How To Style The Viral Shingle Bob
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1 month ago
The ultra-short cut with plenty to say
A bob often comes with a statement – but none are quite as loud as the shingle bob. This micro, tapered cut is back on our radar this season, and is quickly proving to be the boldest classic in the salon catalogue. We enlist the help of hair experts to find out everything we need to know, plus how to style it.
What Is A Shingle Bob?
Picture a bob from the 1920s, and you should get a pretty good idea of what to expect. A shingle bob is a vintage style of the classic crop, cut short below the ears and tapered to a ‘V’ shape at the nape of the neck – before gradually lengthening towards the front to sit on the cheek.
‘This timeless cropped bob has travelled through the decades,’ notes Marlon Hawkins, Artistic Director at Brooks and Brooks Salon. ‘It version we know comes from the 20s, when the bob was more at a cropped length in between jaw and cheek bone, and has maintained its bold, face-framing shape ever since.’
@thealexandrayvette The commraderie between bobbed girls is unmatched @Elise #frenchbob #midnightinparis #1920sflappers #vintagefashion #flapperbob ♬ I Can’t Give You Anything But Love – The O’Neill Brothers Group
The name, derived from the ‘shingling’ technique used by hairdressers, refers to the structured shape created by soft, angled layers that have been neatly stacked together to form a tapered effect.
And it’s this effect that Marlon believes gives the shingle bob an edge. ‘It steps away from the classic bob, sitting above jaw length and exposing facial features,’ he says. ‘It’s very playful, androgynous and versatile – and people are drawn to this boldness, people who aren’t afraid to express themselves. You can attain both a more edgy look and an effortless Parisian feel.’
Who Suits This Cut?
This is a haircut that was designed to make a statement – meaning it’s not for the weak. But it’s the perfect choice if you’re looking for something to accentuate your features. Marlon also assures us that this cut suits a mix of face shapes and hair types, and can be tailored based on personal preference.
How To Ask For A Shingle Bob In The Salon
You’ll want to ask your hairdresser for short, layered cut that tapers towards the nape of your neck. Emphasise that you want a very short bob – either with or without a fringe.
A consultation with your stylist is also key, says Marlon. ‘I think if you are looking for change or looking to evolve your look, then starting a conversation with a professional will be your first port of call,’ he says. ‘Pictures always help get your point across, as they allow the professional and person in the chair to start mapping out a mood board to create a new look.’
@blackbeautybombshells Alopecia could not stop this slay😍. She got a taper at the back and a cut and her hair transformed into this gorgeous bob! Credits:@anthonycuts on instagram. #tapercut #bob #boblife #boblife💇🏾♀️ #hairtransformation #fyp #fypシ ♬ Javelin – Rizzle Kicks
How To Style A Shingle Bob
And when it comes to styling a shingle bob, Marlon recommends opting for techniques that support natural movement and volume. ‘Working with your natural texture and leaving to air dry or sock diffuse will give your bob a nice texture,’ he notes. ‘You can also work with the natural movement of your hair using curl creams or mousses to enhance it appearance and definition. If you have straighter hair, you can use a flat iron instead to create bends and kinks in the hair. Always finish with a serum to add shine.’
What Next?
So, what’s next for the shingle bob? Only bigger and better things, according to Marlon. ‘People are being braver and bolder with this haircut,’ he emphasises. ‘I see it evolving with colour, as well as the length changing to be even shorter or switching up layers to create a more versatile type of bob – allowing people to playing between short pixie and bob shapes.’
Hair Inspiration
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Featured image: London Fashion Week SS25 Street Style (c) Deborah Iona Photography, British Fashion Council
