Time to announce the hottest haircut of the year. And the winner is … the classic bob (albeit with a twist!). Though she’s not the only celeb to rock one, you can thank Zendaya for putting the ‘50s-inspired bob on everyone’s radar and making us have multiple daydreams about flipping our tousled bob in the air and through our fingers and pairing it with flirty highlights, balayage, and all manners of retro skirts and dresses. But Zendaya’s bob, which has a side part, texture throughout, and plenty of volume, isn’t the only bob on the block. Whether you want to go a bit shorter, a bit longer, a bit straighter, or need space to maximize your waves and curls, the modern bob is all about customization. The bob haircut is about to be everywhere in 2023 — here’s what stylists have to say about the trend that never goes out of style.
What are some of the best bob haircuts you’re seeing?
Jerome Lordet expert stylist with 20+ years of experience and salon director of the prestigious Pierre Michel Salon, says there are two bob haircuts that will be super popular in 2023: the boxy, blunt bob and the short wolf shag cut.
“For the boxy, blunt bob haircut I would tell your stylist that you want a one-length above the shoulder cut with absolutely no layering,” Lordet explains. “For the short wolf shag cut, tell your stylist that you would like a shoulder-length cut with layers that are feathered at the top and long, choppy layers around the back and sides, giving the hair a fuller look on top and thinner around the ends with wispy curtain bangs.”
According to Jennifer Nast, a stylist at Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger Salon, another new bob trend is the “Job.” “This is a jaw length bob,” Nast explains. “Hailey Bieber just updated her bob to a job. The job is very blunt and is great for clients with finer hair texture. This cut can give your hair the look of being very styled. When the shape is so strong, you don’t need much else.”
Zendaya’s bob, meanwhile, is what Nast calls the "Italian Bob." “These bobs are typically above the shoulders and below the chin,” Nast says. “This haircut is also layered and will give you lots of body and sexy hair-flipping.”
Be aware that bobs that are on the shorter side may be harder to style if you have very thick or very frizzy hair. “If this is the case, try starting with a lob — this is a bob that is below the shoulders,” Nast says. “This gives more weight to your hair making it easier to manage.”
No matter which style you are interested in, Nast recommends bringing inspiration photos when heading in the salon. “Visual references are a must. Make sure you have a hair styler that you trust. If you don’t have one, do your homework,” Nast says. “Read reviews, bios and book a consultation before taking the plunge. Your stylist is going to take your lifestyle, hair texture and hair density into consideration when suggesting the length of the bob that is best for you.”
Who does the bob haircut most flatter?
Great news: bob haircuts are flattering for everyone, Lordet insists. “It’s elegant, fun, sophisticated and great way to show off the neck and shoulder area,” Lordet says. “However, in particular a blunt bob better suits oval shaped faces and can be done on any hair type – curly, fine, medium, wavy, etc. The blunt, more severe effect works better on straight hair.”
The short wolf shag cut, meanwhile, can be worn by anyone as the layers can be customized to any hair type and face shape, Lordet says. “This cut can create shape in movement in straight hair, but works really well with wavy hair to create volume and enhance texture.”
Who isn’t it most flattering on?
“There isn’t a particular hair type or shape that the short bob wouldn’t be flattering on, there is a variation that will work for everyone,” Lordet says. “Talk to your hairstylist about the time you’re willing to commit to styling and what they recommend for your hair type and face shape to make sure you’re choosing an iteration of a bob that works for you.”
What are some maintenance tips for keeping your bob looking its best?
If you’re used to sporting long hair, one of the biggest changes you may notice when it comes to maintenance is that you’ll need to go to the hair salon more often. “I would advise on a trim every six weeks If you are looking to keep the bob a specific length,” Lordet says. “Regular trims are important especially if you have a wispy curtain bang with the short wolf cut.”
Go on and save photos of Zendaya, Hailey, or anyone else who sets your bob inspiration on fire, book that salon appointment, and give yourself the gift of a new ‘do before another season begins.
