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No haircut says “fresh start” quite like a blunt bob. If you’ve ever ditched your long layers (or even sharpened up a lob) for this ultra-sharp haircut, you know how powerful a reset it can be. And if you’ve always loved the look but never committed to the big chop, there’s never been a better time to follow through.
“I think bobs will always be trending,” says celebrity stylist Chris McMillan—the mastermind behind “the Rachel” (Jennifer Aniston’s ’90s-defining layered cut) and more recently, Leslie Bibb’s “c-nty little bob” for season three of The White Lotus. “The blunt bob is a true ‘cut’ that’s always a great look…tidy and classic,” he says.
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As to why the blunt bob is trending so hard right now beyond our leftover infatuation with Bibb’s? “After several years of shag cuts, heavy texture, and lived-in layers, people are moving toward stronger shapes with clear lines,” says Sean Michael, owner of Salon Beau. “A blunt bob removes damaged, wispy ends, makes the hair look fuller and denser, and creates a precise outline that frames the face.”
Below, the experts share everything you need to know before getting a blunt bob, including how to ask for it, how to choose the best length for your face, and celebrity-approved styling tips.
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How to ask for a blunt bob haircut
Precision is key when cutting a blunt bob. Ask for sharp, even ends, and make sure that your stylist is working with your unique hair traits. “Be very aware of cowlick and growth pattern,” McMillan advises; this will ensure a balanced, even final look that’s easier to style on your own. Another pro tip: “Avoid tension when cutting, and trim freehand instead.” You can see this method in action in the reel McMillan shared while cutting Bibb’s hair: He lets her hair hang naturally while trimming rather than holding it taut. “In turn, this technique creates such an architectural shape,” he says.
If you’re thinking about asking for a blunt bob haircut, you should also plan on regular trims to keep it fresh. While softer or layered cuts can grow out more gradually due to the difference in weight diffusion, Michael says that blunt ends require more frequent attention: “As it grows out, even a small amount of length can soften the line and change the shape, so most clients need trims every six to eight weeks to keep the edge clean and balanced.” Softer or layered cuts grow out more gradually because the weight is diffused throughout the hair.
What hair type works best with blunt bobs?
Since the cut is pretty basic in construction, the blunt bob works on a wide range of textures. But certain hair types might be better candidates to show off its sharp, defining edges.
“Blunt bobs work especially well on straight and slightly wavy hair because those textures showcase the clean perimeter and sharp outline,” Michael says. If you have fine to medium hair, and especially if you’ve struggled to retain body with layered cuts, the blunt bob could be your perfect fix. These hair types “often benefit the most because the blunt edge compresses the ends and makes the hair appear denser and fuller,” Michael explains.
That doesn’t mean that thick or highly dense hair won’t look great with a blunt bob—it just might take a little more strategy on your stylist’s part. Internal shaping and weight removal might be necessary to prevent the haircut from looking bulky or square-shaped, Michael says. “The key is tailoring the density, weight distribution, and length to the client’s natural texture so the haircut keeps its structure without feeling heavy.”
How to choose a length for your blunt bob
The blunt bob is characterized by its razor-sharp edges, not necessarily its length. You can opt for an itty-bitty bob that exposes the nape of your neck, à la Leslie Bibb, or venture into lob territory while keeping your ends uniform. “The most popular blunt bob length right now sits between the jawline and the collarbone,” Michael says. “This range keeps the line crisp while still giving enough weight for a clean, full perimeter.”
Beyond popularity, a blunt bob that ends just above the shoulders is also universally flattering and versatile when it comes to styling. “It also allows clients to wear it straight, waved, or tucked without losing the blunt edge,” Michael says.
If you want to choose the most flattering length for your features, Michael advises considering proportions. “A shorter bob emphasizes the jawline and cheekbones and works especially well on shorter necks or finer hair that benefits from a stronger, compact shape,” he says. “A slightly longer bob helps elongate the neck and softens angular features while offering more styling flexibility.”
When in doubt, ask your stylist to weigh in. “I determine length by evaluating face shape, neck length, hair density, and how the client actually wears their hair day-to-day,” Michael says.
How to style a blunt bob at home
“What’s great about a bob is it stays so fresh that you don’t need to do a lot to style it,” McMillan says. “However, I love adding my Styling Balm just to add some piecey texture and hydration.”
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Before you bring your new bob home, you’ll want to stock up on a few staple products. “A high-quality blow-dryer, a smoothing or round brush, and a flatiron are essential for achieving that polished finish,” Michael says. For that signature swishy gleam, McMillan recommends his Glassy Smooth Blowdry Spray, followed by Major Hairspray and Dry Texture Spray “for keeping your bob in place while giving moisture and volume.”
Styling this cut can demand more heat than others (especially depending on your hair type), so make sure to invest in a good heat protectant as well.
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Feeling inspired? Scroll on for more blunt bob inspo for a variety of hair textures.
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Grace McCarty is the associate beauty editor at Glamour.