The chunky bob is the latest of the bob haircuts (yep, there are many variations on the bob out there) to circulate our social feeds and it’s one of the most versatile. But what makes it so special? In a nutshell, it’s bulkier with more layers than your traditional sleek bob. It’s ideal for all hair types and can be tailored to suit your texture and face shape. It’s so low-maintenance and versatile that it might even be the bob to end all other bob trends.

But if you need more than the tl;dr and some inspo photos, here’s everything a hairstylist wants you to know about the chunky bob before you take the plunge. Quick warning: it’s going to make you want to chop the hair off you’ve spent so long growing out. 

When many of us think about a classic bob, it’s normally sleek and uniform. A chunky bob “has a bold, voluminous appearance and is short in length”, explains Jason Collier, hairstylist and key opinion leader at Jerome Russell Bblonde. It has thick, defined layers, which creates a textured and edgier look compared to a regular bob. “A chunky bob often has blunt ends and can be paired with a statement fringe for added dimension. It’s a versatile haircut and suits most face shapes and hair types.”

Although you can make it work for anyone, the chunky bob works particularly well for medium-to-thick hair. “The density provides the necessary volume and texture to accentuate the bold, layered look of the style,” Collier says. It suits round, oval or heart-shaped faces the best as the “chunky layer frames the face beautifully, highlighting cheekbones and creating a flattering silhouette,” he adds.

It’s also a brilliant cut if you like to switch up how you style your hair and to suit your hair type. It can be straightened to give that sleek look, tousled for a messy-chic look or curled for a bouncy look. Collier says that his clients appreciate the flexibility of the chunky bob. “It’s ideal for individuals seeking a low-maintenance yet fashionable haircut, as it can be easily styled with minimal effort while still looking chic and modern.”

Start with reference photos so that your hairdresser understands the style you’re after. From there, they can discuss how to turn your vision into a style that works for your hair type. “Ask for a style that’s short, typically just above the shoulders, with lots of volume and defined layers. Specify that you’d like the layers to be bold and textured. Ask for blunt ends and a face-framing fringe – if your stylist believes this will suit your face shape,” Collier explains. 

There are many ways to style a chunky bob. For a sleek and straight finish, Collier recommends using hair straighteners to smooth out layers and finishing with a hair serum for added shine. “If you prefer a tousled and wavy appearance, apply texturising spray and use a curling tong or wand to create loose waves, then tousle with your fingers for a relaxed vibe,” he adds. For extra volume, he suggests applying a volumising root boost on damp hair and blow-drying it with a round brush to lift the roots. “For a textured and messy look, scrunch sea salt spray into damp hair and dry with a diffuser,” Collier suggests.

Images: Getty