Introducing the george northwood bob bar

It's the cut of the season and now the George Northwood Bob Bar is here to ensure every client can take on the trend with their own bespoke cut. With so many takes on the trend, it can be tricky for clients to know where to start. The Lob? The Grob? The Wob? When magazines tell them one thing, friends tell them another and hairdressers are on another wavelength entirely, it's no wonder things can get lost in translation. At the George Northwood Bob Bar, there are four styles to start conversation flowing. Clients are invited to try on pre-cut wigs to get a feel of how the cut will work for them, as George and his team take them through a thorough consultation. Created in association with Redken, the Bob Bar is a smart way of putting cutting - and on-trend cuts at that - right back at the heart of the salon.

Meet the Bobs!

Bob 1 (above)

George says: The bob to begin all bobs. Short, square and sassy, it’s based on a classic 1920s style but updated the 2015 way with a softer, choppier finish. Jennifer Lawrence is the reference that a lot of my clients are using when they want this cut. Best for: this graphic short shape is softened with choppiness. Great on girly types with delicate features and better on straighter hair types. Can be worn messy or tonged for a more luxe evening appeal with a hint of gloss. Has versatility but you need some confidence to wear this length. Styling: The quality of the cut keeps the shape easy to manage, but this needs a touch of styling to keep it looking on point. Messy is this one’s middle name. Rough-dry the hair and then heat a small amount of Redken Rough Paste into hands and work in to give undone definition. Maintenance: With its wonderful shape, it grows out well – clients will be good to go for six weeks at least.

Bob 2

George says: The modern classic and our signature cut, this longer, choppy look is like skinny jeans for hair – it’s easy breezy and just never goes out of style. Inspired by George’s long term client, Alexa Chung, it’s the most requested cut in the salon. Best for: With a grown-out fringe that frames any face beautifully, this is the bob that looks good on everyone. For those with natural wavy texture, it’s a great cut. For those with straighter hair, a tong will be their best friend. Styling: Keep texture natural – a kiss of the tong will add a hint of movement. For the ultimate finish spray Redken Windblown Spray in the hair for that effortless off-duty finish. Maintenance: The shaggier it gets, the better it looks – see them in six to eight weeks.

Bob 3

George says: Inspired by Margot Tenenbaum – one on our salon’s beauty icons. Mid-length, precise and so straight it would put a poker to shame, this can be super cute or crazy powerful. Just look on it like the Gemini of bobs. Versatile and can worn straight or even tonged for the evening or to mix it up. Best for: Super blunt and gloriously graphic, it’s great for normal to thick hair that’s dead, dead straight. We clipper cut the ends for some serious straight ends action. Styling: This demands a good head of hair and one that rocks condition and shine. Intensive treatments and a gloss treatment make this look pop. I blow dry this with Redken Diamond Oil and then run irons on the ends to give the straight, swish perfection. If you want to avoid looking too power woman, sweep it to the side and add a slide. This bob knows how to rock an accessory. Maintenance: If clients are super organised and book their four to six week appointments in advance, this one’s for you.

Bob 4

George says: When a cover girl wants to shake things up without losing all her lustrous lengths, this is what she does. Styled and trialled on Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, it’s long enough to skim the collarbones at the front – but comes with a graduated back that’s bang on bob. It can be edgier with a more mullet texture like Edie Campbell or it can be a bit sexier and windswept like Rosie’s. Best for: Anyone that can’t decide between long and short, this bob has the best of both worlds. Also, the length means that you can still wear it up. Styling: Rough dry, tong, or have a full-on blow-out. We call it the chameleon of bobs. Redken Quicktease is your essential for this look. Maintenance: Supermodels are too busy to spend all day in a salon. Enjoy the jet set for a couple months before you come back for a trim.