Eager to update your look for the autumn season? A new haircut might be the perfect solution. We consulted top celebrity hairstylists and haircare experts to uncover five stylish, volume-boosting bob cuts and beloved celebrity trends ideal for the months ahead. These hairstyles are effortlessly chic and require minimal upkeep, especially for those over 40.
Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Gina Rivera, celebrity hair stylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites, Rodrigo Galvao, professional hair stylist at Gem House in Brooklyn, NY, Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles, Lauren Udoh, hair stylist and hair creative director of WigReports, Davis Feliz, owner and creative director at Davis Feliz Salon and Krysta Guerrero, owner and stylist at Base Salon Chicago.
5 Flattering Fall Bobs For Women Over 40, According To Celebrity Hairstylists
1. The Jen Bob (Or Lob)
In the 90s, Jennifer Aniston's iconic choppy, layered, mid-length 'Rachel' haircut was all the rage. Nowadays, however, she has transitioned to a more polished and side-parted bob, or lob, which Abdullah notes is particularly flattering for women over 40 who wish to avoid drawing attention to thinning or fine hair.
Side parts evoke not only Old Hollywood, timeless glam— they also provide instant volume to shorter or mid-length hair. As Abdullah points out, "in this manner, you can move the hair from one side to the other, as you wish." The added hair going over, she says, as seen here on Salma Hayek's more modern, fresh take, will increase volume in the area as well, especially if your hair is used to being parted down the center.
"If you really prefer a center part, make a short one instead so that the hair in front goes to either side of your face," she suggests. "Then the hair in the center can be brushed back. Any difference that you create when your hair is used to lying flat and completely to the sides will create volume and make a big difference," she says.
2. The Posh Bob
According to Feliz, the ultimate "low-maintenance style that never loses is appeal" is an angled, chin-length and "classy bob" like Victoria Beckham's. He says that "for this style, a bit of undercutting in the back allows for easier manageability, creating a natural bend for easy wash and wear."
Galvao notes that the "very defined linear design" of Posh Spice's iconic 2000s cut can bring "a more modern and sophisticated look with a minimalist style." Feliz adds that "longer faces may need more framing and layers," when it comes to their center-parted, angled, chin-length 'do, while "round faces require less." The more you know!
3. Asymmetrical Bob
A textured asymmetrical bob (as seen here on Charlize Theron) can flatter multiple hair textures and types, and it is a "terrific choice" for "anyone facing thinning hair" this summer. Rivera explains that this is because it’s a perfect blend of classic yet still modern and trendy. "This style is so hip that it’s perfect for making our ladies in their prime look super chic," she says.
"Removing a bit of length from the hair, [adds] movement and creates a youthful appeal." When it comes to styling, Rivera notes that "texturing the hair" creates an "opportunity to remove some of the damaged ends and weight which bring more life to the hair as well."
4. Italian Bob
If you're looking for a haircut that can make your best features pop while giving your mane an extra boost of volume and bounce, look no further than the Italian bob cut. This style is inspired by Old Hollywood and is a 'do that stylish stars like Salma Hayek opt for.
The Italian bob takes the traditional bob cut to new heights with chunky blunt ends that create an airy, voluminous look that's never heavy or bulky. It also has just the right amount of length to allow for easy styling options as it's long enough to tie up, but short enough to be worn as is. Udoh says that a medium bob like this is "a sleek and stylish choice for many occasions."
She adds that "it's a versatile cut that looks great on almost any face shape and hair type." The length can be "adjusted to complement your features and create an attractive silhouette," she notes. "This ever-popular bob provides volume at the crown, with textured layers that frame the face nicely while still maintaining an easy-to-manage style," Udoh explains.
5. Bixie
If you can't decide between a bob or pixie, we have good news. You don't have to! A 'bixie' (or bob-meets-pixie) like Jane Fonda's is very in for the upcoming season and can be a very flattering and chic choice, Guerrero explains. There are elements of both styles to play with here in this social media-fave cut, and late summer is a great time to find what works for you.
"The bixie is a traditional bob haircut that’s combined with a pixie," she says. "The nice thing about a bixie is its versatility — not only can you adjust the length and opt to have it a little longer, but there is no one way to do it when it comes to the style. The cut is totally customizable based on your preference." The more you know!
