Last year, the bob took over just about every red carpet, from twisted chin-length styles to shoulder-skimming ‘lobs’. This year, the cut shows no sign of loosening its grip on the beauty world, and the cut to know is the graduated bob. It’s a chic, angled style that hairstylist and Fudge Global Ambassador Jonathan Andrew says is his strategic go-to for instant volume – perfect for fine, thinning mature hair. Need we say more?
What is a graduated bob?
Cast your mind back to Victoria Beckham circa 2007, who arguably, had the most iconic graduated bob of all time. As Jonathan explains, ‘A graduated bob, in its simplest form, is a haircut where the hair is slightly shorter underneath and gradually gets longer through the length.’
He notes that it’s a clever, very adaptable look. ‘It’s a really versatile cut because graduation can be placed in different ways to create shape and volume,’ he explains, ‘It can be soft and subtle or more defined. It all depends on what suits your face shape and how you like to wear your hair day to day.’
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Kiera Knightly’s graduated bob in 2011 was ahead of its time
It’s also one of the most flattering cuts you can choose. ‘It’s great because it can be used to highlight jawlines and cheekbones, bring out your eyes’ says Jonathan.
What type of hair suits a graduated bob?
According to Jonathan, it’s good news for everyone. ‘A graduated bob works fantastically on pretty much every hair type,’ he says. ‘It can be adapted to suit your hair texture and your lifestyle, which is why it’s one of my personal favourites. It really is one of my favourite cuts to do in the salon.’
‘If your hair is thick, graduation is a great way to remove excess weight, so the shape sits properly and feels more effortless.’ he explains. ‘On the other hand, if your hair is finer, it helps expand the width of the haircut and gives you the appearance of more volume.’
How does a graduated bob create a more youthful appearance?
It’s all down to the details. ‘If you want a more youthful feel, I tend to love sleeker graduated bobs that sit closer to the head, keep the length around the jaw or chin, and frame the face softly,’ says Jonathan. ‘That French-inspired approach to the cut is often my go-to for a fresher, more youthful look.’ Take Cate Blanchett, 56, as a great example.
He adds, ‘Don’t be afraid about asking for a cut thats current and on trend. You don’t reach a certain age and suddenly have to have a specific haircut. Hair is for everyone, and any haircut can be adapted to suit you.’
miodrag ignjatovic
Jonathan says graduated bobs suit every hair type
Beyond any anti-ageing benefits, Jonathan says the real appeal of the graduated bob is its versatility. ‘The same graduated bob can be worn sleek, waved, textured or polished.’ So, if you’re someone that likes to switch up your styling, the graduated bob is a real winner.
How to style the graduated bob
Even better, the graduated bob is low-effort, says Jonathan. ‘The shape is built into the haircut, so it doesn’t need much extra work’.
For fine hair
‘If your hair is finer, I’d recommend using a volumising mousse or a salt spray (I love the Fudge Professional Salt Spray) to add grip and help create shape from root to tip.’
For thick hair
‘If your hair is thicker, smoothing it out will allow it to sit flatter and more controlled, with the volume coming from the cut rather than the styling.’
For curly hair
‘If your hair is curly, it works beautifully too, you can diffuse it or even let it air dry, and the shape will still sit really well.
What should you ask for in the salon?
‘The most important thing is to talk to your stylist about what works for your hair and lifestyle,’ says Jonathan. ‘Graduated bobs always look good as they carry volume well and they sit effortlessly when done properly. It’s always helpful to bring reference pictures with you. A good stylist won’t copy them exactly, but they’ll understand what you’re drawn to and guide you towards the best version of that look for you.’
Best graduated bob hair cuts
Victoria Beckham
You can’t mention graduated bobs without crediting the ‘Pob’ (Posh Bob, naturally).
Mark Von Holden / Getty Images
Lily Collins
Even Lily Collins admitted she was inspired by Posh Spice when she opted for the cut.
XNY/Star Max//Getty Images
Cate Blanchett
Cate Blanchett’s graduated bob plays with asymmetry — cleverly tucked behind one ear to highlight those incredible cheekbone (we’d do the same with bone structure like that).
JB Lacroix / Getty Images
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