Is a Bob Hairstyle Right for You?
The “bob” hairstyle is a short haircut, usually associated with
women. The hair is cut to approximately chin length, all the way around
the head. It may be worn with or without a fringe at the front. Since
its first incarnation, when women needed short hair for factory work
during the First World War, it has persisted in many variations because
it is a flattering style for so many women.
Throughout the decades of the 20th century, the bob haircut would fade
for a few years, but would always emerge again, in updated form, enjoyed
by a new generation each time. Most of today’s bob hairstyles feature
tapered ends rather than a more severe “chopped” look. The softness
makes this short haircut distinctly feminine and is a great choice for
women who are toying with the idea of going short, but aren’t ready for
something more drastic. Another great thing about the bob hairstyle is
that it is fairly easy to grow out without a lot of awkward “in between”
stages.
Variations on the bob cut can be made so that the cut is more flattering
with features such as a prominent nose or a narrow face. The cut has to
be modified depending on the wearer’s hair texture and degree of
waviness or curl. A savvy, experienced stylist knows exactly how long a
fringe should be, and where slight layering should be added to adjust
hair volume for the best look.
Long Bobs are ideal for round faces.
If you have a rounded face shape, you should go for a slightly
longer bob cut with soft layers
around the chin. A traditional, more severe bob may make you look
pointed on top. If you have a narrow face, a sweeping, soft fringe can
make the bob work well for you. The longer, side-swept fringe can also
work wonders in diverting attention from a prominent nose.
In general, the younger and more petite you are, the shorter you can go
with a bob haircut (check out our
short bob hair photos).
Chin length bobs with softer, razored ends work better for those who
are older and those who are larger. If you’re not sure whether a bob
hairstyle is right for you, but are willing to try, ask your stylist for
a longer bob, with razored ends for softness around the jawline. The
choice of whether to add a fringe is more a matter of personal taste and
the shape of your face.
Anna Wintour with the pageboy bob
The pageboy is a type of bob that may be a bit longer, sometimes
grazing the shoulders. It’s a good choice for women who have had long
hair and aren’t ready for a more drastic change. This is the style that
has been worn for many years by Vogue magazine’s U.S. editor Anna
Wintour. A slightly longer pageboy with layered ends, with or without a
fringe, is also a good choice for women with wavy hair, because the bit
of extra weight from longer hair keeps the cut from becoming too “poufy.”
The bob hairstyle may be right for you if you’re ready to go short, but
not pixie-short. It can be adapted to just about any hair texture, and
with the help of a competent stylist it flatters women regardless of age
or face shape.
Other Bob Hairstyles
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