The Baroque Bob Just Entered The Chat—Hairstylists Say It'll Dominate in 2024

It may be 2024 now, but it seems we're still very much in our bob era. And hair salons agree; it's been the haircut of the past 12 months. We saw every type of bob haircut have its moment last year, and the short style shows no sign of going anywhere. Curious to know what hair trends will be big in 2024, I asked hairdressers to share the bob trends that they're backing now, and two of them tipped the "Baroque bob" as the next big thing. 

What Is the Baroque Bob?

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(Image credit: @zendaya)

So, what is a "baroque bob" exactly? I asked Rachael Gibson, aka The Hair Historian, to give us some historical context to the Baroque era. "The Baroque refers to a movement in European art and design from the 17th century which centred on extremely elaborate and ornate art and architecture," she says. "This desire for highly decorative design was reflected in hairstyles of the time, which were equally flamboyant and full of rich details.

"Women would have generally worn their hair in a centre parting with a bun at the back of the head, with tumbling tight ringlets on either side adding a sense of drama and grandeur to their appearance. It was an era that was all about exaggerated, elaborate detailing with bows, ribbons and corkscrew curls creating a highly feminine appearance," she adds.

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(Image credit: @frannfyne)

Hairstylists predict that we'll be seeing more voluminous curls and natural textures in these shorter bob cuts. "In 2023, Baroque-inspired curls brought an air of opulence to the fashion world, with Versace’s runway as a prominent example, says Jason Crozier, hairstylist at Neville Hair and Beauty "For 2024, the trend has evolved with a contemporary twist. Celebrities like Zendaya continue to embrace voluminous curls, but now with a hint of avant-garde geometric shapes, offering a combination of timeless beauty and modern artistry," he says.

Jordanna Cobella, British Hairdressing Awards London Hairdresser of the Year 2023 and creative director of Cobella Salon, also predicts the rise of the Baroque bob. "The Baroque bob is a hairstyle inspired by the opulence and intricate details of the Baroque era," says Cobella. "It often features a shorter length with voluminous curls, waves or elaborate textures. The trend in 2024 may stem from a desire for bold, statement looks and a fusion of historical aesthetics with contemporary styles, creating a visually striking and unique appearance," she adds.

Ready to embrace some 17th century glamour? Scroll ahead for all the Baroque bob hairstyle inspo you could need.

Baroque Bob Haircut Ideas

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(Image credit: @freddieharrel)

I'm obsessed with the shape and volume of Freddie Harrel's curls.

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(Image credit: @melodiebance)

A shoulder-skimming bob looks amazing on curly hair.

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(Image credit: @pia_mbd)

Some face-framing layers work well to add definition to curls.

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(Image credit: @hoskelsa)

Bows and curls? A Baroque match made in heaven.

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(Image credit: @aysha.sow)

I love Aysha Sow's voluminous, tumbling, shoulder-length curls.

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(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

The Baroque bob pairs beautifully with a fringe too.

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(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

A pair of bejewelled earrings or hair slides can add a touch of the Baroque to your curls.

How to Style the Baroque Bob

Whether you're blessed with natural curls or want to re-create the Baroque bob on straight hair, there are plenty of styling tricks to enhance this style. "For a modern interpretation, curls are still key; don't put away those festive hair accessories—bows, jewels and ribbons will all summon a sense of the baroque," says Gibson.

Next Up: Hairstylists Agree: These 13 Bob Trends Will Be Huge in 2024

Eleanor Vousden
Beauty Editor, Who What Wear UK

Eleanor Vousden is the beauty editor for Who What Wear UK. She was previously deputy editor at Hairdressers Journal, health writer at Woman & Home and junior beauty editor at beauty website Powder. She has also contributed to Wallpaper and Elle Collections with written and styling work.Working as a beauty journalist since 2015 after graduating in fashion journalism at the London College of Fashion, she has been highly commended at the BSME Talent Awards for her work on Powder and also contributed to the title winning Website of the Year at the PPA Awards.Eleanor’s journalistic focus is to provide readers with honest and helpful beauty content. Through words, video and live broadcast, she has interviewed several celebrity makeup artists, hairstylists and top dermatologists throughout her career, as well as celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Scarlett Johansson. She has a particular interest in finding solutions for acne and eczema, which she has experienced firsthand. She has also amassed a large collection of fragrances and can never say no to a new candle.When she’s not writing or testing the latest beauty product or treatments, she’s on the seafront in her hometown of Brighton and Hove, where she lives with her partner and her miniature dachshund.