As autumn approaches, many are seeking to refresh their signature looks, and the choppy bob is emerging as the go-to hairstyle for those ready to embrace a shorter cut. With its signature layers and effortlessly undone texture, this versatile haircut is suitable for nearly every hair type and boasts a rich history of celebrity endorsement, making a resurgence in 2024 with style icons like Hailey Bieber sporting the look.
Maria Sotiriou, hairstylist and founder of Silke London, explains, “A choppy bob features graduated layers cut to create uneven ends. This design not only adds movement but also results in a more tousled appearance.”
Drawing inspiration from the late seventies and early nineties, the choppy bob has proven its timeless appeal. Early adopters of the style, such as Debbie Harry, showcased a peroxide blonde cut characterized by its relaxed movement, statement layers, and eye-catching fringe. Winona Ryder continued this trend into the late eighties, presenting a chin-length version that still resonates with fashion today. Contemporary celebrities, including Dakota Johnson, Billie Eilish, and Laura Harrier, have kept the cut in the spotlight during recent red carpet events.
Interested in Trying a Choppy Bob? Here’s What You Should Know.
How to Cut a Choppy Bob
One of the most appealing aspects of the choppy bob is its customizability, allowing for variations in length and layering. Whether you prefer a jaw-length style or one that flows to the shoulders, the cut should always feature a chopped finish with ample layering—ranging from soft to more pronounced.
Katy Grimshaw, founder of Spectrum One Hair Extensions, emphasizes starting with a solid base for the haircut. “You can creatively modify the cut each time, refining it as you go along,” she advises.
Sotiriou adds that when crafting a choppy bob, it’s essential to keep the front slightly longer than the back. “The base should remain heavy and weighted, as this is a crucial element of a bob,” she explains. The graduated layering technique involves incrementally raising sections of hair to create a soft graduation, after which the ends are texturally chopped.
Styling Your Choppy Bob
If you have a busy schedule and limited time for styling, the choppy bob may be the ideal cut for you. Sotiriou notes that this style naturally maintains movement, advising against excessive styling. To achieve the perfect finish, tilt your head forward while drying your hair with a diffuser attachment. This technique allows the graduated layers to bloom and enhance volume.
Grimshaw recommends using a sea salt spray once the hair is dry to boost texture and definition. “My favorite is O&M’s Surf Bomb, as it adds lightweight movement,” she says. If you prefer a sleeker look, use a flat iron to create soft bends throughout the hair.
Blow-Drying Techniques for a Choppy Bob
Sotiriou suggests beginning the blow-dry process by applying a heat protectant and a lightweight mousse. “Using your hands and a hairdryer, dry the hair until it’s nearly dry, then smooth out the ends with a round brush, flicking them in various directions,” she explains. To finalize your style, blow-dry the front section to your desired parting or use heatless curlers to add soft waves. Finish with a pea-sized amount of serum to smooth the tips.
For those looking for specific styling effects, adjust your tools and techniques. “To add volume, use a round brush at the roots while blow-drying, or opt for a flatter finish with a paddle brush,” Grimshaw advises. For added texture, rough-dry your hair until it is about 70% dry, then allow your natural texture to do the work.
Choppy Bob Inspiration: Styles to Consider
Long Choppy Bob:
This textured style grazes the shoulders, ideal for those hesitant to make a drastic chop.
Short Choppy Bob:
A classic chin-length bob offers timeless appeal. Look to classic French bobs for length inspiration and request a choppy finish for added texture.
Curly Choppy Bob:
For those with natural curls, this trend is effortlessly chic. Embrace your natural movement and use a diffuser for styling.
Wavy Choppy Bob:
Straight-haired individuals can use a curling iron to introduce waves and texture. Remember, layers are key.
Choppy Bob with Fringe:
Combining a fringe with a choppy bob ensures a more dynamic look that avoids being overly blunt.
Choppy Bob with Curtain Bangs:
This year’s trend includes curtain bangs, which beautifully frame the face when paired with a choppy bob.
Copper Choppy Bob:
For auburn inspiration, consider a retro cut like Sadie Sink’s, which blends elements of both a wolf cut and a bob for a contemporary edge.
Nineties Choppy Bob:
Hailey Bieber’s rendition of the nineties supermodel bob exemplifies this classic style, characterized by soft, fluffy layers and a glossy finish.
For those eager to join the ranks of choppy bob enthusiasts, the cut offers a refreshing update that combines nostalgia with modern flair. Explore the various styles and find the one that resonates with your personal aesthetic.
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