The Nape Bob Is Getting An Elegant Revival This Season
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3 months ago
Short and sweet
Bob hype has yet to die down – and the latest trend in salons is bringing throwback hairstyles into the new age. The next cut on our radar is the nape bob (yes, of Karen fame), which has undergone a trendy transformation under the hands of Gen Z.
More Bob Hairstyles For Your Mood Board
What Is A Nape Bob?
Cut slightly shorter in the back and longer in the front, a nape bob is a short hairstyle that essentially slopes down the nape of the neck to the chin. And, as suggested by its name, it leaves most of the neck exposed in an elegant line. As long as this principle stays in place, the nape bob can vary in appearance. They can feature an A-line shape, a blunt look with a soft slope, lots of layers or even a shaved nape for a little edge.
‘It’s cut at a slight angle through the back and box cut through the front, carrying the length forward to the chin around the face,’ adds Jessica Patching, stylist and founder of Marla Hair. ‘The nape bob is similar to the classic bob shape, but it’s predominantly cut to the nape area, showing off the neck.’
@eyecandyhairPretty short bob and shorn nape♬ original sound – eyecandyhair – extremehaircut.com
Looking a little familiar? This time five years ago, we might have dubbed this look a ‘Karen haircut’. But, these days, it’s looking fun and fresh. And with over 7 million posts tagged under #napebob on TikTok, it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest bob trends of the year. Also a favourite amongst celebrities, this take on the short hair movement has already been favoured by the likes of Gigi Hadid, Emma Stone and America Ferrera.
Who Suits This Cut?
Being quite a bold haircut, we wouldn’t be surprised if you found the nape bob intimidating. Some features, however, can give you a better chance of gelling with the hairstyle. ‘To carry a cut like this I think it’s important to have a strong bone structure and features,’ says Jessica. ‘But it’s a super flattering look worn on the right face shape. Thankfully, it suits many face shapes – especially oval.
‘It also suits hair types with a little texture or wave, as well as hair with a smooth finish,’ she continues. ‘Each hair type will determine how it’s worn. For someone with smoother hair it will be more structured, and for someone with textured hair it can be worn slightly undone.’
Although it’s worth remembering that you’ll have a bit more skin on show than usual with a nape bob. ‘You do feel quite exposed with this cut,’ warns Jessica. ‘So if you’re going to have it done, this is definitely something to look out for.’
How To Ask For A Nape Bob In The Salon
In the salon, ask your stylist for a sloped bob that’s shorter in the back and longer in the front. ‘I would make sure you’re being super descriptive about length and shape,’ adds Jessica. ‘Pictures and photos are always great to show your stylist, too.’
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How To Style A Nape Bob
As mentioned, there’s lots of choices when it comes to styling a nape bob. ‘You can style a nape bob with a round or paddle brush if you’re going for a more structured, smoother finish,’ recommends Jessica. ‘To wear this look with texture, I would suggest rough drying and using a heated tool. This will create some movement throughout the mid lengths and ends. Less is more with this. Use some wax or hairspray to define the ends and finish.’
How To Maintain A Nape Bob
As with any other short hairstyle, you’ll need a little extra maintenance to keep it looking its best. ‘This type of haircut will need regular trims to keep it in good shape,’ emphasises Jessica. ‘I’d suggest around every six to eight weeks.’
Hair Inspiration
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Featured image: SS25 Copenhagen Fashion Week Streetstyle (c) Noor-u-Nisa
