Bob hairstyles are going nowhere; in fact, they remain one of the most requested cuts in salons up and down the country. But while the classic bob has become a staple haircut, the iterations of bob hairstyles keep getting more and more diverse. From the laser cut bob to French girl-inspired crops, there really is a bob to suit everyone. But one variation that stands out this autumn is the swinging bob. Slightly asymmetric and designed to create movement, this modern take on the traditional bob haircut adds dimension and fullness, making it a favourite for those wanting a fresh and thicker-looking style. If you’re looking for a way to add more volume and texture, this could be the cut for you…

The swinging bob (or as it’s known on social media, the swing bob) is an evolution from the ‘pob’ of the 00s – remember Victoria Beckham’s sharp, geometric cut? But the 2024 version is much softer and more wearable. It’s all about subtle graduation and a shape that moves effortlessly with you, tailored to your unique hair texture and face shape. 

“A swing bob haircut is where the hair is short at the back and longer towards the front,” explains Elliot Bute, hairstylist at Hershesons Fitzrovia. “The swing comes from the shorter hair pushing the longer hair towards the front, creating a swinging effect when the head moves.”

But unlike the sharp, high-sloping shapes of the past – today’s swinging bob is more subtle. “The modern approach to the ‘swing bob’ is much more subtle than the 00s cut,” says Neale Rodger, style director at STIL salon. 

“It’s essentially the same as an A-line bob or a graduated bob. The only difference is the amount of graduation or layering within the haircut,” Rodger explains. “It’s generally shorter at the back, using a graduation technique to build the haircut and push all the volume upward into the main body of the hair.” The result is a cut that accentuates the length of the neck and tapers towards the face, creating a flattering, modern silhouette.

The swinging bob is really customisable – the amount of layering and graduation can be tailored to your hair type, ensuring that the shape is both structured and dynamic.

When it comes to the swinging bob, no one cut fits all. Rodger recommends discussing your vision with your stylist to create a shape that suits your face and personal style. “It is really hard to say what creates the perfect ‘swinging bob’ shape, as this haircut is as unique as the person wearing it.”

You might want to leave more length and create a “lob” (long bob) with added layers for volume. Or, if you’re feeling bold, go shorter with a cut that’s tailored to your head shape for a more statement-making look. Either way, your stylist should balance the shape to flatter your natural features and enhance your overall look.

“Ask for a slightly angled bob with soft layers for movement and texture, ensuring the back is shorter and the front ever-so-slightly longer,” advises Bute.

“The great thing about the swinging bob is how versatile it is. Unlike most bobs, it suits most people, as you can alter the amount you build the shape and drop the length around the face to accommodate almost all body and face shapes,” says Rodger.

Rodger’s advice for styling the swinging bob is to keep things simple. “For me, the key to keeping this style looking super modern is to keep things as flat and polished as possible. Allow the haircut and technique to do the talking,” he explains.

Avoid big, fluffy blowouts or overly styled looks – the swinging bob is all about that effortless, natural finish. A sleek, air-dried style works perfectly for casual days, while a gentle wave around the face can add a touch of softness for evenings out. The goal is to keep the shape clean and structured without adding unnecessary volume.

Ready to book into the hairdressers for your swinging bob style? Below we’ve rounded up all the inspiration pictures you need to screenshot and send to your stylist…

Images: Getty