Hairstyle of the summer? Find out why the boyfriend bob is making a late entry

This one's borrowed from the boys!  

Unisex style is at the forefront of everyone’s minds right now. From baggy boyfriend jeans to oversized boyfriend coats, for some reason we just can’t seem to get enough of androgynous vibes. And surprise, surprise, that rings true with our hair, too! Introducing… the boyfriend bob.

“What’s the boyfriend bob?” we hear you ask? Well, actually it’s pretty much exactly what it says on the tin. An alternative take on the classic bob, it combines a few key factors which transform this classically feminine style into a more androgynous ‘do.

So, are you ready to steal your BF’s look? Find out which celebs have already adopted this boyish style and discover how you can get the look yourself, below.

We’re calling it: The boyfriend bob is this summer’s last-minute breakout trend

 

victoria's secret model karlie kloss with her blonde bob length hair tucked behind her ear
The trick is in the tuck. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

First things first, you’re probably wondering what differentiates the boyfriend bob from any other bob style? Well, rather than the long bob style that’s also popular right now, this style tends to be noticeably shorter (between cheek and chin-length).

Another key element to this style is the ear tuck, demonstrated perfectly here by Karlie Kloss at this year’s Met Gala. This is a trick that instantly gives even the most structured style a softer feel and endless get-up-and-go appeal – plus you probably already do it throughout the day!

high school musical actress vanessa hudgens with her dark brunette hair in a centre parted boyfriend bob
A chic centre part will give your ‘do a high-fashion edge. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Another way to give a feminine crop a more androgynous effect, is by dividing your locks into a neat, precise centre part, a la Vanessa Hudgens. Think of it as the upgraded version of the ‘90s boyband curtains we all secretly loved.

Centre partings flatter those with rounder faces the best, but if you’ve got a more angular face shape, you can always compromise by offsetting your centre parting slightly, for a more face-flattering effect. Just play around in the mirror to find out what works best for you!

Editor’s tip: Vanessa’s perfectly-polished bob is made all the more glam thanks to her seriously shiny locks. To get this glossy effect yourself, you’ll need the Toni&Guy Finishing Shine Spray.

Simply apply an allover spritz to your strands after styling, for locks so shiny you’ll be able to see yourself in them (okay, that might not be strictly true but you get the idea!).

kelly rowland on the red carpet with a wavy boyfriend bob hairstyle
Straight, wavy, curly, this style works for all hair types! Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

The best part about the boyfriend cut? As we’ve shown, it looks amazing on poker straight strands but if your hair has a natural wave, you’re in luck, because this look is equally fabulous on tousled tresses! Just see how well Kelly Rowland rocks it.

And if you’re worried about your styling options being limited with such a short cut, don’t be, because you’ll still be able to straighten, curl or crimp as you please, your styling time will just be cut down significantly!

Editor’s tip: To really make the most of your boyfriend cut, spritz a sea salt spray, like the TRESemmé Perfectly (Un)Done Sea Salt Spray, through your ends. This will help to accentuate any natural waves or movement that you have, for a just-off-the-beach vibe.

 

What do you think of the boyfriend bob, would you give it a try? If you’re a fan, these 10 bold androgynous haircuts will probably be right up your street. After all, why let the boys have all the fun?!

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