Get that bob!

A woman's hairstyle is an expression of her personality and taste, and one of the most versatile options to pick from is the quintessential bob. So, if you're looking for a change to kick off the summer, going short with a classic bob could be just the right fit, with the freedom that comes with a less-demanding yet stylish haircut. 

Various styles of bobs have been the rage for quite some time now internationally, and many Bengali beauties are embracing it. It appears to be a new avenue of expressing individuality, as bobs have traditionally stood for the independent and spirited woman who do not hesitate to show a daring side of their personality.

Bengali women are well-known for their thick, black, well cared for and mostly long manes, and short hair on girls is often frowned upon by society. Often, bobs can be quite a statement in a society where tradition still overrules a lot of personal freedoms.

From Jennifer Aniston's famous "Rachel" bob, to more recent short chops sported by the likes of the edgy Keira Knightley, the brainy Emma Watson, and the charming Jennifer Lawrence, bobs of various lengths and textures have been the cut of choice for almost all A-listers at some point.

For fashionistas partial to the classics, Coco Chanel with her curly bob and the graceful Maharani Gayatri Devi's silky straight one can only be added timeless inspiration.

Today, salon artistes can fix you with your own specialised cuts, but there is already a wide variety to choose from — like the A-Line, blunt, inverted, graduated and asymmetrical bob.

A-LINE BOB

Hair for this style is shorter in the back and angles to a longer front. A true A-line would not have any layers in the back.

BLUNT BOB

As the name states, it is blunt and symmetric in shape all around, creating a sharp edge just below the chin, or lower, near the nape of the neck.

GRADUATED AND INVERTED BOB

A graduated bob is similar to the A-line, except with a more voluminous stack of layers in the back. The layers thin out towards the front, and end in a sleek and sharp finish around the face.

ASYMMETRICAL BOB

The unique aspect of the asymmetrical bob is, as the name suggests, its asymmetry, with hair on one side of the face being longer than the other. It can be both non-layered and stacked in the back.

From the sheer variety of bobs available, it can sometimes be confusing to pick one that suits your face. So, who can wear a bob with aplomb? Anyone with a nice jaw-line and neck would look good in a bob. Some basic tips when choosing one for yourself are:

LONG FACE

Chin-length bobs look great on people with long faces. This creates the illusion of a fuller, wider face. If the forehead is long, bangs will help to make the face appear smaller. It is best to avoid a style which is too long or too short, as it will further elongate the face.

ROUND FACE

Long bobs are appropriate for round faces. This helps to minimise the width of the face and gives the illusion of a slimmer shape. Full bangs and centre parts are not recommended for round faces, but A-lines or inverted bobs would look quite nice.

ANGULAR FACE

For those of us with square, triangular or diamond-shaped faces, an angled bob can help soften the edges. This basically includes longer hair in the front, and shorter hair in the back.

Bobs typically work best on thin to medium hair, though thinning styles are also available for those with thick manes. Styling tools like straighteners can be used maintain the shape of the bob, and curlers can help achieve a soft and fun finish.  

Bobs, since their introduction in the 1930s, have never been fully out of fashion, with new variations introduced every season. So whether you like sleek and glossy, or are more into the tousled yet chic, a bob can help you turn heads this season!

Photo: LS Archive/Sazzad Ibne Sayed