If I were to cut my hair short, I would definitely choose the Boyfriend Bob.

      I have a strong attachment to my long hair. Even though I hear about the emergence of a new bob trend daily (and that's no exaggeration), I haven't yet given in to cutting it short. It's not that I dislike bobs; I actually find them quite cute! The issue is that shorter styles often require more upkeep than my long, Rapunzel-like tresses—having had bangs before, I'm aware of this—and my wavy-curly hair is already somewhat high-maintenance as it is. The last thing I want is to extend my styling routine. That said, there are bob styles that demand less maintenance—dare I say they're low-effort? One particular style has caught my attention, as it flatters nearly all face shapes and looks even better with a relaxed, tousled finish (a definite win!). Enter the boyfriend bob.

      So, what exactly is the boyfriend bob? "The boyfriend bob is a more relaxed, slightly boxier version of the classic bob," explains professional hairstylist Franck Izquierdo, co-founder of IGK Hair Care. "It has a masculine vibe while still appearing very modern and easy to wear," which justifies the "boyfriend" name. Think of it as a '60s square bob but with less focus on a strict geometric design; that imperfect quality is what gives it the "boyfriend" appeal. "It's less polished, more effortless, and has a cool-girl, undone look," Izquierdo adds. "Typically, it's cut around the chin or a bit longer with a blunt edge and minimal layering."

      The best part? It flatters every face shape and hair type. "Honestly, it’s pretty versatile. It looks fantastic on oval, round, and heart-shaped faces, as the blunt lines help add definition," shares Izquierdo. "For those with longer face shapes, adjustments can be made to the length or subtle volume can be added to create more harmony." A touch of frizz (gasp!) actually injects life into the boyfriend bob, which is especially appealing for summer since my hair naturally tends to look fluffy.

      Boyfriend Bob Inspiration

      Laura Harrier is arguably the ultimate example of the boyfriend bob.

      Elsa Hosk is also a great representation.

      Wavy ends create a laid-back aesthetic.

      I also enjoy this slightly sleeker variant.

      A boyfriend bob paired with bangs is definitely a winning combination. Though, one might argue that this transforms it into a '90s heartthrob bob. It's just semantics!

      Ready to try the boyfriend bob? "Inform your stylist that you’re looking for a chin-length bob with a blunt cut and very light texture at the ends—avoid anything too layered or styled," advises Izquierdo. "You want it to feel deliberately relaxed." For styling, he suggests a center part to effectively achieve the effortless "boyfriend" look. "However, it also works if you prefer a slightly off-center part," he adds.

      The Best Products for a Boyfriend Bob

      IGK

      Beach Club Volume Texture Spray

      Izquierdo recommends his texturizing spray "for those effortless, matte waves."

      Curlsmith

      Defrizzion Curl Reviving Wand

      This user-friendly curling iron features four interchangeable barrels for different curl types. It's a game changer for curly and wavy hair.

      Not Your Mother's

      Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray

      I also love this sea salt spray for achieving that "undone" texture.

      IGK

      Good Behavior 4-In-1 Prep Spray

      "If you're aiming for a sleeker look, try the Good Behavior 4-in-1 Prep Spray to smooth and protect without diminishing the cut's edge," Izquierdo suggests.

      Act + Acre

      4% Candelilla Matte Styling Paste

      This paste adds just the right amount of "grit" to your blunt ends.

      Kérastase

      Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil

      Every bob needs to shine perfectly!

      Crown Affair

      The Texturizing Air Dry Hair Mousse

      RŌZ

      Evergreen Hair Styling Cream

      Frizz can be appealing, but I prefer to make it look intentional. (It's an art, not a science.) This cream has been a lifesaver for taming those pesky flyaways.