As the Italian bob continues to capture attention on red carpets and TV screens—from Kaia Gerber to Laura Harrier and Simona Tabasco’s character in The White Lotus—its popularity is undeniable. This chin-length haircut embodies effortless elegance, but what truly sets it apart from other bob styles can be subtle. We’ve consulted industry experts to explain the unique characteristics of the Italian bob and provide tips on achieving its iconic look.
Understanding the Italian Bob
Celebrity extensionist Priscilla Valles explains, “The Italian bob features a blunt cut with face-framing edges and is rounded to chin length. It incorporates layers near the crown to enhance movement, making it particularly suitable for textured hair. This cut gives the illusion of added life and volume.”
Stylist Amy Abramite adds, “Its defining feature is the straight-across blunt length at the chin, creating a sleek, clean structure. The Italian bob generally includes minimal layering, which adds subtle movement and can be styled with or without bangs. Typically, it’s worn with a side part for lift at the roots and turned-under ends for a polished finish.”
How the Italian Bob Stands Out
With numerous bob variations available, including the French bob, lob, asymmetrical bob, and butterfly bob, the Italian bob’s distinctiveness lies in its bluntness and intentional layering. Valles notes, “Unlike other European bobs, the Italian bob maintains a uniform length around the head with fringed ends, offering a relaxed yet stylish look. It contrasts with other bob styles that might have longer corners or more pronounced layers.”
Abramite contrasts it with other bob styles: “A lob is longer, usually shoulder-length or longer with a forward angle. A French bob is shorter, often above the chin with more layering. A traditional bob is typically a single length with no layers, creating a heavier appearance.”
Requesting the Italian Bob at the Salon
To achieve the Italian bob, start by showing your stylist an inspirational photo. Discuss your preferences and style vision to ensure clarity. Abramite advises, “Request a clean, blunt bob cut to the chin with no forward angle. Specify a straight-across design with long layers for movement and weight removal at the ends.”
Styling Your Italian Bob
Preparation is key for styling an Italian bob. Begin with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, followed by a serum or oil from mid-lengths to ends. A side part is standard, though a middle part is also an option. Valles recommends using mousse and texturizing spray to maintain volume and movement. Abramite suggests blow-drying with a round brush to straighten and turn the ends under, finishing with hairspray to lock in place.
Top 10 Italian Bob Styles
Flipped Out
Rita Ora’s Italian bob features a middle part and flipped-out ends. Use gel or styling cream to slick down the crown, and a round brush with a blow dryer to achieve a curled look.
Face-Framing Bob
Raye’s bob demonstrates the style’s versatility, with a side part and curled bangs. Blow-dry with a round brush for smoothness and lift, then use a curling iron for curls on the bangs and ends.
Slicked + Swooped
Simona Tabasco’s sleek and swooped Italian bob requires styling cream and gel for a slicked-back effect. Use a rounded brush and blow dryer for a blowout-style look, accentuating swooped ends.
Chic ‘Do
Hailey Bieber’s bob, with its deep side part and slightly bent bangs, epitomizes chic elegance. Apply serum to damp hair, blow-dry with a paddle brush, and use a large-barrel curling iron to crimp the front section.
Bouncy Bob
Zendaya’s Italian bob features a sharp side part, swoopy bangs, and subtle curls. Use texturizing spray and hairspray for volume, and curl cream to maintain the curls.
Sleeker Than Sleek
Kourtney Kardashian Barker’s sleek version of the Italian bob involves serum and a flat iron. Blow-dry with a round brush and use a flat iron to straighten and bevel the ends.
Fringey Bob
Emily Ratajkowski’s bob incorporates fringe bangs and a wet-look finish. Use texturizing spray to achieve a crimped curl effect.
Old Hollywood Glam
Laura Harrier’s take on the Italian bob combines a deep side part with Old Hollywood waves. Blow-dry with a paddle brush and use a large-barrel curling iron for loose waves from mid-lengths down.
Glossy Middle Part
Kaia Gerber’s interpretation features a middle part and a glossy, straight finish. This low-maintenance look emphasizes the frayed edges of the cut with minimal styling.
Thick and Voluminous
Aubrey Plaza’s voluminous bob uses a side part and natural texture. Apply leave-in conditioner, scrunch hair, and either diffuse or air dry for a textured finish.
Whether you’re drawn to its classic elegance or its modern versatility, the Italian bob remains a timeless choice with numerous styling possibilities.