Modern Short Bobs Are The Coolest Haircut For Grey Hair - Here's How To Nail It

For a long time, short bobs for grey hair were considered an old-school choice, a style that's reserved for those who want a no-nonsense haircut that's considered 'age-appropriate'.

But no longer. For one thing, we're doing away with the concept of being 'age-appropriate' when it comes to style and beauty. Here at ELLE, we truly believe that whatever makes you feel happy, sexy and confident is exactly the right choice for you - no matter what stage of life you're at.

Prabal Gurung AW25

For another, modern bob hairstyles have never looked fresher and cooler. From chin-length bobs that look ultra sophisticated and fluffy, 'old-money' Hollywood bobs that are ready for a good time, the bob options these days are endless. And, according to pro hairstylists, short bobs are actually the best way to showcase your grey hair - whether you're someone who's starting to embrace going silver, or if you simply love having faux, steel-toned lengths ala Kim K or Ciara in your hair.

What's the best bob haircuts for grey hair

Mitchell Ladbrook, senior stylist at Nicole Clarke salon notes that it's key for your chosen bob haircut to go with your daily routine. That means taking into account how often you're willing to trim it, how much styling time you can put aside and if it goes with your style.

Ciara

Longer lobs or layered bobs are ideal for those who prefer something a little low-maintenance, or if you want to ease into a shorter look. Adding some curtain bangs or a wispy fringe will help frame the face and bring some balance, too.

Model Teruko Laura

However, don't be afraid to go the extra mile. 'The shorter the bob, the more striking the grey colour will be. It creates a more dramatic but cool finish and really shows off the colour and cut,' says Mitchell. Think soft, Italian bobs or a glossy A-line bob that commands attention.

'Face framing shapes and fringes can enhance the silver reflects near your face and brighten your complexion,' adds Leslie Drummond, senior stylist at John Frieda Mayfair. 'A blunt bob makes grey hair appear denser and works well with fine silvery straight hair. If you lack tonality in your grey, embrace and enhance your greys by lightening pieces around the face to give you extra dimension.'

Style star Grece Ghanem

How to style grey bob haircuts

As you start to go grey, it's worth noting that your hair might begin to behave differently. 'The hair might feel coarser and be more frizzy. This is because the hair cuticles have changed over time and become less flexible and stiff,' says Ladbrook.

Artist Maayan Zilberman

This is completely natural, and there's plenty you can do to remedy it. 'Opt for hydrating and nourishing products,' suggests Ladbrook, who's a fan of Olaplex Number 6 Bond Smoother to smooth and define curls and Virtue Healing Oil for when you need extra moisture and to manage frizz. If your grey tends to look dull over time, Drummond recommends incorporating a purple shampoo to remove brassiness and restore vibrancy.

Digital creator Princess Cherry

Air-drying it will keep heat damage at bay (and is especially easy to do in summer). Use a dollop of leave-in conditioner on damp hair to maintain hydration and add some lightweight oil on the ends. If you're heat styling, never forego heat protection.

To finish, Drummond recommends a good texture spray to 'add definition to finer hair', and a shine spray to make your greys glisten.

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Medina Azaldin

Beauty Editor, ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK

Medina Azaldin is the beauty editor of ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK, working across print and digital features. She has more than seven years journalism experience and has previously written for Red and Good Hoousekeeping. When she's not demystifying the latest skincare ingredient, sniffing out the next big perfume trend or uncovering the science behind wellness practices, you'll most likely find her in Hatchards Piccadilly or watching a crime series with her cats. Oh, and she's a competitive cheerleader, too.