Why is the bob the most fashionable haircut this year?

A Google study by the hair insurance company found that the bob is considered the trendiest haircut today, accounting for an estimated 222,580 searches per month. The bob is currently the most popular haircut in the UK and in 51 other countries, including the USA, Belgium and Germany. Therefore, the British magazine HJ decided to ask experts about the popularity of this haircut.

So why is the bob the most fashionable haircut today?

Errol Douglas says the bob's popularity is due to the fact that it suits all face shapes, hair textures and its versatility - customers can choose from a long bob, a shoulder-length wavy bob or a beautiful French bob.

Andrew Barton explains: “The bob has become very popular because it is so easy to wear and versatile. 2020 has been a difficult year and many have felt stuck in a rut, needing change and adventure. And the cut is really exciting - it's liberating and opens up new style possibilities."

Errol believes that in the coming years, the bob of 2020 will have a special name, that is, “in history there will be a hairstyle called the “bob after lockdown”,” since many clients removed the length during this period. This trend is demonstrated by several gorgeous stars: Anya Taylor-Joy, Kaia Gerber, Bella Hadid, Rihanna and J Lo.

What is the history of the bob haircut?

Errol Douglas explains that the first bob haircut was created by Polish-born hairdresser Antoine de Paris in France in 1909 and has remained in fashion ever since.

However, hair historian Rachael Gibson notes that the cut is often associated with the 1920s: “It was a time when young women were enjoying newfound freedom and liberation in the post-war era, and the new fashion trends were one of boldness and fun. One of the main reasons women loved the bob at the time was the freedom that the bob represented: before this, women were always expected to wear long hair as a perceived symbol of their femininity and suitability as a wife.

As progress was made politically in the emancipation of women, this freedom was represented in hairstyles, fashion and beauty. And what's a bigger statement than cutting off the lengths that were supposed to mark you as worthy of marriage? Getting a haircut has always meant liberation and taking back control, perhaps that's why it's popular again now - we can't control what happens in the world, but we can control our hair.

Another reason we are seeing more short hairstyles nowadays is the shift to communicating through screens. In Zoom, we only see what's above the shoulders, which is why there's been a trend toward elaborate collars, statement jewelry, and hair accessories. The bob is the perfect haircut for the Zoom era, and if you decide you don't like it anymore, there's plenty of time to grow it out before we're all face-to-face with our co-workers again.

Akin Konizi explains the four main bob shapes

1. Classic bob

This style is one length to the chin. There are no layers, so you can make an even cut if you want it to be softer.

2. Square bob

The square shape with square, strong fringe was popular in the 80s and is making a comeback. This is usually the length of the jaw.

3. Inverted bob

This type of bob is shorter in the back and longer in the front. It has a tapered back with multiple layers for a curved finish.

4. Graduated bob

One of the most common types of beans. The stacked layers at the back give the look a curved look that lengthens towards the front.

How can you encourage clients to try a bob haircut the next time they visit the salon?

D&J Ambrose salon owner Darren Ambrose says it's worth explaining how easy it is to maintain a bob at home, as well as experimenting with different styles. Bob allows you to take into account a person's character, face shape and bone structure. Plus, it's not always necessary to over-emphasize the natural texture of your blow-dry, as using the right product and letting it dry naturally can make you look stylish.