If there’s one haircut that we associate with “classic,” more than any other, it’s the bob. Has there ever been a time when the bob hasn’t hit right? Sure, it has come in and out of vogue and is super-hot at the moment, but even after the moment cools a bit, this is one cut that never looks dated, yet always manages to be chic and modern.
So, what’s the secret to keeping your bob looking amazing and fresh? Inches. As in: a difference of a few inches here and there is what can really elevate your bob and give you a different look. Naté Bova, Master Hair Stylist at Warren Tricomi NYC & Founder of Naté Haircare, has seen her share of sophisticated short haircuts and bobs. And this is the unbelievable flattering bob that she says is super chic at the moment.
Add Length To Your Bob
One thing we love most about the bob is that it’s customizable. The addition of a few layers (or, conversely, leaving it with blunt ends) or a long or short fringe in the front can change your entire look without a whole lot of effort. You may be used to seeing bobs stop right along the jawline — celebs like Rihanna, Michelle Williams, and French It Girl Taylor LaShae look so elegant with this length. But by adding just a few more inches, you give the bob a different kind of edge.
Bova says her her favorite flattering bob haircut for women over 40 is a modern take on a classic.
“The length falls 2 inches above the shoulders or 2-3 inches below the chin so that the bottom of the haircut hovers between the chin and the shoulders,” Bova says. “I like to cut long layers through the longest 2 inches of this haircut so there is movement through the bottom and slither long layers in the face frame starting from the edge of the lips to the bottom of the bob.”
If you’re looking for the right lingo to express this to your stylist, Bova says clients can ask for a bob that stops between the chin and the shoulders with long layers and a long face frame with demonstrating where you would like the shortest layers to start at the face frame pointing at the edge of the lips.
Blunt Bangs
Blunt bangs bring a youthful energy to any hairstyle and work well for women over 40 who want to make a statement without too much commitment, according to Vij. “Ask your stylist for long, face-framing layers around your bangs for added dimension — then style as desired with heat protectant spray, mousse, and/or hairspray,” Vij says.
When it comes to upkeep, you'll need regular trims every 6-8 weeks to keep them polished and fresh.
You don’t always have to make big changes to your hair to get the most impact. These four hairstyles are easy, breezy, and look modern and fresh.
How Should You Style This Bob?
Straight textures can style with a round brush to get the layers to have movement and before styling while the hair is still wet you can use the Warren Tricomi mousse for volume, Bova explains. “If your texture is thicker/wavy and you would like it to be straight I would recommend the Warren Tricomi blow dry serum to apply before blow drying,” she says.
And if your hair is wavy or curly, don’t fight it — this exact haircut works beautifully to wear with your natural texture to air dry or diffuse, Bova stresses. “Finer wavy textures can use the Warren Tricomi Mousse and diffuse or air dry with the Warren Tricomi Styling Cream.”
Pro Tip
And one final pro tip from Bova: For those with Bobs with a finer texture that need volume and wavy bobs that like volume can also use the Naté Deep Conditioning Hair Masque that not only conditions the hair but creates movement and volume, she says. She describes it as a silicone-free formula that wakes up the hair and scalp with its main ingredients — aloe vera, pacific kelp, and kaolin clay.
Whether you’re searching for a shorter ‘do to change things up or want to keep your current bob, but give it a different feel, a longer bob can be versatile and look so chic and sophisticated.
