Forget the French, Italian and chunky 90s bobs that dominated in 2023, the baroque bob is about to become the cut to ask your hairdresser for this year. As worn by Zendaya, it combines a collarbone length cut with voluminous curls, waves or elaborate textures for a striking yet modern iteration of the classic bob.

“The baroque bob trend is going to be huge for 2024,” says stylist Gareth Williams. “It’s all about having fun and freeing up some of the weight within the hair.”

With plenty of volume, rounded ends and an overall sleek feel, it’s the key to adopting Old Hollywood glamour in a relaxed and modern way. 

Wondering if the baroque bob would suit you? According to Mitchell Ladbrook and Mark Smith, senior stylists at John Frieda salons, the style works best on those with curlier hair, a curly fringe or a strong nose shape and elongated face. It’s also great for those who favour a low-maintenance look, as it’s easy to style and doesn’t take long to grow out.

“The baroque bob is perfect for those who want to try shorter styles without committing to a graduated bob with too many short layers in the hair,” adds Kelly Vowles, hair stylist and owner of the Pixal Rose salon. “It also works well with side partings and hair with a natural wave.” 

According to Vowles, you should ask your hairdresser for a below-jaw-length bob with longer, classic layers. However, as Williams warns: “Don’t be tempted to cut too short as the hair will bounce up when blown out in full volume mode.”

To avoid any confusion and ensure you get the cut you want, sharing reference pictures is always best practice. Be sure to spend time discussing any styling concerns you may have with your hairdresser, too.

“As someone who has short hair, I’m a massive fan of velcro rollers as a really simple styling tip,” says Vowles. “Whack a few in the hair while you’re doing your make or having your morning cup of tea. It’ll help create volume as well as tuck the layers under where they need to be. Fix with a little hair spray or texture at the root to create lift.”

However, if your hair is slightly straighter, you can tong random pieces round the front to make it more defined.

“Don’t over-wash your hair,” add Ladbrook and Smith. “You want to create a texture that will help hold your curls which will give you bounce and volume in the hair. When you have an event you should wash your hair the night before to give a more natural, sexy and lived in look, otherwise the hair will be too soft.”

Images: Getty