Every day, it seems a different celebrity or influencer is showing off a new bob haircut. Last week, it was Demi Lovato, who showed off the look on Instagram. Before her, it was Khloe Kardashian, who also debuted her sharp cut on the photo-sharing app. Season after season, the bob is heralded as the style to try if you want to freshen things up.
But what is it that makes the bob haircut so appealing?
Well, according to Kenna Kennor, celebrity stylist and founder of Kennaland, the bob is “a classic, sophisticated style” that when executed well “is simple yet extremely elegant without any fuss or flare.”
“It is the cleanest hair cut, all straight lines and angles, which is different from most other iconic looks,” he added. “It’s feminine and sexy while breaking from the traditional image of female beauty. That, with the strength and sharpness of the style, makes it powerful for the women who wear it.”
Kennor went so far as to call the bob haircut “a lifestyle,” and said he believes there’s a bob out there for everyone. And just so we’re clear, a bob is technically above the shoulders with “a strong baseline,” hairstylist Kirsten Patterson said.
There are a few things you should know before going for the chop, though. As Patterson advised, it’s important to find a good stylist. You can scroll through Instagram pages and websites to see pictures of their work, and even go in for a consultation to make sure you’re both on the same page.
“Pictures are always helpful for determining the length you’re shooting for,” Brian Zinno, senior education director at Antonio Prieto Salon, said. “That being said, try to find pictures with hair types and textures that are similar to yours. If you have very straight, fine hair and you do not spend a lot of time styling, it wouldn’t be realistic to bring photos of thick hair that’s been blown out and curled with an iron.”
Patterson also pointed out that “your eye will take a few days to adjust to how the cut will change your look. You may be adding more styling time or changing up how you style your hair, so just keep that in mind.”
She also made sure to point out that if your hair is long enough, you can consider donating the strands you cut off. (Different organizations have different guidelines and rules for hair donations, so there is some light research involved.)
If you’ve been thinking of trying out a bob, whether for the first time or not, we’ve put together a collection of our favorite bobs of past and present to give you some inspiration. Check them out below:
Taraji P. Henson, 2019
Dia Dipasupil via Getty Images
Kristen Bell, 2019
Michael Kovac via Getty Images
Anna Wintour, 2019
Noam Galai via Getty Images
Lucy Hale, 2019
Rich Fury via Getty Images
Charlize Theron, 2019
Steve Granitz via Getty Images
Khloe Kardashian, 2019
Matt Winkelmeyer via Getty Images
Irina Shayk, 2019
Steve Granitz via Getty Images
Lana Condor, 2019
Young Hollywood via Getty Images
Saoirse Ronan, 2018
Dia Dipasupil via Getty Images
Jourdan Dunn, 2018
Jamie McCarthy via Getty Images
Chrissy Teigen, 2018
Theo Wargo via Getty Images
Margot Robbie, 2018
JEAN-BAPTISTE LACROIX via Getty Images
Selena Gomez, 2018
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin via Getty Images
Vanessa Hudgens, 2018
Steven Ferdman via Getty Images
Naomi Campbell, 2017
Dia Dipasupil via Getty Images
Arizona Muse, 2017
Dominique Charriau via Getty Images
Viola Davis, 2017
Steve Granitz via Getty Images
Taylor Swift, 2016
Sammy Smith via Getty Images
Kylie Jenner, 2016
Vivien Killilea via Getty Images
Rihanna, 2016
Samir Hussein via Getty Images
Beyoncé, 2015
Jon Kopaloff via Getty Images
Dakota Johnson, 2015
Taylor Hill via Getty Images
Jennifer Lawrence 2016
Samir Hussein via Getty Images
Emma Stone, 2014
Franco Origlia via Getty Images
Sienna Miller, 2014
Gary Gershoff via Getty Images
Karlie Kloss, 2013
Jeff Vespa via Getty Images
Keira Knightley, 2010
Ian West - PA Images via Getty Images
Katie Holmes, 2008
Steve Granitz via Getty Images
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