The Varsity Bob Is The Latest Celeb Approved Style To Take Over The Salon
By
9 hours ago
Meet this season’s top beauty pick
The salon has spoken: preppy chic is in. And the next cut on our radar comes with all those classic collegiate, old money vibes – here’s everything you need to know about the varsity bob.
What Is A Varsity Bob?
‘The varsity bob is the latest take on the ever-iconic bob haircut, defined by its preppy, youthful and polished feel,’ explains Jason Collier, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Studio23. ‘Unlike a messy, undone chop, the varsity bob has a cleaner, more structured silhouette, often with a subtle curve under the chin or a slight bevel at the ends. It channels an effortlessly chic, collegiate vibe that feels both sophisticated and easy to wear.’
And, unlike other bobs, this is a look that locates its roots in mid-century academia – think college campus life, styled up with sweater vests, thick glasses and shiny, bouncy hair. ‘The origins of the trend stem from the broader preppy aesthetic that has taken over fashion and beauty,’ confirms Jason. ‘With brands reinterpreting collegiate-inspired dressing and the rise of “old money” styling, hair has followed suit. The varsity bob borrows inspiration from the 1960s, when polished bobs were a symbol of elegance and updates it with a modern, minimal twist that appeals to today’s aesthetic.
‘Traditional bobs can lean into soft layering, texture, or lived-in movement, whereas the varsity bob is more precise and disciplined,’ he continues. ‘It’s less about casual texture and more about a refined finish, often styled straight or with a subtle flick that gives a crisp, tailored effect.’
And with polished – but low maintenance – beauty making huge waves both on and offline right now, it makes sense to see cuts like the varsity bob make an appearance in the salon. ‘It’s so popular right now because it perfectly matches the current appetite for understated luxury and quiet confidence,’ adds Jason. ‘Shorter hair feels fresh for the season, and the varsity bob is versatile enough to look both on-trend and timeless. It doesn’t require layers of product or over-styling to make an impact, making it especially appealing for those who want a “done” look without the effort.’
@vildeboyum #stylingtips #stylingbobhair #bob #hairstyle #90sbob #volume #straitener #hairrollers #tutorial ♬ hot people use this sound – jolie
Who Suits The Cut?
And in terms of who suits the look best, Jason notes how ‘the varsity bob works beautifully on straight to slightly wavy hair textures, as the smoothness allows the cut’s precision to shine. It flatters oval and heart-shaped faces especially well, as the shape frames the jawline without adding heaviness. Rounder faces can also pull it off, but may benefit from a slightly longer version that elongates the silhouette.’
How To Ask For A Varsity Bob In The Salon
‘Ask for a chin-length or just-below chin cut with blunt ends and minimal layering, focusing on a sleek, polished shape,’ advises Jason. ‘It’s always worth discussing whether you want any undercutting or internal weight removal, as this can help your stylist adapt the cut to your hair texture.’
If you’re not sure how to get your vision across, Jason adds that ‘it’s best to bring a reference photo so your stylist understands the finish you want.’
Styling Tips
The key characteristics of a varsity bob are smoothness, shine and bounce – you can use these as a guide for your styling routine. ‘I’d recommend using a smoothing cream or lightweight serum to enhance shine and keep flyaways at bay,’ adds Jason. ‘A round brush and hairdryer can be used to create that subtle under-curve at the ends, or you can go over with a flat iron for a straighter, more refined look. The beauty of the varsity bob is that it requires relatively little styling to maintain its chic shape.’
What Next?
As for the future, we can expect to see more tell-tale signs of the varsity bob’s influence in the salon. ‘I can see it moving into micro-lengths for those who want a bolder statement, or a longer, collarbone-grazing version for added versatility,’ suggests Jason. ‘Texture will also start to play a role, with people experimenting with waves, similar to Millie Bobby Brown, or natural movement while still keeping that polished varsity finish. It’s a trend with staying power because it sits right between classic and contemporary.’
Hair Inspiration: Varsity Bob
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
