The bob haircut continues to dominate the hairstyling scene in 2024, with the razor-cut bob emerging as one of the hottest trends this summer. Despite the enduring popularity of bobs, I must admit these shorter hairstyles aren’t quite my style. However, I can certainly appreciate the elegance of a perfectly executed bob on someone else.
So, how can we be sure the razor-cut bob will be the summer’s go-to hairstyle? According to the Pinterest Summer Trends Report 2024, searches for “razor cut bobs” surged by an astonishing 8,200% from April 2023 to April 2024, signaling a major trend on the horizon.
If you’re contemplating a bob, you might have a few questions. What exactly is a razor-cut bob? Is it really cut with a razor? (Yes!) Will it suit you? To provide some clarity and insights into this trending style, I consulted one of the industry’s top hairdressers. Here’s everything you need to know about the razor-cut bob.
What is the Razor-Cut Bob?
While many of the 2024 bob styles have been high-maintenance, requiring regular trims and constant upkeep (think blunt bobs, macro bobs, and Hollywood bobs), the razor-cut bob stands out for its relaxed, low-maintenance appeal. Personally, I’m thrilled to see a more manageable hairstyle take center stage.
As the name suggests, a razor-cut bob is created using a razor rather than traditional scissors. This technique results in a look that is “thinner at the ends, allowing the hair to break up and move more easily,” explains Paul Percival, a leading hairdresser and co-founder of Percy & Reed. “A razor bob tends to feel more rock ‘n’ roll because the ends are finer. When you cut a bob with scissors, you can remove length or weight, but not both simultaneously. A razor achieves both by its very nature.”
Visually, the razor-cut bob maintains the classic bob silhouette but with textured, often tousled ends. “A razor-cut bob is all about preserving the bob shape—you can add a fringe, and there’s a slightly mullet-like variation that’s quite popular now, but it’s still fundamentally a bob,” Percival continues. “It’s a style many are requesting at the salon.”
Who Does the Razor-Cut Bob Suit?
Most haircuts can be tailored to suit various face shapes and hair types. “As with most bobs, you can adjust the razor-cut bob to work for all face shapes by altering the length, adding a fringe, etc.,” says Percival. “The primary difference with a razor-cut bob is the texture at the ends and the reduced weight.”
However, slicing strands with a razor is generally better suited to certain hair types. For those with frizz-prone or curly hair, this technique might increase frizz, so it’s important to discuss its suitability with your hairdresser, especially if you prefer your natural texture. For those with thinner hair, a razor-cut might not be ideal, but Percival reassures, “There is definitely a shape and length that will work for all hair types.”
Another crucial consideration is how you want your haircut to look daily versus your natural hair texture, and the time you can devote to styling. Percival notes that you’ll need to consider this if, for instance, you want to wear it smooth and straight but have naturally curly or wavy hair, or if you have straight hair but desire more texture.
For those eager to explore more bob hairstyles suitable for various hair types, we’ve compiled some of our favorite razor-cut bobs from social media, along with recommended styling products from both our experts and us. And if you decide the razor-cut bob isn’t for you, there’s always the anti-bob trend to consider.