The 'a-line bob' is the new lob! How to style the cut for every length and face shape

Cosmopolitan

7 days ago

The Bob Renaissance is fascinating (and it's one to rival that of the 15th century). One cut, many interpretations and a global reach, name me a more popular beauty movement, I'll wait. So far, we've decoded graduated bobs, French bobs, and even shaggy bobs, but now, it's time for the a-line bob to take centre stage. Move aside lobs because this cut is bridging the gap between longer and shorter bobs to – as Hannah Montana once said – get the best of both worlds...
As with the former bobs mentioned, the A-line name doesn't give much away on what defines the cut. So, to get to the nitty-gritty on what the style actually is, as well as who it's best suited to and how to manage the length, we tapped the brains of Mark Hayes, Senior International Creative Director at HOUSE OF SASSOON, who shared his expertise.
Snip snip!
Just like how an A-line skirt flares out from a narrow waist, Mark says that the A-line bob is cut shorter at the back and gradually becomes longer toward the front; "this creates a sleek, angled silhouette that gives the illusion of length around the face without the weight of a full-length style."
Mark adds, "The cut can be customised with or without layers, and with or without a fringe. The angle itself can be subtle or more dramatic, depending on the desired look."
Sound familiar? Well, the A-line bob has many similarities to a graduated bob, and Mark decodes the differences below.
"As mentioned, an A-line bob is characterised by a longer front and shorter back with a visibly angled perimeter, cut in a continuous diagonal line that runs from back to front," explains Mark. "It typically avoids heavy layering in the back and instead focuses on a clean, sharp line with a dramatic forward sweep.
"This look has less volume at the crown and relies primarily on the outline for structure, with minimal or no graduation at the back.'
According to Mark, the finish is sleek and polished, making it best suited for straight hair or hair with a slight bend, and for clients seeking a modern, structured silhouette without visible layers.
"In contrast," he says, "a graduated bob incorporates graduated layers in the back to create a rounded, voluminous shape. While the overall balance may resemble an A-line, it is not generally as sharply angled. The key characteristic is the distinct layered structure in the back, which contributes to its roundness and volume."
"This cut provides fullness and lift at the crown due to the internal layering," he adds, "resulting in a more curved and rounded silhouette than a true A-line. The texture can vary from soft and sleek to tousled, depending on the hair type. Graduated bobs are ideal for thicker hair or for clients who want to reduce bulk while adding movement, as well as for those who prefer a more voluminous look with a curved shape."
"The A-line bob flatters a variety of face shapes," says Mark. He breaks down the benefits for each below:
"In terms of hair types, the A-line bob works best on straight to wavy hair, which highlights the clean lines and structure of the cut," he continues, breaking down the need-to-knows below:
"For a sleek, straight look," Mark advises, "begin by blow-drying the hair with a half-round or round brush. Wrap the hair around the brush first, then gently curve the ends inward. You can follow this with a light pass of a straightener to further define the surface and the edges of the cut."
Of course, Mark recommends starting with a heat protectant spray to guard against damage, followed by a smoothing serum or cream to add shine and reduce frizz, and a shine spray to finish the look with a polished, glossy effect.
"To create a textured, tousled look, use a curling wand or straightener to form soft waves," Mark says. "Gently separate the curls with your fingers and mist them with a texture-enhancing spray. Recommended products for this style include a texturising spray to add volume and create an airy, undone feel; a sea salt spray to enhance natural waves and add grip for a beachy finish; and a styling paste or cream to define the ends and offer soft hold."
"For quick everyday styling," he suggests, "try parting the hair deeply to one side or tucking one side behind the ear for a chic yet simple effect. Adding a touch of dry shampoo at the roots can refresh the style and boost volume."
A-line bob inspo
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Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from viral celebrity hair and makeup news to the latest trend predictions, she's an expert in recognising the season's next big beauty look (before it ends up all over your social media feeds). You'll usually find her putting TikTok's recent beauty hacks to the Hype Test, challenging the gender-makeup binary and social stereotypes, or fangirling over the time Kourtney Kardashian viewed her Instagram Story (yes, it's true). Find her also on LinkedIn.