The bob has been the hottest haircut for some time according to Google Search volume data analysis from around the world. And as we’ve officially entered 2025, the bob is only expected to stay with searches increasing by +129% in 2024. Here, HJ asked the hairdressing experts to explain why it’s so popular and what their favourite bob haircuts are.
Why is The Bob Still a Hot Haircut?
Errol Douglas MBE says the bob is a perennial style because it suits everyone’s face shape, hair texture, and clients can opt for a long bob, shoulder grazing choppy bob, or a beautiful French bob.
Perhaps following the rise of hair trends on Instagram and TikTok, we’ve seen many bobs adapted to take on new names such as the chopped bob, the 90s Beckham bob, and the bullet bob – taking the classic style and adding a modern twist. As Simon Townley said when asked about the naming of hairstyles: “Through renaming and reinvention, stagnant styles get thrown back into the limelight.”
Celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton explains: “The bob has made a huge comeback because it’s so easy to wear and so versatile. A haircut is really exciting, going for a chop is freeing and brings so many style possibilities too.”
What is The History of The Bob?
Errol explains the first bob haircut was created by Polish born hairdresser Antoine de Paris in France in 1909 – and it has been in fashion ever since.However, hair historian, Rachael Gibson points out the bob is often associated with the 1920s: “This was a time when young women were enjoying newfound freedom and liberation post-war, and when new fashion trends were all about being daring, having fun, and celebrating movement – fringed dresses and swinging bobs paired perfectly with the jazz music of the era!
“One of the main reasons women loved bobs at the time was because of the freedom that the cut represented: prior to this, women had been expected to wear their hair long at all times as a perceived symbol of their femininity and suitability as a wife. As progress was made politically with the emancipation of women, this freedom was represented in hair, fashion and beauty – and what makes more a statement that chopping off the lengths that were supposed to mark you our as marriage-worthy?
“Cutting off hair has always been about liberation and taking back control, which is perhaps why its popular now – we can’t control what’s going on in the world, but we can control our hair.”
If you're looking for more history of hair reading, head here!
4 Key Bob Haircuts Every Hairdresser Needs to Know
- The Classic Bob: This style is one length all around the head, and is typically chin length. There are no layers, so can be blunt cut or point cut if you want it to be softer.
- The Square Bob: A square shape with a square, strong fringe, typically jaw length. It was popular in the 80s and is making a comeback.
- The Inverted Bob: This type of bob is shorter at the back and longer through the front. It features a tapered back with lots of layers for a curved finish.
- The Graduated Bob: One of the more common types of bobs, the graduated bob features stacked layers through the back to give the style a curved finish, getting longer towards the front.
How Can You Encourage Clients to Try a Bob Haircut at Their Next Salon Visit?
Darren Ambrose, D&J Ambrose, says it’s worth explaining how easy it is to maintain a bob at home as well as experiment with different styles. “You can skim the collarbone or give your client a micro short statement. The bob also allows you to take into consideration the character of the person, face shape, and bone structure. Plus, it’s not always necessary to overstress the blow-dry and natural texture as it can look on trend to use the right product and dry naturally. I would reference wearable looking bobs on celebrities and show just how timeless, chic and cool the bob continues to be.
Celebrity Bobs
Click through the gallery below to see some of the hottest celeb bob haircuts to inspire you and your clients.
Editorial Bobs and Lobs
There are more than 20,000 photos by some of the leading hairdressers in the industry in the HJ Gallery. Check out these bob ideas for your client consultations or to research your next collection.