The Cup Bob Is The Celebrity-Approved Trend Dominating Salons This Spring

By Charlie Colville

1 hour ago

From Kendall Jenner to Hailey Bieber, all the A-listers are trying out the cup bob


Bobs are everywhere these days – but there’s one in particular that seems to be the top choice for the internet’s tastemakers. Here’s how to style a cup bob, the super sleek short hairstyle beloved by ‘clean girls’.

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What Is A Cup Bob?

‘A cup bob is a super-precise chin-length bob which curves ever so slightly, cupping the jawline at the ends,’ explains Andrew Heasman, International Creative Director at RUSH Hair. ‘We all know that the bob is everywhere at the moment – the cup bob is a fresh approach to the classic bob. It perfectly balances edge and femininity – and, unlike other sharp bobs, this one is shaped inwards to soften the definition of the sharp lines, giving it a curved, nearly sculptural appearance that’s versatile and adaptable for a variety of different face shapes, hair types and textures.’

@all.things.jas im so happy i did it 🥰 #bobhaircut #shorthairstyle #plussizeedition #roundfaceshorthair ♬ WENDYS GROOVE – T. Kyle

The cut comes hot on the heels of the beauty set’s coveted ‘clean girl aesthetic’, which Andrews describes as ‘a pristinely polished aesthetic that goes hand-in-hand with the cup bob. The clean girl image is defined by appearing as if you are literally glowing from the inside out – and when it comes to your hair, it should be beaming with health. The cup bob is the perfect hairstyle if you’re looking to achieve this look, as it’s so effortlessly chic. It has that sleek “I just woke up like this” vibe.’

And if it’s good enough for Hailey Bieber (aka, the queen of the clean girl aesthetic), then it’s good enough for us. ‘This was Hailey Bieber’s go-to style last summer,’ notes Andrew. ‘She loves a cup bob; it perfectly complements her square face shape by softening the sharpness of her jawline. The cut also draws attention to her high cheekbones – harmonising her face shape and beautiful features.’

It also seems to be a recent favourite for Kendall Jenner, Lily Collins and Kelly Rowland, as well as The White Lotus actress Leslie Bibb – which suggests it’s going to be a major trend as we ease into the new season.

Who Suits This Cut?

Since this is a cut that prioritises a glossy, rounded shape, those with curly or wavy hair might struggle with wearing a cup bob on a daily basis. ‘The cup bob particularly suits those with straighter hair, as the sleek, smoothness of the hair helps to emphasise the definition of the cupped ends,’ adds Andrew. ‘But those with an oval face shape look great with the cup bob, as the rounded silhouette highlights the face’s symmetry and draws attention to the slenderness of the jawline.’

How To Ask For A Cup Bob In The Salon

‘If you’re wanting to achieve a classic cup bob, then ask your stylist for a “lob” with soft, long layers blended throughout,’ recommends Andrew. ‘This will ensure that the hair naturally curves inwards to avoid any harsh, blunt lines.’

The stylist also suggests bringing plenty of inspiration for your stylist to work from. ‘Bring a picture to your appointment with you,’ he says. ‘This will guarantee that you and your stylist are on the same page with your vision.’

@katebartlett bob enthusiast 🙋🏼‍♀️ everything i wish i knew before chopping my hair into a bob! #bob #bobhaircut ♬ original sound – kate bartlett

How To Style A Cup Bob

When we say this is a ‘I just woke up like this’ cut, we’re not messing around. ‘The cup bob looks effortlessly chic with minimal styling,’ confirms Andrew. ‘You can just use a round brush to create that curve when drying the hair.

‘But to emphasise the inward bend of the cup bob, lightly spritz a heat protectant over the hair and use a pair of straighteners to accentuate the curve,’ he adds. ‘Lightly pull the hair towards the chin for that sculpted appearance and finish with a light-hold hairspray to ensure that your style stays in place all day.’

What Next?

‘I would love to see this trend evolving to have more over-exaggerated ends,’ muses Andrew. ‘I can see the hook bob being a big trend this summer; it replicates the shape of a hook with the ends being more defined than the cup bob, while still retaining all the movement and body.’

Hair Inspiration

 

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Featured image: London Fashion Week AW25 Street Style (c) Deborah Iona Photography, British Fashion Council