Thinking About Getting a Bob? 6 Questions to Help You Decide If the Cut Is Right for You

Dabbling in the latest trends is a thrill. You can gleefully buy the Labubu , swap in a new style of pants, or switch up your jewelry . But going for a long-lasting change—like heading to the salon for a big chop to enjoy a fresh bob alongside everyone else—is technically a bit riskier. Sure, it'll grow out if you realize it's not for you, but you've got months of waiting in the interim. Trying to decide whether to embrace the bob or bow out of the trend? Stylists say to ask yourself these six questions first. 

Related: 24 Cute Short Hairstyles That Don't Require Much Styling

Meet the Experts

• Deisy Alfaro , hairstylist and curly hair expert for Dippity-Do 

• Michael Dueñas , celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of Arove

01 of 06

Do I Really Want a Bob?

First thing's first. You must ask yourself if you truly want a bob, or if you just want it because you've seen someone else wear it?  "Trends are fun, but they don't always translate across all hair types and lifestyles," says Deisy Alfaro, hairstylist and curly hair expert for Dippity-Do. "This question checks your intention. If you're inspired, great! But if you're chasing someone else's aesthetic, you might not feel as connected to the style once it's on you." 

02 of 06

Can I Live the Non-Ponytail Life?

If you've had long hair for a while, you likely appreciate the ease of tossing your hair into a ponytail or bun, or clipping it up in a cinch. Most bobs (and even lobs) make that trickier. "If you are a person who likes to have their hair up when they sleep, work out, or do daily activities, any of these styles, and a bob may not be for you," notes Michael Dueñas, celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of Arove. 

He adds that if you're not comfortable having your hair down most of the time or do not have the time to style it before you go out, this bob is not your coiffure calling.

03 of 06

Will I Feel Confident With My Features Exposed?

The beauty of a bob (and why it works so well on so many people) is that it really highlights your features and shows off your face shape. "A bob puts everything front and center—your jawline, cheekbones, neck, all of it," Alfaro says. "For some, that's empowering. For others, it can take time to adjust." She says it's worth asking yourself if you're ready to have less hair to "hide behind," especially if you're used to longer styles.

04 of 06

Are More Frequent Haircuts Doable?

Longer hairstyles can go three months (sometimes longer) without a trim or fresh cut, but bobs definitely have more upkeep. Dueñas says you'll likely need to go to the salon every six to eight weeks if you go for the chop. "Bobs are best when they are fresh and at the length they were cut for. If you are not OK with getting a haircut every one and a half to two months, you'll be unhappy with your haircut."

05 of 06

Am I OK Spending More Time Styling?

Another question to ask yourself before getting a bob is how much time you're realistically willing to spend styling my hair each day. Alfaro says, "Bobs don't always fall into place on their own especially for curly, wavy, or thick hair. This question helps reveal if you're ready for a daily relationship with your flat iron, curl cream, or diffuser." If not, she says you might end up frustrated with how much work it takes to keep it looking polished. 

06 of 06

Does it Suit My Hair Texture?

Some hair textures can make a bob very difficult to style, so it's important to have a good handle on your hair type before jumping into this new-to-you style. "If you have extremely kinky or curly hair, it can be harder to tame and take more time and more work," Dueñas explains. It's not that you shouldn't get the bob, it's just that you need to be prepared for a learning curve and, likely, more time spent styling as mentioned above. 

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