It’s official: The stacked bob is back—but not in the way that you might know it. Google the hair trend and you’ll be met with images of the “dated” style, which has exaggerated long layers at the front that ascend into heavily layered shorter pieces towards the back of the head, and this does give off 2010 vibes. However, I’m here to inform you that the stacked bob has had a modern update for 2023. Scroll down for the proof.
So how exactly is this type of bob haircut different this time around? Firstly, we’re seeing a far softer graduation in those long-to-short layers, and this style is cropping up in a whole range of hair lengths. Chloë Grace Moretz’s shoulder-skimming bob above has longer face-framing pieces, whilst Sabrina Elba has elegantly tucked those longer layers behind her ears in the cropped hairstyle below. You might also see this cut described as the graduated bob or micro bob, as hairstylist Tom Smith coins it.
“Shrinking normal bob lengths up close to the nape of the neck, the ‘micro bob’ is a great option for those willing to push the limits of the bob,” he says. He explains that the hair is cut right up to the lowest part of the hairline and often styled in a head-hugging, sleek way. “This bob is a very high-fashion yet extremely practical option for those with straight to wavy hair,” he says.
“Often styled with the hair tucked behind one or both ears, this is the natural progression of the ‘contour bob’ we saw a lot of during the spring, which encourages the shadows of a lifted cheekbone,” says Smith. “It’s likely the micro bob will keep shrinking over the season, so those who typically wear a bob will enjoy the practicality of less hair to worry about over the summer.” Stylish and practical? Yes please. Ready to embrace the stacked bob? Scroll ahead for more haircut inspiration.
A full visor fringe looks so chic paired with those short, stacked layers towards the back of the neck.
Locs look great in this graduated bob, which compliments the jawline.
Proof that the side parting is timeless, Ciara’s stacked bob has plenty of volume and bounce.
Halle Berry’s stacked bob beautifully lets those curls shine.
Those longer sections at the front can be swept back behind the ears for an elegant look (and to show off statement earrings).
This graduated bob on Emma Willis has been styled for a rounded, concave effect.
Sabrina Elba has also sported a variation of the stacked bob with a choppy fringe, and we’re into it.
The stacked bob also works with a swooping side fringe and flicky layers.
Price shown is member price. A good clarifying shampoo will ensure your roots have maximum lift and your lengths maximum swish.
Add cool-girl texture to lengths with this beauty editor favourite, which creates that “undone” look.
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