If You’re Thinking About Getting A Bob For The Summer, Read This First

As temperatures start to rise, prompting many of us to consider a much-needed change in our wardrobes, nail polish shades, and even our hairstyles, we begin to pay more attention to the newest beauty trends presented on our feeds by influencers, stylists, and celebrities alike.

Now, if there's one hairstyle that, like clockwork, makes its appearance as soon as we get an entire week of sunshine during early spring, it's the bob. With its effortless and chic vibe, this classic cut, which seems to take various forms with each passing year, evolving into a more stylish version of itself, is a fan favorite for many reasons. A bob hairstyle is super versatile and can be made to suit all face shapes, hair types, and textures. Additionally, it's a low-maintenance style that can be dressed up or down, making it perfect for any occasion.

But, as amazing as a bob can be made to look, many of us have, to put it mildly, been scarred by a bad bob cut. As appealing as it may seem at first glance, this hairstyle requires some serious consideration before being cut. This is why, below, we will outline a few things you need to pay attention to if you feel like treating yourself to the grand chop before summer hits.

Think About Your Face Shape First!

A good bob haircut will frame your face, and as a result, it's crucial to consider the shape of your facial structure when deciding on the final cut. For example, round faces might benefit from a longer bob (or lob) to elongate the facial structure rather than making it look chubby. Oval or oblong faces, on the other hand, may look even more beautiful with a flipped-under bob that highlights their cheekbones. Adding a fringe is optional but highly encouraged, especially if you have a high forehead.

Heart-shaped faces with a prominently narrow jawline, a softly pointed chin, and a wide forehead may benefit from an asymmetrical bob with a side bang or parting that balances out the broad facial areas and makes them look more proportional. And square-shaped faces usually look best with a round bob, rather than a bluntly cut, square style, as this would soften the sharp facial angles and give the face a plump and youthful appearance.

The Right Length Matters

While considering your face shape, you should also make a decision on the right length of a bob cut that would suit you. This is a crucial step, as bob haircuts that are too short or too long for your unique facial structure can easily become unflattering, and fixing the issue can be even more challenging than getting it right the first time. Additionally, remember that the length of your bob hairstyle will influence everything from your styling routine to the vibe you project, whether you want that to be chic, bold, or something subtly sophisticated.

To best decide on the length, let's consider the ratio between your unique facial features and the bob style you're thinking of. According to several stylists on TikTok, the best way to decide on the perfect bob length is to place a pencil sideways underneath your chin and hold another pencil perpendicularly. If the measurement is greater than 2.25 inches, a longer bob, and long hair, in general, should be more flattering for your face shape. But if the measurement is less than 2.25 inches, a short style such as the chin or even ear-length bob is likely to look better on you.

Hair Texture Can Make or Break the Hairstyle

While face shape and length are essential factors to consider when deciding on a bob cut, your hair texture will also play a significant role in achieving the most flattering result.

If you have thin, fine hair, then a blunt, one-length bob can make it look smooth and cohesive without bulky edges that make it look flimsy. However, a one-length bob can also make your fine hair appear flat and lifeless, while a layered bob with textured ends can add volume and dimension and make the hair look more lively and bouncy.

For those with medium or thick hair, a layered bob can improve manageability and reduce bulkiness, while a blunt cut can make it look too heavy and overpowering, especially on the edges. However, a layered bob can make thick, frizzy hair look even more unmanageable, which is when a blunt cut with minimal layering would work better.

Therefore, considering how your hair texture can affect your hairstyle while taking both the pros and cons into account is crucial in managing your expectations, avoiding disappointment, and achieving the most flattering bob cut.

Upkeep and Cost: Is a Bob Really As Simple and Low-Maintenance As It Seems?

A bob, although considered a lower maintenance hairstyle than many others, comes with its own demands in order to remain looking fresh and polished. Regular trims, usually every 4-6 or even every 3-4 weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows and the particular style you are going for, are essential to prevent the bob from losing its shape and looking limp and lifeless. As this could add up in terms of both cost and time, you certainly need to ask yourself if you're ready for that commitment.

Styling Tools and Products: The Crucial Investment for a Good Hair Day

A great bob doesn't just happen—it's styled!

The bob requires the right styling tools and products to help you achieve that perfect look. A good hair dryer, a round brush for those perfect ends, and smoothing or volumizing products must all be part of your daily maintenance routine. You might need to buy all of them at once so that your new hairstyle doesn't only look good for a few days after being styled by a hairdresser.

So, whether you're aiming for a sleek, straight bob, a soft, wavy bob, or a bouncy, '90s-style bob, are you ready to invest in the tools and products that would help you achieve that, or is it something you might want to think twice about?

Daily Styling Time: Extra Prep-Steps or On-the-Go Perfection?

Think about how much time you want to spend on your hair each morning. A bob can be quick to style if you keep it simple, but if you love a polished or a more elaborate look, you might need extra time to get it just right.

Whether you choose an easy-care round bob, a high-maintenance blunt bob, or a playful layered bob, consider your lifestyle: Does it allow for extra primping time, or are you always on the go, and the perfect look has to be achieved as quickly as possible?

The Trend Factor: Is a Bob Really You?

With summer around the corner, the allure of a fresh bob is everywhere. Influencers, stylists, and celebrities are all boasting their fresh cuts on social media, events, and on the red carpet, and you may also start to notice gorgeous-looking bobs in coffee shops, restaurants, and other public spaces you frequent.

But, although a bob is considered a timeless cut that can look good on everyone and elevate anyone's style, the fact that it repeatedly reemerges as a trend should also make you question whether your desire for a bob is something you're in for the long run or just an impulse decision to follow a trend.

Therefore, the final factor to consider before deciding whether the chop is worth your time, commitment, and money is simply asking yourself: Is a bob really you, and does it suit your personal style? Would you still love it and feel comfortable with it after the trend dies down, or would you nod at your hairdresser while holding back tears, asking for your long hair to be glued back on?

Closing Thoughts

A bob can be a bold statement or a way to elevate or simplify your look. Either way, before deciding on the chop of a lifetime, it's important to make sure it reflects who you are, both in terms of personal style and lifestyle.

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