Brave The Bob

I’ll never forget the summer of 1999 when I chopped 10 inches off my long locks after watching Rene Russo in The Thomas Crown Affair. You can only imagine the look I got from the stylist after asking him to replicate such a sophisticated hairstyle – after all, I was only 19! It was probably my most dramatic hair moment to date, second to the time I got a perm (more on that later). Nowadays I hardly let my hair grow past my shoulders, fluctuating between a short and long bob. I love how fresh and transformative short styles can be. What do you think . . . would you brave the bob?

(images from Style.com, Fashion Gone Rogue, Vogue.comle 21ème & fuckyeahhair)

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78 Comments

  1. Mira wrote:

    They look gorgeous. My favorite Miraoslava Duma with the highlights. So beautiful <3

    GIVEAWAY ON MY BLOG

    xx

    glamdevils

    3.18.13
    Reply
  2. Elisa wrote:

    One of the best bobs ever is the one sported by Midori in the Japanese film Norwegian Wood. Check it out!

    Elisa – Wandering Minds fashion
    ourwanderingminds.com

    3.18.13
    Reply
  3. Everyone I know is cutting their hair shorter these days. Sometimes trends come and go and no one outside of the fashion world blinks, but it seems this new bob trend has really caught on. I cut my hair right after the French Vogue with Daria came out. It was a nice change, but I had no idea that having a bob was so much more maintenance. No on talked about that little detail. You think because there is less hair to deal with you will just jump out of the shower looking amazing. This is not the case. But I still love the way it looks and I think it suits so many faces.

    Quinn Cooper Style

    3.18.13
    Reply
  4. Denisa wrote:

    I really like tir style and I had hair like that too. But now I have long one. Have a great monday.

    http://www.fashiondenis.com/

    3.18.13
    Reply
  5. Rachelle wrote:

    Karlie’s bob is rocking my world right now.

    xo
    http://pinksole.com

    3.18.13
    Reply
  6. I love this inspiration!!! I love all of them!!!

    http://www.thestelstyle.com

    3.18.13
    Reply
  7. Nomadic D. wrote:

    Absolutely! This was the version of the bob I went with:

    http://bit.ly/YsfwUg

    Shaggy and piecey and fun, I loved it. But then I got itching for a change so I went even shorter (yikes!). You can see a sneak peek here as I’m still getting used to it:

    http://on.fb.me/Ysgcc6

    Feels so great to make big chops though, I have to say. I encourage anyone who’s tempted to just go for it!

    http://www.nomadicd.com

    3.18.13
    Reply
  8. I would definitely brave this look! Love the longer bob on me..with a slight wave, gorgeous!
    sheree xxx
    http://www.itsnotthatdeep.com

    3.18.13
    Reply
  9. Gorgeous photos! And I would, but short hair would make me look far too childish! Wish it would work on me though!

    xoxo
    Juliette Laura
    juliettelaura.blogspot.com

    3.18.13
    Reply
  10. Sinem wrote:

    The wavy bobs are so romanticly sexy…

    3.18.13
    Reply
  11. Stand Out wrote:
    3.18.13
    Reply
  12. I think bobs are a lot like bangs, they can look awesome are blahish. You just have to put your trust in the right hair stylist.
    Satisfy Your Cravings For Celebrity Style and All Things Stylish and Sweet

    3.18.13
    Reply
  13. Christine wrote:

    I have, several times. I’ve had my hair pixie cut, above chin-length, chin-length, shoulder-grazing, collarbone-length…and all the way down to super-long. I LOVE bob haircuts though. I am always so inspired by all the pictures I see like the ones you have here. However, my hair never looks as good as in those pictures. I have very fine, very straight hair, and I can never get that sexy, wavy volume I love so much in the pictures. I also have a round face, so when I have my hair short, it makes me look young and cute, not sexy or rock n’ roll, like I want. So I’ve resigned myself to longer hair. It makes me look older and more sophisticated, not so cutesie. I simply can’t pull off a bob like the ones I love so much!

    3.18.13
    Reply
  14. Tabetha wrote:

    You know, I might! I’ve had bobs before– they are so versatile & easy…hmmm…maybe at the end of the semester!

    http://aclosetintellectual.blogspot.com/

    3.18.13
    Reply
  15. Tibs wrote:

    I have tied several times but bob just don’t work for me – so sad!

    3.18.13
    Reply
  16. Mango wrote:

    No thanks, the hairdresser I used to go to gave me a bob – without me asking her to or wanting a new hair “style” … practically shaved my hair off at the back (to create a gradient I guess) … not a flattering look for me …. however bobs in general do look very cute and chic – I can see why they’re popular.

    However, if I ever feel the need to don a bob … I’ll plop a wig on my head 🙂

    3.18.13
    Reply
  17. Oh my gosh the bob was like my signature hairstyle when I was a little younger. Then one day I did a pixie cut and ever since I’ve been letting it grow long for my wedding. Can’t wait til the honeymoon so I can get back to short and sweet hair. Bobs are so flattering!

    <3becky
    http://www.loosefromthezoo.com

    3.18.13
    Reply
  18. Milynn wrote:

    This is just what I needed! I am getting my haircut tomorrow (12 inches!!). I will be braving the bob 🙂

    3.18.13
    Reply
  19. Jowhara wrote:

    I cut majority of my hair a few weeks ago and got an edgy angled bob and I don’t feel like growing my hair out at all ! My stylist was so skeptical when i kept telling her to cut more and more

    3.18.13
    Reply
  20. Jewels wrote:

    I love bobs! Only bad part about them is, the inability to put the hair into a ponytail on those lazy days!

    3.18.13
    Reply
  21. I love Karlie’s bob. It’s feminine, playful and young. Shall I cut my long hair?

    Friederike for http://www.theprojectstyle.com

    3.18.13
    Reply
  22. Louise wrote:

    When I think bob, I immediately think Karlie Kloss! Glad you included her in here. She looks so amazing with a bob. I mean seriously, look at that photo
    http://www.infatuationsbyelle.com

    3.18.13
    Reply
  23. Laura wrote:

    I love Miroslava Duma !!
    http://www.thestilettoholic.com/
    love from Paris

    3.18.13
    Reply
  24. Roxana wrote:

    I’ve been the ‘bob hair’ girl all of my life, I succeded on growing my hair only twice and I didn’t know what to do with it, long. Seeing Karlie Kloss with that fresh haircut makes me wanna go to the sylist as soon as possible! 😀

    3.18.13
    Reply
  25. kahying wrote:

    I definitely LOVE bob hairstyle especially when it’s with fringe, whether it’s straight hair which makes you look like a pharaoh or a little wavy that will make you look more grungy, too bad my hair quality arent suitable for it 🙁 asian’s hair! sometimes it’s too flat, there’s no volume 🙁

    3.18.13
    Reply
  26. EmerJa wrote:

    I’m in love with this hair size. I used to wear it this way, now it’s a bit longer. 🙂

    http://www.emerjadesign.com/

    3.18.13
    Reply
  27. Kristen wrote:

    I actually took pictures of Renee Russo on my TV the last time that movie was on with my phone so the next time I go short, I’m all set. I still love that cut.

    3.18.13
    Reply
  28. love this haircut.. Wish it would fit to everyone….
    http://pilisstyle.blogspot.com/

    3.18.13
    Reply
  29. jocelina wrote:

    I’ve had a bob and I think it’s a very feminine and versatile look. Plus it gives your face an edge which you can’;t achieve with long hair

    xx Jocelina

    http://www.pinkchocolatebreak.com

    3.18.13
    Reply
  30. Jolleen wrote:

    Love the selection of bobs! This helps me choose which type of bob I want. My favorite is definitely the top right!

    xoxox

    Jolleen

    http://simplyjolleen.com/

    3.18.13
    Reply
  31. Katie wrote:

    I did the same thing after watching The Thomas Crown Affair for the first time! Rene Russo looks absolutely perfect in that movie!

    3.18.13
    Reply
  32. Xeana wrote:

    Bob is my favorite hairstyle! I like all photos!

    From http://www.xeanafashion.com

    3.18.13
    Reply
  33. I’ve got a bob right now because I’m growing out a short cut because all my hair fell out in 2011 from alopecia. I’m rockin’ it! Love the different styles, thanks!

    3.18.13
    Reply
  34. krista wrote:

    i braved the pixie cut so at this point i think i can brave anything

    3.18.13
    Reply
  35. yeah, this is the post for me and my bob <3 i love this hairstyle but for some reason my love do not like it. screw him, right?

    3.18.13
    Reply
  36. very hot collection of nice faces:)…bob hairstyle is great for the latest trends

    3.18.13
    Reply
  37. Ambyr wrote:

    This is so randomly-perfect timing. All weekend when I did my hair I kept pulling it back and imaging myself with a bob- short and longer. I decided the short is not going to work for me, at all. But, I’m kind of loving a long bob, just below the shoulders. That’s bob enough for me.

    xoxo
    http://www.thewrittenrunway.com

    3.18.13
    Reply
  38. Domonique wrote:

    God, I remember when I cut my hair into a short bob after being obsessed with Alexa Chung’s hair a few years back. I’m pretty sure I cried when I left the salon and grew it out form that day forward. With that said I’m itching to try it second time round minus the tears, ha!

    x

    3.18.13
    Reply
  39. Julie wrote:

    I have short hair like this and I wouldn’t want anything else!

    xo, styledelight.blogspot.com

    3.18.13
    Reply
  40. Mandy wrote:

    I had my hair once like this! But now I lovee my long hair!
    xoxo
    My Blog, Blonde but not least

    3.18.13
    Reply
  41. Paula wrote:

    I cut my hair into a bob about 2 years ago – and loved it – but now everyones copied me (kidding) I’m letting it grow out 😉

    ♥ Paula Shoe Fiend.
    http://shoe-fiend.blogspot.co.uk/

    3.18.13
    Reply
  42. I constantly toy with the idea of lopping it all off….then my teenage daughters scream “no no no” and throw old pictures of me with short hair in front of my nose.
    I have LOTS of very wavy hair which becomes a giant triangle in the Gulf coast humidity. I need the weight of long hair to keep the wave under control. It is soooo easy to forget that, though.
    My added bonus is my hair is currently longer than usual and so many people have told me it makes me look younger. Yay! So much for that “Chop your hair when you hit 50 (or 55 or 57)” theory.
    But it is a darling look on everyone else.

    3.18.13
    Reply
  43. i.s. wrote:

    i praise any woman who can pull this off xx
    http://www.vicariousLA.com

    3.18.13
    Reply
  44. ashley wrote:

    At 19, I also chopped my long hair into a bob. Such a nightmare and disastrous to my self esteem. Even so, I dream of Alexa Chung’s messy locks!

    3.18.13
    Reply
  45. Maria wrote:

    I have super curly and thick hair so when I chopped it off, well let’s just say that it looked way shorter like right around my earlobes kinda short which is super short when it curls but honestly I loved it! I may do it again

    3.18.13
    Reply
  46. Alyx wrote:

    I loved my hair short, I felt so old and sophisticated, but I can’t live life without my long waves.

    http://alyxtheprincess.blogspot.com

    3.18.13
    Reply
  47. Aimie wrote:

    Wow how creepy….I thought I was reading about myself.
    I just chopped off 45cm and I also happen to be 19.

    3.18.13
    Reply
  48. Karen wrote:

    Thanks for this…gettin’ my hair cut TOMORROW.

    Karen

    3.18.13
    Reply
  49. Skye wrote:

    I agree with Elisa. I loved Midori’s bob in Norwegian Wood, but I’m a low maintenance kind of girl so the bob is perhaps not for me.

    3.18.13
    Reply
  50. Traci wrote:

    Love the bob. Funny, Rene Russo in Thomas Crowne also inspired me to get to my hairstylist immediately! I chopped my hair & went red. Such a glamorous movie – and look!

    3.18.13
    Reply
  51. Yu Yu wrote:

    So tempted to get a haircut ASAP after seeing all of this!

    3.19.13
    Reply
  52. Linda wrote:

    Last spring I chopped off 20 inches holding the same Rene Russo Thomas Crown affair haircut picture in my hands. Hairdresser almost got heartattack when her scissors cut off the ponytail! It took me almost 3 months to realize I really wanted it and wont regret. It’s second time Ive cut such long hair and this time I didnt regret it – I loved it!! It was so liberating – I felt like a new person, even changed my clothing style – it became more edgy and brave!! If you feel its time for smth new – then do it, but give yourself time to think over it! Don’t do it because its trend or somebody tells you – its not easy decision and it will take years to fix the mistake!!

    3.19.13
    Reply
  53. Yana wrote:

    love, love the bob! And Alexa’s is the best!)))
    I have the same)) hairdressing!

    http://nomorecoffee2.blogspot.com/

    3.19.13
    Reply
  54. yvonnelw wrote:

    love it but cant!

    3.19.13
    Reply
  55. Absolutely! I just went from Parisian bob to flapper for Spring. It looks great with hats!

    http://thatsaprettyhat.blogspot.com

    3.19.13
    Reply
  56. Annie wrote:

    I would love to do this to my hair. I think if i let it sit and stew for a few months, maybe I will.

    http://thecoyotethistle.com
    http://instagram.com/thecoyotethistle

    3.19.13
    Reply
  57. Lisa wrote:

    I’m dreaming about getting my hair that long! Growing out my pixie (which I also loved btw) takes FOREVER!! argh, the bob will be out of fashion by the time I get it..

    3.19.13
    Reply
  58. Andrea wrote:

    My hair is waaay too curly for a bob.. Otheriwse, I’d have gone for it years ago!

    3.19.13
    Reply
  59. {gemmifer} wrote:

    I have had a bob with bangs for several years now (similar to the one on the girl in the right-hand photo in the fourth row down). I SO love it; it’s a major part of my visual identity along with my glasses. Not to mention that I truly do get strangers complimenting my hair at least once a week. Also really easy to style for my stick-straight and fine hair!

    3.19.13
    Reply
  60. Jen wrote:

    I don’t know, in this day the only TRUE way to be bold and brave is to just buzz it off. Even Mia-Farrow-pixies are fairly common now.

    3.20.13
    Reply
  61. lizachloe wrote:

    Lol, I have exactly such a haircut. Check it out on my blog.

    http://www.lizachloe.com/

    3.20.13
    Reply
  62. Simone wrote:

    Yes I would definitely go for a bob. For years now, I frequently switch between a bob and long hair. Love it! http://www.flaircat.com

    3.20.13
    Reply
  63. C. wrote:

    I got a very short, Lousie Brooks style bob about a year ago, and I love it so much! It’s shorter than any of these pictures, and very straight. Even though it’s a fairly traditional haircut (no spikes or pink streaks) I’ve actually reallized it’s very uncommon and really makes me stand out, more than pink streaks or spikes ever would! I highly recomend getting a bob. I just wish my hair was curly, because curly bobs are so pretty.

    3.20.13
    Reply
  64. Kate Brown wrote:

    I braved the bob years ago too. In 1997 I had about 6 or 7 inches off mine. I always kept a longish bob until 2008 when I decided to go for it and have another 3 or 4 inches off. I keep thinking I might go a bit longer but as soon as it starts to get near my shoulders I get it all chopped off again. Don’t think you can go wrong with a bob 🙂

    3.21.13
    Reply
  65. Sarah wrote:

    I’m 19 and I just made the chop! I suppose it’s time for me to watch The Thomas Crown Affair 🙂

    3.21.13
    Reply
  66. I really like the 4th one with the blonde highlights. That’s a cute look!

    3.21.13
    Reply
  67. Tanya wrote:

    Amazing everything! So glad I recently cut my hair! Donated it all to Locks of Love too!

    T xx

    November Grey

    3.22.13
    Reply
  68. Tra Mi wrote:

    i’ve been with bob hair style since the summer ^^

    http://thevulgariangirl.blogspot.com/

    3.23.13
    Reply
  69. I wish I could rock a bob like these lovelies!

    http://www.thefashionbastard.blogspot.com

    3.24.13
    Reply
  70. Carol wrote:

    It’s really cool:)

    http://www.ccchinachic.com/

    4.27.13
    Reply
  71. Loving the bob look but it doesn’t suit me which Im very sad about!! Wish I could pull this off :((

    6.3.13
    Reply
  72. Michele wrote:

    I have worn the bob now for more years than I want to say, however, recently I allowed a new hairdresser to shorten
    it and it is positively wild looking! I have very thick hair and it used to swing so nicely, now it is just at the bottom of
    my ears and just sticks out, I used to be able to go two days on one blow out, now it is every day, I am counting the
    minutes till it grows again, she thought I needed a much shorter do, looking for yet another hairdresser! BOB come
    back!!!!

    9.8.13
    Reply
  73. Mel wrote:

    I have always worn my hair long to about mid back length and wanted to try something different. I was a bit scared at first as I did not know how I would have looked with short hair as not many people in their 20’s wear their hair short. However, I chopped it all off into an asymmertic bob and I absolutely love it. It is very chic and classy and I love how thick it feels. Will definitely recommend anyone who think they can pull it off to do so!

    8.20.14
    Reply
  74. pretty hair style thanks for information

    1.29.15
    Reply
  75. lalu wrote:

    I love the bob, but I cut my hair!!
    lalu

    11.6.15
    Reply