The 50s Bob Is The Perfect Throwback Hairstyle For Party Season
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1 week ago
Vintage glamour is back in fashion
On the hunt for a new hairstyle befitting party season? Then you’ve come to the right place. This year’s short hair movement is getting glitzy upgrade, thanks to the 50s bob. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is A 50s Bob?
‘A 50s bob is a chin-length bob cut which emphasises volume,’ explains Anna Wiig, hair stylist, colourist and founder of wiig. ‘It tends to be flipped over to the side, and is worn either curly or with big waves.’
Taking inspiration from the decade’s cinematic sweethearts – including the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor – this bob is all about Hollywood glamour. This, however, does make it slightly more demanding than other short hairstyles. ‘Compared with some other bobs, this one does need more styling than most,’ confirms Anna. ‘Think roller sets, curling tongs – the tools needed for a big, bouncy hairdo.’
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And with more celebrities wearing their hair short these days, we’ve been treated to quite a 50s bobs on the red carpet this year. ‘Sydney Sweeney wore a stunning 50s bob at the Oscars afterparty,’ says Anna. ‘I think the style has become popular as it’s quite glamorous and fun, as well as the fact that bobs in general are having a moment.’
Who Suits This Cut?
‘This style tends to work best on thicker hair that can hold a wave,’ says Anna. ‘If your hair is fine and flat, you will need to set the hair with rollers to get the body needed.’
As for face shape, Anna tells us this is a style that can be adapted quite easily. ‘I would say it suits every face shape, you just need to style it right,’ she says. ‘For instance, if you have a long face then pop a fringe in and puff the side out, which will create more of an oval face shape.’
How To Ask For A 50s Bob In The Salon
In the salon, Anna recommends requesting a chin-length bob with lots of volume. And, if in doubt, ‘bring a photo of what exactly you are looking for to provide inspiration.’
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How To Style A 50s Bob
As mentioned, this bob is far from its low-maintenance counterparts. ‘Be prepared for the styling aspect of this bob,’ Anna warns us. ‘This is not a wash-and-go scenario at all, so is something you need to commit to at home.’
And as for the styling itself, Anna recommends stocking up on volume products. ‘Start with a volume mouse and remember to apply it on wet hair,’ she instructs. ‘Don’t towel dry it too much first, as this can create sticky and crunchy areas where the hair became dry, making the mousse more concentrated.
‘Brush the hair upwards to create root life and then either get out your large barrel curling tong, set of rollers or air wrap,’ she continues. ‘Working in sections, curl the hair at the base for maximum volume. Let it cool down and brush softly into place.’
The stylist tells us that much of the haircut’s glamour comes from its dramatic side parting. But if you’re struggling with getting your side parting just right, there’s no need to worry. ‘While this look works best with a side parting, it can be centred,’ says Anna. ‘You just need to be careful with the direction of the curl. Ensure you also curl away from the face.’
What Next?
As stars start to grow out their short hair, Anna sees the 50s bob evolving into ‘longer versions, with some layers to frame the face a bit more.’ So there’s still plenty of vintage glamour to be had in 2025, too.
Hair Inspiration
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Featured image: Mike Coppola/Getty Images
