Credit: Getty
3 min read
From its shaggy, undone texture to its timeless appeal, Alexa Chung’s iconic bob is the hairstyle we’re still obsessing over more than a decade later…
Bob hairstyles have been everywhere over the past few years. From the sharp lines of the razor-cut bob to the lived-in texture of the Italian bob, people everywhere are embracing shorter styles. But while these iterations have reigned supreme on TikTok and Instagram, the bob’s real moment started long before social media. Enter: Alexa Chung, the woman who unknowingly became the blueprint for the modern bob back in the early 2010s.
“Just after I moved to London to further my hair career, a then up-and-coming Alexa Chung walked into the salon where I worked at the time,” hairdresser George Northwood tells Stylist. “We chopped her hair into an effortless, undone style bob, which soon enough became the ‘Alexa’, and fast became one of my signature haircuts. It became a total hair frenzy, and I was seeing up to 18 clients a day all asking for the same style. I eventually ended up with a repetitive strain injury!”
But what is it about the Alexa that makes it so iconic? From the shaggy, undone texture to effortless face-framing layers – here’s everything you need to know before requesting one…
What is the Alexa bob?
The Alexa Chung bob really is one of those haircuts that defined an era. Created by her long-time hairdresser George Northwood, the style is a soft, layered bob that falls somewhere between the jawline and collarbone. It’s not a sharp, structured cut but rather one that embraces natural texture and movement.
“Alexa has played with many iterations of a bob over the years,” says Northwood. “We started off with an average-length bob with a grown-out fringe, and over time, we started to cut more and more off. It then evolved into a super-short and chunky chin-grazing bob. After growing that out, we moved to a shag iteration, which was shorter at the front with feathering around the face.”
The shaggy layers frame the face, allowing it to look flattering on most face shapes, while the slightly undone finish gives it that effortless texture.
What to ask your hairdresser for
If you’re ready to embrace the Alexa bob, clear communication with your stylist is key. Bringing inspirational pictures to your appointment is essential, as they’re the best way to convey the look you’re after visually. Screenshots of Alexa’s mid-2010s bob are a great start, as are recent iterations if you want a slightly longer, shaggier lob cut.
For the cut itself, ask your hairdresser for a mid-length bob with soft, choppy layers. Make sure they know you’re looking for a relaxed finish rather than a precise, blunt line.
Emphasise that you want the cut to work with your natural texture – this is what gives the Alexa bob its signature undone look. If you’re unsure, mention George Northwood’s name. Most stylists will recognise his work as the master of cool-girl hair.
Are there any particular hair types and textures this cut works well for?
“I love the bob as it’s so versatile and there’s a style for everyone,” says Northwood. “The same style won’t suit every face shape, but you can often find a bob variety that will complement different features.
“There are so many variations, such as a structured and blunt bob, a more 90s grungy bob or a shaggy bob. For rounder faces, a longer bob will work best as it will help to elongate your face. If you have a narrower face shape, a wider, shorter bob will work well.”
Styling tips for your Alexa bob
“How you style your bob is so important,” says Northwood. “I usually advise my clients to towel dry their hair after washing, and then apply a styling cream (such as my Undone by George Northwood Moisturising Cream, £15), which will encourage some natural texture.”
“If possible, leave your hair to then air dry naturally. You can also incorporate some hot tools for styling if required. For frizzier hair types, a flat iron will work wonders to smooth out the hair texture. If you have slightly flat or limp hair, a tong will help to add some shape through the front sections, adding dimension and face framing.”
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Images: Getty
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