The Perfect Bob
It may be more than 100 years old, but the bob is as popular now as it was in the 1920s. Akin Konizi, international creative director of HOB Academy, looks at the various types of bobs and how to achieve them.
“The bob never goes out of fashion, the style has just evolved over the years. There are many different types of bob haircuts, and the great thing is, there is a style to suit all face shapes and hair textures. From the graduated bob to one length or inverted bobs, the change of angle is what makes it different. The bob is the most important and valuable haircut that you can do, because it will always ensure you are developing your technique for the perfect haircut. Creating the perfect bob is the holy grail for most hairdressers!”
Akin Konizi looks at the four key bob shapes everyone should know
1 Classic bob
This style is one length all around the head, and is typically chin length. There are no layers, so it can be blunt cut or point cut, if you want it to be softer.
2 Square bob
A square shape with a square, strong fringe. It was popular in the 80s and is making a comeback. It is typically jaw length.
3 Inverted bob
This type of bob is shorter at the back and longer through the front. It features a tapered back with lots of layers for a curved finish.
4 Graduated bob
Graduated bobs are one of the more common types of bobs. Stacked layers through the back give the style a curved finish, and it gets longer towards the front.
TOP TIP
All bob lines should start at the centre back and end at the front. One continuous flowing line, with no joins, and typically the last hair at the front of the line should be the longest – that’s the sexy bit!
HOB Academy is the award-winning training academy, based in Camden in London, founded in 1997 as part of the HOB Salons group. Home to the HOB Creative Team and led by 4-time British Hairdresser of the Year Akin Konizi, the Academy caters for hairdressers of every level from across the world, and delivers first-class courses and seminars covering the full spectrum of hairdressing education from creative to business to fundamental, as well as bespoke and one-to-one tuition. The Creative Team has received numerous accolades and awards, including