We’re Calling It: 2025 Is The Year Of The Japanese Bob
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4 hours ago
This sleek blunt bob is one of Hailey Bieber's favourite hairstyles
We’re no stranger to taking hair inspiration from across the pond – Italian and French bobs are classics for a reason – but what about further afield? Stylists tells us that 2025 will be the year that the Japanese bob shines in salons. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is A Japanese Bob?
‘The Japanese bob is very similar to what we know as a blunt bob,’ explains Charlie Illi, Stylist and Advanced Technician at Brooks & Brooks. ‘It has two characteristics that make it stand out: a clean, chin-length, blunt-cut edge, and full-length cut curtain bangs. Unlike other bob hairstyles, there’s no graduation or layering.’
And as the name suggests, the style is inspired by hair trends popular in Japan. ‘Japanese people’s hair is typically very straight, thick and glossy – but they have a smaller amount of hair, so cutting the hair at a full length builds up the maximum volume,’ says Charlie. ‘It takes a lot of precision and concentration to cut this style.
‘Generally speaking, Japanese culture is having a massive impact in the world of trends,’ she continues. ‘Not just in hair salons, but also in the cosmetic, fashion, food industry and music industries, as well as the travel world. So it’s really not surprising to see this cool haircut become popular. As much as the Japanese haircut looks fantastic, it is also an empowering and elegant haircut for women to wear.’
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And when it comes to celebrity appreciation, Charlie says the Japanese bob is a major hit. ‘The bob haircut has always been popular in the celeb world for sure,’ she says. ‘One famous figure that wears the bob in different shapes and forms – as well as the Japanese bob – is Hailey Bieber. She pulls it off so well with her sharp edges and beautiful dark blonde hair.’
Who Suits This Cut?
‘This haircut is ideal for relatively straight and flat hair as the blunt lengths add thickness and volume, which you don’t need as much with textured and frizzy hair,’ notes Charlie. ‘The Japanese bob is typically cut at chin length, so the face shape is very important here. Face shapes that are wide or round should probably avoid this length, as it will enhance this feature. It looks great on rectangular or oval face shapes, as it helps to sharpen one’s features.’
How To Ask For A Japanese Bob In The Salon
With all these new hair trends popping up, Charlie warns that it’s more important to be specific in your description of the style you want. ‘It’s great to start the conversation off with the name of the trend you like, but sometimes there is the danger of getting the trends mixed up,’ she says. ‘Reference pictures are always a good way to help your stylist understand the vision. Let them analyse and find a suitable length, texture and technique that works for you, not just looks-wise but also for home care and styling.’
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How To Style A Japanese Bob At Home
‘The best way to show off your stylish Japanese bob haircut is to blow-dry the roots, lengths and ends with a middle size round brush, making sure the ends are curved under,’ recommends Charlie. ‘The long curtain bangs can either be blow dried back with a slight curve or for a stronger bend use the flatiron to curve back out of the face. Finish with a small amount of texture spray to give it a light but textured hold.’
What Next?
As for the future of the trend, Charlie sees even more experimentation going forward. ‘It is always so incredible how the bob haircut never goes out of trend, but constantly changes and evolves,’ she says. ‘The Japanese bob will most probably evolve with small changes, like a mini fringe or some razor cut bangs added.’
Hair Inspiration
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Featured image: Copenhagen Fashion Week AW24 Streetstyle (c) Noor-u-Nisa
