The Cowboy Bob Is The Messy-Chic Look We’re Craving For Our Next Chop
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32 seconds ago
Catch us galloping into the salon for this cut
Will we ever fall out of love with the Wild West? Not likely. From themed manicures to home interiors, chart hits to TikTok recipes – it seems like cowboycore is everywhere right now. It’s even made its way to the salon, where stylists are currently obsessing over cowboy copper and, more recently, the cowboy bob.
Sound like music to your ears? If you’re ready to embrace the cowboy aesthetic, look no further – below, we break down the key features of the cut, and round up all the bob inspiration you’ll need for your next hair appointment.
What Is A Cowboy Bob?
‘The cowboy bob is essentially a softer, more relaxed take on the classic bob, which usually sits around chin to collarbone length,’ explains Neale Rodger, style director at STIL Salon. ‘The front of the bob is more shaped or rounded off, with natural texture, movement, and a slightly undone finish.’
It’s certainly not the bob’s first rodeo, but it’s arguably its chicest yet. The cowboy bob has a more casual, lived-in feel than its traditional predecessor; many stylists have likened it to a French bob, thanks to its low-maintenance wearability, but with a wilder edge. ‘It’s less of a “precision cut” and more effortless – almost like it’s grown into that shape naturally.
‘There’s definitely a shift towards styles that feel easy and wearable,’ Neale continues. ‘People still want something chic, but without the high-maintenance styling. The cowboy bob hits that sweet spot. It looks cool and intentional, but also relaxed and slightly undone.’
And if you’re still struggling to picture the look, just take a scroll of your favourite celebrity’s Instagram feed. ‘Think of Hailey Bieber, Zendaya, Kaia Gerber or Alexa Chung – they all have that slightly tousled, effortless bob with movement rather than a super sharp cut.’
Who Suits This Cut?
We’re in luck: ‘it’s a very forgiving style’, says Neale. The hairstyling expert explains that ‘because it’s softer, the cowboy bob tends to suit most hair textures and face shapes’, with the length ‘easily adjustable to balance different features’.
He adds that the look ‘works beautifully on naturally wavy or slightly textured hair’ – and those with straight hair can still get in on the look ‘with the right cut and styling’.
How To Ask For A Cowboy Bob In The Salon
Come prepared. ‘I’d always recommend bringing visual references,’ says Neale, adding that Instagram and TikTok often have plenty of examples to choose from.
In the chair, meanwhile, you can ask for ‘a soft, textured bob with movement rather than a blunt, sharp finish. The key feature should be a line which slopes rearward, paired with shaping and a fringe around the front.’ The stylist also notes that ‘it’s helpful to discuss how much styling you’re willing to do day-to-day, so the cut can be tailored to your routine.’
How To Style It
‘Less is more,’ emphasises Neale. ‘Embrace natural texture where possible. A bit of texturising spray or a light wave can go a long way as it shouldn’t look overly “done”. The charm of this cut is in that slightly effortless, lived-in finish.’
What’s Next?
Don’t think that this is the last you will see of the cowboy bob. Neale predicts more variations of the original look coming to the forefront of the salon over the next few months. ‘I can see the styling evolving into something slightly longer, slightly shaggier, maybe paired with curtain bangs or subtle layers,’ he predicts. ‘The overall mood of relaxed, low-maintenance hair isn’t going anywhere, so this style has real staying power.’
Cowboy Bob Hair Inspiration
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