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The start of a new year has not brought about the end of the ubiquitous bob. But, much like your hair—the style has grown. Introducing the “midi-bob,” which is tipped to be this year’s most requested hairstyle. It suits everyone, is a great way to grow out a shorter style, and also feels directional and fresh for those ready to chop off their lengths. It’s versatile, too.
A number of celebrities have already adopted the look, and we re not even a month into the year. Selena Gomez cut her brunette lengths into a sleek midi-bob in the second week of January. Grown-up and polished, Gomez’s new look proves that the midi can be worn multiple ways: like parted in the centre, or with a side-part and gently curled ends. Penélope Cruz also unveiled a new midi-bob at the Governors Awards, with rich caramel hues adding dimension to her glossy new style. And Claire Danes paired her midi-bob with Old Hollywood styling and a vintage Balmain dress for the Emmys.
The midi-bob is, as the name suggests, defined by its length. Instead of a traditional chin-length Italian bob, this style skims the shoulders. While it works on all face shapes and hair textures, you do need to make sure your stylist achieves just the right length. Given its neither-here-nor-there length, the midi-bob can look slightly dowdy if not cut and/or styled correctly.
“The midi-bob has to be cut quite blunt and heavy on the ends,” explains hairstylist Luke Hersheson. “I tend to ensure the sides are very subtly longer than the back of the cut to give it weight and heaviness at the front. What you don’t want is for the hair to flick out excessively over the shoulders.”
Hersheson cites ’90s Elizabeth Hurley, Kate Moss, and Christy Turlington as the original poster girls for the look, and says the midi-bob taps into an overarching trend of minimalist hair and beauty this year. “Simple, mid-length styles that fall just below the shoulders are understated but cool, and they can be flipped to the side or worn as is,” says Hersheson. “Styling can be minimal–think a tuck of the hair behind the ears or just ensuring a really clean, shiny texture.”
Since the silhouette is simple, low-key bangs can pull the look together if you’re someone who prefers a face-framing detail. It also pays to keep hair in good health; shine is key. Opt for shampoos that support hair repair, like Redken’s Extreme Reconstruction Shampoo and Conditioner. A weekly nourishing hair mask is also a good idea, too.
The hair equivalent of no make-up make-up, the midi-bob is the perfect way to freshen up your style, without a dramatic overhaul of your current look.