There’s a hairstyle that never seems to go out of style, and no, it’s not the ponytail — although, I have always loved a good pony … so, easy …. but also can get SO boring!
I’m talking about the “2024 Bob Era”. Everyone, it seems — according to TikTok anyway — is getting a bob!
Having super fine hair — we’re talking baby fine, actually — I’ve had various iterations of the bob since I was a child.
Everybody knows short hair is better for baby fine hair!
In fact, my earliest memory of getting a bob cut was in the 90s, at 10 years old when my mum, who was dabbling in ‘do-it-yourself hair styling’ — she bought a hairstyling kit and all, and surprisingly, she was actually quite good! — cut my hair into a super cute and sassy a-line micro bob … super short at the back and longer at the front.
Over the years I’ve dabbled with all sorts of hair styles: longer hair (generally put up in a ponytail … easy but snore!), shoulder length bobs, layered bobs –– oof, layered bobs aka the “Rachel Cut” is a BIG NO for me because of said fine, baby hair! — microbobs, boy-short hair, bangs, no bangs … you name it, I’ve probably tried it!
I also tried to once go brunette (I’m a darker-ish blonde… in summer it lightens up!) and it was another BIG NO for me, too! YIKES! It completely washed me out and looked awful. Anyway!
When I was pregnant with Miss A I kept my hair long — easier to manage, while managing everything else that pregnancy throws at you.
FUN TIMES!
But now that I feel like I’m finally getting back to my old self — it’s only taken 10 months! *WILD* — I decided it’s time to freshen up my look.
Plus, the hair I lost post-pregnancy has started to regrow in weird projections on the sides of my head … so a freshen up was very much needed!
So, after using one of those AI face shape apps and discovering my face is more heart shaped rather than round, I decided to reenter the BOB ERA!
Plus, a bob cut right for your face is effortlessly cool and chic … and super quick and easy to maintain.
Although, a gust of wind can be Bob’s undoing … but that’s where dry shampoo and hairspray come in.
a quick bob backstory
Did you know the bob made its first grand entrance in 1915, and actually came about “by accident” when “famous ballroom dancer and actress Irene Castle chose to cut her hair for convenience prior to an appendectomy”. Apparently, she didn’t love it though so while it grew back she hid it under a turban until a friend convinced her to wear it short in public. And thus, the Castle Bob was born.
From there bob hairstyles continued into the 1920s (and beyond!) and became a symbol of “independence and strength” and a way to rebel against societal norms.
Fast forward to today, and the bob has evolved into endless variations!
Looking at you Audrey, Twiggie, Jennifer, Victoria …!
the 2024 bob era
Peruse any fashin magazine or scroll through your favourite social media feed and you’ll soon discover that “the entire world is obsessed with the short haircut”.
Welcome to the 2024 Bob Era!
Back in April, Vogue compiled a list of A-list celebs sporting the bob and it’s various style iterations. Click here to check it out!
My fave from said list is Carey Mulligan — super cute! I honestly LOVE her look.
So, I’ve decided to join ranks and have also entered the 2024 Bob Era, getting a blunt micro-ish bob at my last hairdresser visit.
Similar to Mulligan’s bob, mine sits a touch below my jawline.
And so far, I’m LOVING it!
It’s really revamped my style. And after more than 10 months of feeling a bit meh! and frankly FRUMPY — definitely less “yummy mummy” and more survival mode — this change has been exactly what I’ve needed.
It’s easy and quick to style, and low maintenance.
Hello, wash-and-go life!
It’s versatile.
And it’s super cute and chic, giving off instant cool-girl vibes! AND it goes great with any outfit.
This has been EXACTLY what I’ve needed.
I’ve reentered the bob era and I’m not looking back … for now.
bob styling
For those keen on joining the Bob Era also, here’s a quick word on cutting and styling …
Because let’s be honest: you don’t want to end up looking like Lord Farquaad.
And this …
AND, especially for those with baby fine hair, remember: dry shampoo and hairspray are your new BFFs!
They’re great for adding some texture and volume to your hair without weighing it down!
getting bobby with it
So, if you’ve been teetering on the edge of trying out a bob, consider this your sign.
The bob is fun, chic, sassy, and endlessly versatile.
Whether you’re looking for a style that makes you feel powerful, carefree, or just plain cool, the bob’s got you covered.
So what are you waiting for? Bob to your nearest salon and make the cut!
x G.
editor, journalist, digital content creator with a background in nutrition & dietetics.
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