Big up the bob – shorter styles are currently having a major moment. If you've been floating the idea of a chop for some time, now is the time to brave a hair refresh.
As we edge towards the warmer months, the full, swooshy curtain-like appeal of long locks can start to dwindle. Instead, scaling back the layers feels more in tune with spring's 'new beginnings' vibe.
A bob's a bob, right? Think again. From Zendaya's opulent Baroque version to Rita Ora's moisture-infused 'hydro' take, there are heaps of different shorter-length styles to suss out.
Before going for the chop, choosing a flattering look is essential – and according to celebrity hairstylist and trend forecaster Tom Smith, that comes down to selecting a 'do that takes into account your natural face shape.
"A touch of asymmetry can flatter many face shapes, but will also give interest to an otherwise classical oval shape."
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Hello! Fashion shares the best bob haircut to suit your face shape:
Round: Parted Fringe with Texture
"Those with rounder faces may be apprehensive of wearing bobs for fear of making the face appear rounder," Tom tells Hello! Fashion. "But we can adjust the shape and angles to be flattering. A slightly parted bang will take away the upper roundness without closing the face down, thanks to the peek through of the forehead. The silhouette should be slightly triangular which balances roundness and textured or flicking-out edges give a sharpness that a round face can sometimes lack."
Heart: Sleek Roots, Off-Centre Parting and Loose Waves
"A heart-shaped face is wider across the forehead and has a smaller, more delicate chin. Avoid a bob that opens up the forehead, instead opt for a slightly off-centre parting and allow the hair to fall down, framing your face and narrowing the forehead. More volume around the chin and neck will help balance the face, style this bob with sleeker roots and texture in the mid-lengths to draw the eye to the middle of the face."
Oval: Asymmetrical Chin-Length
"Those with oval face shapes suit many hairstyles thanks to a more even balance of volume. Nowadays it's deemed attractive to have high and sharp cheekbones, and so if you'd like to refine the softness of an oval face shape, go for a chin-length bob worn with one side tucked behind the ear. A touch of asymmetry can flatter many face shapes, but will also give interest to an otherwise classical oval shape."
Square: Side Parting and Waves
"Squarer face shapes already have an abundance of sharper angles and so a longer, curvier bob will bring femininity and softness to the face. Styling with waves adds more curves and a side parting or tucking behind the ear on just one side will help to draw the eye away from a square jaw by highlighting the cheekbones instead."
Diamond: Chin-Length with Side Parting
"A diamond face shape has width at the cheeks and a narrower forehead and chin and so it's important for the bob length to sit closer to the jaw than the mid face. For best results go for a shape that is wider nearer the chin to balance the face. A side parting works best on a diamond face shape as a middle parting would further narrow the forehead."
Rectangle: Jaw-Length with Texture
"For a rectangular face, a bob that sits right on the jaw and curves under will help to soften the corners," Tom says. "Avoid totally straight styles as texture will give width and curve to the middle where typically a rectangular face shape is flatter. Side partings work better than middle but a middle can work if the hair is worn with texture and body."
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