Last year, I had my waist-length hair cut into a bob for the first time in 23 years—a dramatic post-wedding decision that I haven't regretted once. However, fast forward a year and I'm starting to get the itch to change things up once again. Bobs with bangs are all over my Instagram and Pinterest feeds, and while it's been years since I sported a fringe, I'm beginning to see the appeal. There's something about bobs with bangs that just looks so chic. While they are a timeless hairstyle, they're also one of the most major hair trends right now.
Of course, the first thing I did was consult a professional, my amazing hairstylist Melissa Timperley, who sports her own iconic 'bob with bangs' hairstyle. First on my agenda was questioning whether bobs with bangs would suit my face shape.
"I always say bob with a fringe will suit most face shapes, it's simply a case of altering the length of the bob and of the fringe to suit each individual's face," says Timperley. "A fundamental of hairdressing is where the line points. So for example, the line of your bob draws attention to where it’s cut to and so does the line of your fringe. It's all about using that line to draw the eye to or away from certain features of the face."
For a square face, Timperley recommends a layered fringe with face framing layers to soften. For smaller, narrow faces she advises a wide fringe to open the face. "The most popular fringe request at the moment is Birkin bangs," she adds. "They're wispy and longer at the sides, so work well with short hairstyles and most face shapes."
My second concern was around styling a bob. One thing I love about having a short hairstyle is how low-maintenance a bob can be. The time I spend washing and drying my hair is now minimal, and one thing that surprised me was how quick and easy it is to style a bob. "A fringe does require a little more effort, but once you've figured out which products to use, it's easy," says Timperley. "Dry shampoo is amazing for a fringe. I always advise my clients to use it like a deodorant to prevent greasiness before it occurs rather than after. It works so much better that way." She also recommends using a salt spray or air dry cream to add natural texture to both the fringe and lengths of your hair." Easy.
Bobs With Bangs Hairstyle Inspiration
Looking for low maintenance? Recreaste Sabrina Elba's straight bob with bangs.
A choppy fringe can make a short, sculpted bob look fresh and modern.
A micro-bob cut straight into bangs is super flattering for sleek, straight hair types.
Proof that Bardot bangs really do suit any face shape.
Growing out your bob? Longer, layered bangs add interest to a shoulder-skimming style.
This is exactly the style I want to recreate.
A side-swept fringe works well with wavy, sculpted style.
So chic.
This long fringe frames the face perfectly.
Sabrina's sculpted micro-bob looks incredible with a smooth, layered fringe.
How To Style A Bob With Bangs
A small amount of this innovative new dry shampoo blasted through your fringe daily will help to prevent it from looking flat or greasy. What I love about this one is that it leaves no residue or stickiness, just clean, soft hair.
A staple in my hair styling routine already, this lightweight air-dry cream helps to add a soft texture to my bob.
Since it's designed to be used while styling hair, this is the perfect tool for ensuring your fringe dries exactly as you want it to.
Very few products can hold a wave in my poker-straight hair, but this one does—I twist it through while damp, then gently blowdry.
This lightweight texturising spray is ideal for adding volume and definition.
A handbag essential for on-the-go fringe-styling.
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