The Oval Bob Is Spring’s Go-To Low-Maintenance Haircut

By Charlie Colville

1 week ago

The ultimate 'get up and go' hairstyle? The oval bob.


Torn between carefully styling your hair and just racing out into the day? Now you don’t have to be – thanks to the oval bob. And according to stylists, this easy-to-handle cut is set to become this season’s biggest beauty trend.

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What Is An Oval Bob?

‘The oval bob is a softer, more versatile take on the traditional bob,’ explains Jason Sutton, Creative Master Stylist at Josh Wood Colour. ‘It’s all about gentle, rounded lines that offer a modern, wearable edge.

‘Unlike the classic bob, which is typically blunt and structured – think Leslie Bibb’s ultra-sharp cut in The White Lotus – the oval bob is softer and more fluid,’ he adds. ‘It features subtly rounded edges and slight graduation, allowing the cut to be tailored to the client’s individual face shape and hair texture for a more natural finish.’

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But why the sudden popularity? Jason pins the oval bob’s new fame on its easygoing styling routine. ‘It’s the perfect balance of style and simplicity,’ he tells us. ‘The oval bob is inherently low-maintenance, it’s a true wash-and-go haircut. When the cut is done well, it should do all the work for you, making it incredibly appealing for clients with busy lifestyles.’

Who Suits This Cut?

‘This cut works best on oval or longer face shapes and typically falls just below the jawline,’ says Jason. ‘It’s ideal for hair that isn’t too frizz-prone, as the shorter length can amplify texture in unpredictable ways. For thick, very wavy hair, I might steer clients toward a slightly longer variation or different shaping to ensure it’s manageable for day-to-day wear.’

How To Ask For An Oval Bob In The Salon

When it comes to asking for an oval bob in the salon, Jason tells us that communication with your stylist is key. ‘Have an open conversation with your stylist about your hair’s natural texture, how it behaves daily and how much maintenance you’re realistically up for,’ he says. ‘That way, you can co-create a cut that works perfectly for you.’

The stylist also recommends bringing in reference imagery for your stylist, to better get your vision across to them.

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How To Style An Oval Bob

As Jason already mentioned, this is a cut that require very little in terms of maintenance – making it perfect for those with a ‘get up and go’ routine. ‘If the cut is done right, you really shouldn’t have to do much,’ he highlights. ‘It’s designed to fall effortlessly into place. A lightweight moisture cream on the ends can help enhance the natural finish and keep it looking polished without effort.’

What Next?

You can’t do much to improve a classic, Jason tells us. ‘The essence of the bob will always remain timeless. Whether it’s called an oval bob or something else, it’s a classic cut that’s here to stay. Playing with the bang length or adding face-framing pieces can easily refresh the look without a full change – and I think we’ll see the bob evolve into slightly longer shape, think long bobs or lobs. But overall, this will remain a staple cut.’

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