If there’s one hairstyle that points to the beauty zeitgeist right now, it’s the blunt bob. Razor-sharp, pin-straight, and cool in that facile, effortless sort of way, it’s transcended the Seventies supermodel reserve to become a modern-day status symbol of style.
You need only look at the growing number of influencers sporting oversized tailoring and crisp shirts with their short cuts, or the famous faces (namely Gigi Hadid, Selena Gomez, and Rihanna) who have made a strong case for the sharp cut on the runway and red carpet.
But as with all bob haircuts—and the never-ending list of names to school up on (see: bell-bottom bobs, the shaggy bob, French bobs, et al.)—it’s ill-advised to take the plunge on a complete whim. First, you’ll need to weigh whether this über-short crop is going to be right for you, the kind of maintenance you’ll need, and which style is right for your hair type. Below, two leading hairstylists share everything you’ll need to consider when it comes to getting a blunt bob.
What is a blunt bob?
Put simply, a blunt bob is a one-length cut that sits anywhere above the shoulders and is characterized by sharp, usually straight, lines. “There are many interpretations of the blunt bob, but it involves cutting the hair in a sharp line all around the head,” shares Joel Goncalves, Senior Stylist at Nicola Clarke x John Frieda salons. “The shape of the head (oval) makes it extremely difficult to cut this square-like shape, and styling-wise, it’s usually kept simple and sleek with no layers or bangs,” he adds.
The hairstyle was first popularized in the Seventies and then reemerged in the Nineties, when poker-straight hair came to the fore. “I think because fashion today is fixated on Nineties style, it’s becoming much more about the silhouette, which is reflected with this haircut,” shares Goncalves.
“It instantly gives you the “cool girl” look while being easy to maintain,” agrees Catherine Ho, a hairstylist and expert at Hersheson Belgravia, who adds that modern muses like Hailey Bieber, J-Lo, Margot Robbie, Rihanna, and Charlize Theron have also helped catapult the trend.
How to cut a blunt bob
As a notoriously tricky cut to master, this is not where to practice your DIY haircutting skills. Go to the salon and, as Ho advises, discuss the length and shape of your blunt bob with a hairstylist, bringing style references and any screenshot saves with you. “My rule of thumb is: for a square or wider-shaped face, I would recommend a length on the shoulder, as it elongates the face, while heart or oval shapes can opt for the cut either on the chin or middle of the neck,” she adds.
How to style a blunt bob
There are myriad ways to style a blunt bob. “The great thing about the bob is that the cut and length are already a statement on their own before any styling. You can simply tuck one side behind the ear if you’d like a slight change,” says Ho. “My favorite way to style this iconic haircut is to let the hair dry naturally; it looks beautiful as you allow your natural texture to come through, but you have this beautiful sharp line around the head,” adds Goncalves.
If you want something a little more elevated or your natural hair texture doesn’t permit a laissez-faire air-dry, you’ve still got plenty of options. You could go for a more undone and naturally textured bob via heatless curlers or a blow-dry tool, or try out the razored bob, employing a pair of straighteners and a de-frizz serum to mimic that glass-like, poker-straight finish.
For the former, Goncalves recommends creating “S waves” rather than a beachy wave. “Beach waves tend to loosen the line, so instead I’d recommend creating an S shape with your straighteners on each hair section,” he shares.
For the latter, you’ll want to master your blow-drying skills first. “Blow-dry your hair, keeping it as straight as possible, and direct the airflow from the hair dryer from roots to tips downward (don’t blow-dry upward, as this will make the hair frizzy),” says Goncalves. “Once dry, use straightening irons, take small sections, and glide the irons down the hair shaft from roots to tips. When that’s done, use a light serum, massage it into the hair, and brush the hair straight. This will give you added shine,” he adds.
Goncalves recommends that a smoothing shampoo be used regardless of your hair type or desired finish. “Prepare the hair for blow-drying with a blow-dry lotion or cream—ideally one that doesn’t give the hair too much added volume,” he concludes.
The best blunt bob inspiration
The side-parted bob
Gigi Hadid is fast becoming the poster girl for the blunt bob. This look requires a straight finish, so if your hair is naturally curly, call upon your trusty straighteners and a smoothing cream to recreate the sleek, shiny finish.
The chin-length micro-bob
Our ultimate style muse, Carey Mulligan’s micro-bob has us considering leaving our long lengths behind and emulating the chin-grazing crop.
The curved blunt bob
Kelly Rowland has mastered the art of the perfectly curved-in blunt bob with a jaw-skimming trim and middle part.
Flicked-out ends
Lily Aldridge’s flicked-out ends are the perfect way to upgrade your blunt bob. Just flip out the ends using a straightener.
The tousled blunt bob
You can still add subtle texture and tousled waves all while keeping the blunt finish, as proven by Leslie Bibb.
