*Often once making the change you can quickly get ‘the itch’ and want to try something new.*

Bob's have been hugely popular this year. Cutting your hair from a mid- or long- length style to a bob is a big change, and often transforms your daily and washing routines. Often once making the change you can quickly get ‘the itch’ and want to try something new, which can at first seem difficult with a considerably-shorter mane.

Below Celebrity Hair Stylist & Founder of Melissa Salons, Melissa Timperley provides her top tips on how to update and refresh your bob, something which she is often asked by her clientele.

Cutting your hair from a mid- or long- length style to a bob is a big change, and often transforms your daily and washing routines. About a year ago, I cut my client Grace’s waist-length hair into a bob as she sought a change following a busy few months, and a few weeks ago, she got in touch again. She had ‘the itch’ and wanted to try something new but wasn’t sure what could be achieved with her now considerably-shorter mane. Alas, as someone who rocks a bob myself, she asked the right person… and here’s the advice I shared with her!

Bobs with Bangs

Bobs with bangs (aka a fringe) are growing in popularity and I’m often asked about adding them in to those who already have a bob cut in. I always say that a bob with a fringe will suit most face shapes, it's simply a case of altering the length of the bob and of the fringe to suit each individual's face. A fundamental of hairdressing is where the line points. So for example, the line of your bob draws attention to where it’s cut to and so does the line of your fringe. It's all about using that line to draw the eye to or away from certain features of the face.

If you have a square face, a layered fringe with face framing layers can soften the shape. For smaller, narrower faces, a wide fringe can help give more depth. At the time of writing, the most popular request is Birkin Bangs (yep, like the bags!). These are wispy and longer at the sides, so work brilliantly with all shorter styles and with most face shapes.

Working with your Features

Of course, the best way to judge what will work for your face and features is to speak to your stylist in person. All MT Salons appointments start with a consultation so your stylist will be able to share their expertise with you.

*Hair extensions can be added to the underneath layers of your hair to help you balance your style as you grow out a bob.*

Re-styling a Bob

While a bob presents a great low-maintenance style that takes a lot less time than longer tresses, you don’t have to just wear it the same way every day. There’s still loads you can do!

I always advise my clients to use dry shampoo like a deodorant - to prevent greasiness before it occurs rather than after. It works so much better that way. But also, using a salt spray or air dry cream to add natural texture can completely transform the way a bob looks, whether you have bangs or not.

Accessorising

And of course, shorter hair doesn’t mean you need to miss out on beautiful hair accessories! Alice bands, clips and barrettes can all add decoration and different dimensions to your hair, no matter the length. If you really get the itch and want to try something longer, there’s even now plenty of clip-in extension options on the market which can help you go through the difficult in between stage when your patience starts to wear thin.