Currently, numerous bob hairstyles are trending, but the feathered bob stands out, gaining traction according to Google Trends and Who What Wear. This style, characterized by its feathered, layered, bouncy, and voluminous appearance, first soared in popularity during the ’70s and ’80s and saw a notable revival in the early 2000s.
The unexpectedly retro and “dated” feathered bob, sported by celebrities such as Sydney Sweeney, Selena Gomez, Michelle Williams, and Alfre Woodard, has recently made a comeback. Characterized by its multiple layers, this hairstyle enhances shape and volume, often culminating in a wispy finish that creates its signature feathered appearance.
Traditionally associated with medium to long hair, this hairstyle also adapts well to short hair, according to hairstylists. We consulted professional and celebrity stylists to delve deeper into this fashionable haircut for fall 2024, exploring ways to add even more volume and how it can be particularly flattering for women over 40. Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles and Lauren Udoh, hair stylist and hair creative director of WigReports.
How The Feathered Bob Can Promote Volume And Movement For Women Over 40 This Fall
A feathered bob, Udoh tells us, is a "sleek and stylish choice for many occasions." It's a versatile cut that "looks great on almost any face shape and hair type," with the right amount of layering and strategic parting. "The length can be adjusted to complement your features and create an attractive silhouette," she goes on.
Udoh explains that this cut "provides volume at the crown," an area that many women over 40 struggle with when it comes to thinning or flatness. "With textured layers that frame the face nicely, it is still an an easy-to-manage style," she says, noting that it can add "so much volume." With its timeless charm, "it's no wonder why this classic look continues to remain so trendy and flattering," she notes.
According to Abdullah, you can enhance the bounce and face-framing quality of your bob by incorporating curtain bangs or opting for a deep side part.
"A deep side part can create more volume on the top of the head by literally pushing more hair to one side of your head," she says, and this is also great for hiding thinning on top if you have any.
Curtain bangs are a "type of fringe cut that creates a soft, natural looking wave at the top of the head," Abdullah also shares. "They are often used to frame the face and specifically, to give it a youthful appearance." She also points out that "the style is easy to achieve" if you want to add them to your bob, and the fringe "looks great on everyone and on most hair types."
The Bottom Line
When heading to a salon, Udoh concludes that "it is important to be specific about the type of style you are looking for." She says to "ask your stylist for a medium bob that maintains length both in front and back, with light layers throughout."
To ensure the longevity of the style, "make sure to get regular trims every 6-8 weeks." Once you receive your cut at the salon, Udoh advises that "styling products such as mousse and texturizing spray can help enhance texture and add body if desired."
