The Chopped Bob has been making a return lately... You may remember last year, hot on the heels of the Boyfriend Bob, we saw the cut come to light thanks to Wednesday Addams’ Jenna Ortega sporting the 'do. It had clients wanting to ditch their long locks for an edgier, layered cut and lo and behold, it's officially back for 2024. So, we take a look at what the experts have to say on the chopped bob, and how you can create this masterpiece on your clients.
What is The Chopped Bob?
“The chopped bob is a continuation from 2022's ‘it-girl’ style, the Wolf Cut, but this is a more committed version,” says Jake Unger, Head of Education for HOB Academy. “It’s more of a mid-length shaggy style, with all the emphasis on the choppy layering with no real outline shape, creating an undone texture to give the illusion of a ‘I woke up like this’ feel.” It’s perfect for those clients who are looking for a bob with lots of movement, and to embrace their natural hair, Hairstylist Coral Jade tells us.
What’s more, this shaggy, textured look will suit all of your clients, no matter what face shape or hair texture. “By ensuring the length is right for your client, and making sure the texture is broken and soft, this style will suit anyone,” says Andy Smith, Indola Global Ambassador.
How to Cut The Chopped Bob
It’s important to start by recognising your client’s face shape. “You are looking to enhance the shape of the face, making your client feel hot and fresh,” says Andy.
Next, focus on the texture. “When cutting the style, it’s essential to add as much texture as possible using your scissors to help create the movement,” says Coral. “It softens the cut to add a more ‘lived in’ look, than your typical bob that looks very smooth and polished.” To do this, Salon Owner, Brooke Evans recommends: “Using a slicing technique, which can also be done with a razor. It’s all about the base line and slicing into it to create movement and texture.”
How to Style The Chopped Bob
And to style, less is more. Laura Elliott, Head Stylist and Educator at Neäl & Wølf says: "Due to the absence of layers, it makes styling a lot easier and hassle free compared to a layered bob which requires blow-drying and extra maintenance."
Jake adds: “The advantage of this look is to keep styling to a minimum. Too much blow-drying can easily make this style look old fashioned. I would recommend a sea salt product to help create texture. Spray onto the mid-lengths, squeeze, then leave to dry naturally. If you’re looking to speed up the process, a diffuser is great – but remember to not touch the hair too often as this will stop it becoming frizzy.”
Is it safe to say that this versatile cut of the season that screams attitude, sass, and edginess will have your clients queueing at the door of your salon? We think so…
Looking for more? Check out why the bob is the hottest haircut right now...
