From Bridget Jones’ lips to Clueless-style skirts, our favourite ’90s romcoms have given us endless inspiration over the years. And while hair trends come and go, there’s only one style that’s been universally flattering since then.
The 1990s bob comes in many forms – whether it’s Cameron Diaz’s ultra-short crop from Something About Mary or Drew Barrymore’s tousled cut from Never Been Kissed – but its versatility is what makes it a suits-all style. Ready for the chop but wondering where to start? We have the lowdown from celebrity hairstylist Adem Oygur on how to emulate the vintage look, but make it modern.
What makes the ’90s bob so flattering?
According to Adem, bobs are suitable for almost all face shapes, offering a polished and put-together look for many of our favourite female leads. “Bobs create a defined frame around the face, visually lifting the cheekbones and making the neck appear longer and slimmer. Even with minimal styling, you can add volume and structure to thin hair depending on the cut you choose.”
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“It doesn’t require much upkeep, so it’s ideal for our busy ‘on the go’ lives”
Adem says that being low-maintenance is also key with the signature 1990s bob. “Some may have been known for their sleek, straight texture, but it doesn’t require much upkeep, so it’s ideal for our busy ‘on the go’ lives,” he adds.
“It’s easy to style and you don’t need to have hairdresser-level skills to recreate it at home – just blow-dry with a round brush or smooth over with a straightening iron, and it’s ready to go.”
How do I achieve the ’90s bob, but keep it modern?
“To get a 1990s bob, you want flicky layers and volume,” says Adem. “Try using a round brush, rollers or a curling iron to create volume and texture. You can also air-dry your hair for a relaxed look, especially if your hair has natural movement.”
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How do I know which bob style suits me?
Adem explains that your face shape, hair texture and desired style are all important factors when deciding which bob to opt for. “A longer bob flatters round faces, while soft layers suit strong jawlines and a sleek blunt cut adds drama and can work well with a bold fashion sense.”
“There are no set rules here on what kind of bob you should have,” he adds. “So, it’s about finding what you like and what works for you, depending on your lifestyle and how you’ll manage it day to day.”
What are some of the most popular bobs?
From inverted bobs to the “French girl’ cut, trending bobs have evolved since the 1990s. But, according to Adem, “Regardless of which iteration you choose, the bob remains a classic and versatile haircut, and it’s so flattering for so many face shapes and hair types.”
The classic bob
“Simple and chic, this provides a clean, polished look,” says Adem. The classic bob is a safe option for the majority of face shapes, and he recommends either a sleek styling, or adding texture for a more relaxed look. Our recent favourite classic bobs include Lily Collins’ and Keira Knightley’s.
The inverted bob
“This is great for adding volume at the crown and creating a flattering silhouette – the angled front elongates the neck and can make the face appear more angular,” according to Adem. For round or square face shapes, the inverted bob is especially flattering.
“It’s flattering on almost every face shape and hair type”
The “lob”
Adem says that the “long bob” is the perfect middle ground between short and long hair if you’re not prepared to commit to the cut, as “it offers the style and ease of a bob, while still giving the option to pull hair back.”
“It’s flattering on almost every face shape and hair type,” he adds. Think Renée Zellweger from the Bridget Jones sequel, or Sarah Paulson at this year’s Golden Globes.
The textured bob
A tousled bob with added texture is ideal for wavy or curly hair types. “The layers help to reduce bulk while creating movement and volume, making it playful and suitable for both casual and trendy looks,” says Adem. Other than Drew Barrymore, we love Hailey Bieber’s look for more recent inspiration.
The blunt bob
Adam explains that “the blunt bob is dramatic and sleek for those who have thick or straight hair, and offers a bold appearance while working with the hair’s natural texture.”
