If you’ve been toying with the idea of getting a big chop lately, you’re not alone. With new bob haircuts tempting us left, right and centre (hello, square and frayed bobs), the urge to go shorter is getting stronger and stronger. 

If you’ve already designed your bob mood board, we’re here to throw a spanner in the works with this trendy new ’do. Say hello to the ‘Barbie bob’ – no plastic required.  

Yes, Barbiemania is still alive and well. As you can probably guess, this sculptural cut takes inspiration from the distinctive doll-like silhouette and has the bonus of being full of volume. 

“The Barbie bob is a modern take on that classic, old-school polished look,” says celebrity hairstylist Jay Birmingham. “It’s a chin-length cut that looks stylish yet effortless whatever the occasion,” he adds. 

When it comes to styling, it’s incredibly versatile. “It can be set super straight for a sharper finish or with added waves for a messier look,” says Birmingham. If you want a bolder red-carpet-esque look, Birmingham recommends asking your hairdresser to finish the bob with blunt edges to make a statement. 

Product-wise, Birmingham says using a volumising mousse on damp hair and then blow-drying using a round brush is essential for nailing the look. 

The good news? You can customise this haircut to fit your face shape. “I think one of the contributors to the Barbie bob trend is its versatility for all face shapes. If your face is more heart-shaped, you can wear it shorter, grazing your chin to balance the face; for a rounder face, a longer bob will elongate one’s face,” says Birmingham. 

He says that considering your face shape and hair texture is key when picking your bob to eliminate any post-haircut regrets. But this trend will suit one particular hair type the most, according to Birmingham. “The Barbie Bob is super adaptable to textures and hair types, but it’s particularly flattering for those with fine to medium hair. This is because the specific cut can add the illusion of a lovely thickness and volume, giving your hair a much fuller appearance,” he says. 

If you haven’t got fine or medium strands, don’t worry; you just need a small tweak. Didn’t we tell you it was a versatile trend? “If you have naturally curly hair and are after the Barbie bob, I would recommend incorporating some layers into your cut to prevent the bob from appearing too boxy and to enhance your natural curls,” recommends Birmingham. 

If you’re ready to embrace Barbiecore in all its glory, here’s all the Barbie bob hair inspiration you need. 

Images: Getty