Another day, another bob haircut that has been coined a big trend for 2024. So far this year, we’ve seen the romcom bob, curly bob and boy bob (aka the ‘boyb’) all take centre stage, and the Oscars red carpet was awash with bob hairstyles. Now, there’s a new iteration that’s being frequently requested in salon chairs. Introducing: the ‘inverted bob’.

“The inverted bob is a version of the Vidal Sassoon graduated bob,” says Joel Goncalves, senior stylist at Nicola Clarke, John Frieda Salons. But don’t think of harsh lines and severe, pointed edges like Victoria Beckham’s angled bob circa 2006. While it still maintains a shorter length at the back, gradually getting longer towards the front, the inverted bob is executed with a softer, wispier finish.

What’s more, while certain bobs – such as the Italian bob or nape bob – need to be cut to a specific length, the inverted bob is more about the shape. As a result, it can be worn as short as you like or slightly longer – your choice. “It doesn’t have an ideal length,” Goncalves agrees, although he adds that he prefers an inverted bob that sits “along your jawline or cut quite short to emphasise cheekbones”.

Considering it? Here’s everything you need to know for your next haircut appointment…

Thankfully, an inverted bob is rooted (no pun intended) in being as low-maintenance as possible. Unlike the sleek, straight styling we saw with graduated bobs, this style is all about minimal products, texture and an easygoing finish.

“The styling is very flexible and personal, but it’s best done when going for a relaxed vibe,” says Goncalves. “You could gently tong random pieces or it’s perfect for air drying.”

“The best way to communicate this look [to a hairstylist] is to arm yourself with a few pictures of [your] preferred inverted bobs,” says Goncalves. But if you need to describe what you’re after, it’s worth stating where you want the shortest and longest points of your bob to be. 

“The perfect place to start the cut is at the nape of the neck, below the occipital bone, and gently getting longer towards the front,” Goncalves explains. “The aim is that it’s not too heavy and not too layered.”

Images: Getty