Just like that go-to pair of boyfriend jeans, the boyfriend bob is as easy to wear, as it is chic. Early adopters ( including the likes of Vanessa Hudgens) are styling out this ‘borrowed from the boys’ haircut by casually tucking it behind their ears, wearing it with sharp, centre partings and frankly we’re obsessed. It’s the cool-girl cut we’ve all been waiting for. Here’s everything you need to know…
By Rebecca Hoffnung
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1 It’s all about the ear tuck
There’s a certain je ne sais quoi about this summer’s boyish bob, and a lot of that is derived from its laid back, get-up-and-go vibe. In other words, don’t overthink it. Tuck your hair loosely behind your ears and voila, you’re ready to go. If you want the look to stay put all day simply invest in some mini hair coloured bobby pins and secure them behind your ear, covering them with some loose hair to keep it looking as natural as possible. It really is that easy.
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2 Keep your parting centered
Our consensus at Treatwell HQ is that (in most cases) this hairstyle looks best with a neat centre parting. It softens the look and makes said ear tucking that little bit easier. If your hair doesn’t naturally fall that way, straighten your parting while your hair is wet and simply run a hair dryer over the top of your head for a minute or two to allow it to hold. Keep flyaways at bay by smoothing some hair wax through each side when you’re finished.
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3 Let the tongs do the work
If you’re thinking there’s no way your hair could handle a cut this short, you’d be suprised how far a bit of tonging action can take you. Our styling trick? If you want your locks to perfectly ‘hug’ your jawline, grab some tongs or a hair straightener, and coax the ends gently inwards, then brush through with your fingers to keep it looking cool and undone.
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4 Updos are possible
A common bob misconception is that you won’t be able to tie your hair back. As long as your stylist doesn’t cut above the jawline updos are totally still doable, which is just as well because teeny tiny buns a la Hailey Baldwin are having a serious moment right now. And it gives your neck a little breathing space during summer’s hottest months. Bonus.
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5 Load up on product
A blanket rule for any intrepid bob-wearer-to-be is to keep your styling products close to hand during your getting ready routine. Shorter hair can often be harder to get a handle on than long hair, so when in doubt, don’t be afraid to load up on serums and protection sprays to really get the most of this summer cut. And if you have a fringe, consider dry shampoo your new best friend – spray it directly onto the base of your hair to keep it looking full, and to stop grease from separating the strands.
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6 Wavy haired girls can rock it too
Another pro of the boyish bob is that you don’t need poker straight hair to pull it off. In fact, wavy hair works just as well, if not better, as it adds more bounce and texture to the haircut. Spritz in some salt spray to tousle the ends with curling cream to really bring out the full potential of your enviable waves.