Short hair seems to be the “it” haircut this winter— with everyone from Jennifer Lopez to Zendaya to Selena all recently swapping their signature long locks for a bobbed cut. This haircut is all the rage, seen on celebrities with various hair textures, and they also flatter many skin tones. It’s an especially great cut for women over 40 because it can take years off your face.
With that said, we checked in with professional hair stylists and hair experts to learn more about the trendy cut and how to find a red hair dye that works with your own skin tone and style. Read on for tips, suggestions, and insight from Lauren Udoh, the Hair Creative Director of WigReports and a hairstylist, and Arrogant Smith, a professional hairstylist and the Hair Consultant of Keswigs.
Chopped bob haircut
The bob haircut needs no introduction–and neither does its edgier cousin, the choppy bob. This cut has been around long enough for a variety of different styles (i.e. blunt bob, asymmetrical bob, long bob, and more) to become popular trends. The main attraction of the choppy bob cut is, obviously, the choppiness. It enhances texture, and a textured cut is the easiest way to add dimension to your hairstyles for a shorter length.
Celebrities have been rocking this cut for decades. Udoh says, "Gwyneth Paltrow [and] Kate Bosworth are just two of the many celebrities that have embraced the chopped bob hairstyle. Gwyneth's version is slightly longer and wavy, while Kate's is more structured and full of volume. Both styles offer a sophisticated yet edgy look that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion." Similar to the asymmetrical bob, a chopped bob is flattering for women over 50.
The length is perfect because anything past the collarbone can drag your features down. The curtains or fringe layers allow you to re-shape your face. It gives the illusion that your features are higher and tighter than they are. This length also allows for a lot of movement and balance, along with some shattered layers on the top. You certainly shouldn't have the bottom too blunt or anything too blunt–it's always better to be softer around the face.
"A shorter version of the classic bob haircut with face-framing layers is a flattering style for women over 50," Udoh continues. "The shorter length helps to create a soft, wispy look that can take off years and add volume at the same time. The framing layers soften harsh lines and angles of the face while adding texture and movement which helps to slim down broader facial features. This style gives an overall polished look that is timeless and easy to maintain, making it an ideal option for women over 50 who are looking for a modern yet classic cut." Chopped bobs are also great for hiding thinning hair because the layers create so much volume and texture.
"This style will help to soften mature facial features and accentuate the cheekbones with movement. By keeping the length long enough in front, this style also helps to frame the face shape, creating a soft and modern look that is age appropriate as well as fashionable for 2023," Smith explains. "To finish off this timeless look, adding some subtle highlights or lowlights can add depth and dimension for an even more polished result." So there you have it, this chopped bob haircut is a timeless, flattering, versatile look you're going to see this haircut everywhere in 2023!
