It's Official: This Autumn Will Be All About the '90s Bob
Our obsession with bob haircuts isn't going anywhere. From the Italian bob to the stacked bob, this year, we've seen just about every type of bob hairstyle resurface. And it's no surprise—this classic haircut is a timeless choice if you're looking to cut your hair short, and with so many variations to choose from, there is a bob haircut to suit everyone.
Taylor LaShae's '90s bob has body and volume.
According to hairstylists, we can expect the style to maintain its momentum as we begin to book in for our autumn haircuts, and we're already seeing signs that another bob trend is cropping up on our feeds: The '90s bob hair trend. I asked Jordanna Cobella, British Hairdressing Awards 2022 London Hairdresser of the Year, owner of Cobella Salon and all-round hair expert, for all the details.
What Is The '90s Bob?
Model Christy Turlington had this voluminous bob in the '90s.
This nostalgic bob haircut references the chin-skimming, swishy bobs seen on Christy Turlington and Winona Ryder in the '90s. "The nineties bob is a statement cut that can be any length between a pixie and a bob, usually worn wide with a bend or a wave and a statement fringe," says Cobella.
Actress Winona Ryder's side-swept bob has an effortless mood.
It has a Parisian silhouette and feel, too, and Cobella notes her current muse as influencer Taylor LaShae when she's in the salon. "It can make your hair appear so much thicker, elongate the neck and expose the décolletage in an elegant way," she says.
"It's great for those who are bored of their mid-length cut and want something with more of a statement." Plus, if your hair already has a natural wave to it, this cut helps enhance it even further. "Since this haircut is short, it will also encourage a wave for anyone who has wavy hair [that doesn't form] on hair that is too heavy or long."
What to Ask for In the Salon
If you're looking for a bob that has plenty of volume and movement, the '90s bob is a great choice. Cobella recommends asking for choppy, effortless texture or a French bob. Some stylists will opt to cut your hair with a razor if it's thicker, which gives extra texture to the lengths, whereas scissors work best for those with finer hair.
During the consultation with your hairstylist, ensure to communicate how short you want to go, and ask for a square shape rather than the rounded shapes seen with haircuts like the bubble bob.
Ready to go for the chop? Scroll ahead for all the '90s bob haircut inspiration for your next appointment, as well as Cobella's tips for styling.
'90s Bob Haircut Ideas
Hailey Bieber's swishy cut is so flattering at this jaw-skimming length and with a soft wave.
I love the undone texture of Rochelle Humes's bob cut.
Want something shorter? Alyssa's cut is so chic.
The shape works beautifully on curls, too.
So. Damn. Chic.
A naturally coily texture works great with the '90s bob silhouette.
Pair your bob with some retro sunglasses for the ultimate '90s look.
How to Style the '90s Bob:
"When styling, put sectioning styling clips in your hair to create organic bends and dents in the hair whilst gently blowdrying from a distance to encourage wavy hair," says Cobella.
"If you have a natural wave, use a curling cream and diffuse hair upside down, scrunching in for wavy hair," she says.
This hair dryer effortlessly dries curls and adds extra texture to wavy hair.
For fine, straight or flat hair, Cobella recommends this dry shampoo which adds instant volume and texture to lengths.
This Living Proof spray is also great at adding volume.
If you want to add extra volume and shape to your bob, Cobella recommends leaving your hair in a towel for a little longer post-shampoo to help encourage a bend in the hair.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Eleanor Vousden is the beauty editor for Who What Wear UK. She was previously deputy editor at Hairdressers Journal, health writer at Woman & Home and junior beauty editor at beauty website Powder. She has also contributed to Wallpaper and Elle Collections with written and styling work.Working as a beauty journalist since 2015 after graduating in fashion journalism at the London College of Fashion, she has been highly commended at the BSME Talent Awards for her work on Powder and also contributed to the title winning Website of the Year at the PPA Awards.Eleanor’s journalistic focus is to provide readers with honest and helpful beauty content. Through words, video and live broadcast, she has interviewed several celebrity makeup artists, hairstylists and top dermatologists throughout her career, as well as celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Scarlett Johansson. She has a particular interest in finding solutions for acne and eczema, which she has experienced firsthand. She has also amassed a large collection of fragrances and can never say no to a new candle.When she’s not writing or testing the latest beauty product or treatments, she’s on the seafront in her hometown of Brighton and Hove, where she lives with her partner and her miniature dachshund.
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