The Stacked Bob Is This Year's Most Unexpected Short Hair Trend
It's official: The stacked bob is back—but not in the way that you might know it. Google the hair trend and you'll be met with images of the "dated" style, which has exaggerated long layers at the front that ascend into heavily layered shorter pieces towards the back of the head, and this does give off 2010 vibes. However, I'm here to inform you that the stacked bob has had a modern update for 2023. Scroll down for the proof.
So how exactly is this type of bob haircut different this time around? Firstly, we're seeing a far softer graduation in those long-to-short layers, and this style is cropping up in a whole range of hair lengths. Chloë Grace Moretz's shoulder-skimming bob above has longer face-framing pieces, whilst Sabrina Elba has elegantly tucked those longer layers behind her ears in the cropped hairstyle below. You might also see this cut described as the graduated bob or micro bob, as hairstylist Tom Smith coins it.
"Shrinking normal bob lengths up close to the nape of the neck, the 'micro bob' is a great option for those willing to push the limits of the bob," he says. He explains that the hair is cut right up to the lowest part of the hairline and often styled in a head-hugging, sleek way. "This bob is a very high-fashion yet extremely practical option for those with straight to wavy hair," he says.
"Often styled with the hair tucked behind one or both ears, this is the natural progression of the 'contour bob' we saw a lot of during the spring, which encourages the shadows of a lifted cheekbone," says Smith. "It’s likely the micro bob will keep shrinking over the season, so those who typically wear a bob will enjoy the practicality of less hair to worry about over the summer." Stylish and practical? Yes please.
Ready to embrace the stacked bob? Scroll ahead for more haircut inspiration.
Stacked Bob Haircut Ideas
A full visor fringe looks so chic paired with those short, stacked layers towards the back of the neck.
Locs look great in this graduated bob, which compliments the jawline.
Proof that the side parting is timeless, Ciara's stacked bob has plenty of volume and bounce.
Halle Berry's stacked bob beautifully lets those curls shine.
Those longer sections at the front can be swept back behind the ears for an elegant look (and to show off statement earrings).
This graduated bob on Emma Willis has been styled for a rounded, concave effect.
Sabrina Elba has also sported a variation of the stacked bob with a choppy fringe, and we're into it.
The stacked bob also works with a swooping side fringe and flicky layers.
The Best Products to Style The Stacked Bob Hair Trend:
Price shown is member price.
A good clarifying shampoo will ensure your roots have maximum lift and your lengths maximum swish.
Add cool-girl texture to lengths with this beauty editor favourite, which creates that "undone" look.
This multi-purpose cream protects from heat, shields against humidity and helps to add shine.
From creating waves to sleek and straight looks, these hair straighteners are among the best out there.
Next Up: Experts Agree: These Are the Short Hair Trends Taking Over In 2023
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.
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