The versatile bob

Think of a bob and for most the ‘Rachel cut’ comes to mind that was sported by Jennifer Aniston in the hugely popular ’90s sitcom Friends. Since then, bobs have gone through major experimentation and recently a slew of Hollywood actresses have been spotted embracing the cut. At the recent Emmy awards, Claire Danes opted for a perfectly coiffed faux bob, while Giuliana Rancic went for a sleek angled bob and January Jones showed texture with her loose wavy bob. The typical chin-grazing bobs are now giving way to the longer bobs and the usual straight locks are being traded in for those styled with curls.

Face structure is important
Shailza Gulati, creative director and hair stylist, Warren Tricomi India, Mahim says bobs are easy to maintain, create and style. “They can also make one look younger and define the face. It suits all face structures, it’s just the length that differs depending on the cut of the face, jawline width, square v/s a more oval or rounded face type, accordingly it should be below the chin or shorter,” says Shailza. “To style your bob, take a paddle brush and brush the hair from one side to the opposite direction and vice-versa or take a round brush to roll the ends either inwards or outwards as per your liking. Those opting for short bobs require trims every four weeks while longer bobs should be trimmed every six to eight weeks.”

Easy to style
For those pressed for time a bob is a convenient hairstyle says Abhirup Nandy, senior stylist, Saks salon and spa. “While a classic bob has very strong lines and is symmetrical in cut, a graduated bob looks more softer at the back and adds volume. The traditional mindset of Indian women is to have long silky hair but that requires much effort, instead a bob can look stylish and is easy to handle.” He does, however recommend this style for women with fine to normal and straight to wavy hair only as frizzy, unruly tresses can be hard to control. “Once you’ve got a bob cut you can use some mousse or wax to style it at home, instead of constantly going to the salon for a blow dry. Also, invest in a small straightener to help tame and smoothen out the locks.”