The 4 coolest 'lived in bobs' to try this spring according to the experts
Be inspired by the freshly-coiffed bobs bouncing up and down the SS23 catwalks. This season, the cuts were technical, with hidden layers and angular shapes, but the styling was relaxed and undone, maximising movement and making the most of each model’s natural texture.
This lived-in iteration of the bob has some iconic muses, including Diana Ross, Debbie Harry and Winona Ryder. “It’s all about embracing the hair you have and tailoring the length and shape to you,” says celebrity hair stylist Andrew Barton. “A bob can be sculpted depending on your side profile, the proportions of your face and, most importantly, personal preference. And because it requires quite a precise cut, hair tends to fall into place easily – making this style quite low-maintenance.”
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A-Line Bob
Rokh SS23
A fringe and layers around the face can really enhance your natural curl pattern, while a short, stacked back elongates the neck. After layering, go back in and cut individual curls to avoid any hard lines. And put the thinning shears down – curly hair can stand having weight removed from its bulk, but not the ends. Hairdresser Cim Mahony, who was backstage at Rokh’s SS23 show, describes the styling as: “Casual with sophisticated and expensive texture.” For frizz- free curls, start by finger-twisting with some shine-enhancing styling cream, before blow drying with a diffuser. Add a dab of serum to the ends once hair is completely dry. Enhance kinks, curls or coils using a thin conical wand and finish with a spritz of strong-hold hairspray.
The 90s Crop
Mônot SS23
“Minimalist with natural sheen and personal to each girl,” is how Andrew Barton describes the Mônot hair look we saw on the spring catwalk. Dark roots whisper ‘grunge’, while taking weight off the ends and creating hidden layers with a razor cut gives softer edges and maintains density – this sort of technique, with a beautiful bend styled into the lengths, can be transformative for anyone with fine, flat hair. It’s also particularly flattering for heart and oval face shapes. “Section hair into three and blow dry with a paddle brush,” suggests Andrew. “Keep the brush close to the head to avoid any extra lift.” Use a non- greasy hair oil for a glossy finish and to tame flyaways.
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Boho Waves
Zimmermann SS23
Opt for a slightly off-kilter length (longer at the front) to emulate the look at Zimmermann. “A centre part is also important here because it gives a more effortless, undone feel,” says hair stylist Paul Percival. To create these S-waves, which are basically brushed out waves that resemble an ‘S’ shape, start with straight hair. Paul recommends applying a volumising mousse and working a smoothing cream into damp hair before blow drying. Then section hair and take a one-inch piece in your hand – encourage a bend to form that you ‘tap in’ with straighteners. Once it starts to take shape, move down the hair and start bending it in the opposite direction – and repeat. Finish with a flexible hairspray.
Rockabilly Roots
Dries Van Noten SS23
Feeling brave? Opt for a long, layered bob with feathered ends and a sweeping side-fringe. It’s a modern take on the (whisper it) mullet. “This hair has a masculine vibe with a rockabilly edge,” says hair stylist Sam McKnight, the man behind the cheekbone-baring, jawline- chiselling look at Dries Van Noten. “Begin by applying gel to the roots all over and brush back with a wide tooth comb. Keep some natural volume on top with a bit of a side direction, it’s not quite a side parting but a hint of it. Finish by applying a nourishing cream through mid-lengths to ends.” This tougher, slicked-back silhouette will offset your spring dresses in a lovely juxtaposition of styles.
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