s a classic sharp cut with straight lines, usually around chin length,” explains Coates. “Made famous by Cleopatra, it continues to be a timeless hairstyle choice.” But it has evolved since the days of the pyramids and is now available in lobs (long bob), layered bob, graduated bob, one-length bob, textured bob, and more. It is used to describe a variety of styles, including dobob. Each variation offers a unique look and can be tailored to personal preference and hair type.
How do you know which bob cut suits you?
Which bob cut suits you will depend on factors such as your face shape and neck line. This often requires someone else to evaluate your face from an objective perspective. “Consulting with a professional hairstylist can provide valuable insight and recommendations tailored to your specific characteristics and preferences,” Coates suggests. So even if you have an idea of the type of bob you’d like to cut, it’s best to consider different options you might not have considered.
“When Lauren walked into the salon, I took a step back and observed her face shape, neck line, and felt the texture of her hair. We chose a textured bob with sharp edges, So we decided it was best to go for an Italian bob. Lauren has lots of hair and volume, so this worked well and the added texture gives the hairstyle depth and dimension.” explains Coates.
How to style a bob?
One of the biggest benefits of bob is that it’s washable and ready to use. “Let your hair dry naturally and focus on styling the front section,” says Coates. “This promotes natural texture and gives your hair lots of movement.” If you’re air-drying, be sure to add a smoothing serum or spray to wet hair, avoiding the roots. This will eliminate frizz and prevent your hair from looking unkempt and puffy. If your hair is naturally straight or you want to add a little wave, tongs are a great option.
However, curling the bottom half of your hair should always be avoided as it can make the hair stick out in odd positions and change the overall shape of the cut. Instead, cut out small pieces and move them loosely in different directions. Push your bangs away from your face to make the most of your cheekbones. Styling a bob usually requires him to use two different styling products to achieve the desired look.
My Italian Bob results and photos
It may take some time to get used to the look. Now I feel like I’m missing a limb, and I keep running my hand through my hair absentmindedly, only to realize that I don’t have a limb. But it made me realize myself better, in a good way. It made me want to wear new makeup and buy a silver wrap skirt that I never dreamed I would be able to wear until a few days ago. This morning I put on my usual uniform of jeans and a striped jumper, and suddenly I felt sick. This haircut isn’t meant to blend in with a wallflower in the background, it gives the vibe of the main character, and I think it might just have forced me into a new era.