Chic women are embracing grown-out bobs—here’s how I’m styling my own mid-length cut.

Chic women are embracing grown-out bobs—here’s how I’m styling my own mid-length cut.

      After enjoying a bob haircut for nearly a year, I have an announcement: I’ve decided to grow it out. Why? I'm easily swayed, and when I saw celebrities like Elsa Hosk and Gigi Hadid—who once championed the bob—switching to longer styles, I realized it was only a matter of time before I followed suit. However, anyone who has had short hair and attempted to grow it out knows it can be quite challenging. There’s that awkward phase when it's not quite long enough, hitting your shoulders and flaring in all directions. Plus, there's the dilemma of what style to choose next. I've recently experienced this, so I empathize with you. While I can't provide guidance on the latter (though Who What Wear’s 2026 hair trend guide is on the horizon, likely filled with inspiration), I can assist with styling your hair during the tricky grown-out bob phase. I've enlisted the help of expert Emma May Fordham, Hair Stylist and Founder of SoBob salon. Below is her expert advice on styling a grown-out bob, along with plenty of inspiration from celebs and influencers who influenced my decision to let go of my short hair (at least for now).

      **How to Style a Grown-Out Bob**

      From my own experience, I’ve discovered that the best approach to embracing a grown-out bob is not to force a completely new style but to work with your hair's natural texture and adjust your cut to suit the new length. “When transitioning from a bob, it’s essential to evolve the haircut to fit each person's length,” Fordham explained. “There are numerous adjustments you can make in a haircut that can rejuvenate a growing-out bob, making it look intentional. Even the smallest change in shape can enhance your enjoyment of each phase of the growing-out process.” If you're looking for guidance, here are some of Fordham's favorite ways to style a grown-out bob, which I've tried myself...

      **1. The Flick**

      As mentioned earlier, one of the biggest challenges in growing out a bob is dealing with the awkward length where it just brushes the shoulders and flicks out unpredictably. This style embraces that stage, transforming a subtle outward bend into a defined flick.

      *GHD Rise Professional Hot Brush*

      “I recommend this hot brush for all my bob girls at any stage,” says Fordham. “Use it on dry hair for perfectly flicked ends in one stroke.”

      *Color Wow Cult Favorite Firm + Flexible Hairspray*

      Choose a flexible hairspray for hold without the stiffness.

      **2. The Claw Clip Up-do**

      “As your hair grows, take advantage of the perfect claw clip length,” says Fordham. “Your hair will twist up in the back and flow down the clip just right for that ideal in-between pony. If you have bangs, let them fall naturally around your face for that perfect profile, achievable only at this length.”

      *Hair by Sam McKnight Happy Endings Nourishing Balm*

      “Use this to define any pieces that may fall out of the clip for added control,” Fordham advises.

      For hair at this length, a large clip isn’t necessary, so feel free to have fun with a playful style!

      **3. The Faux Wet**

      “For a night out, I love the textured wet look on medium-length hair,” says Fordham. “It’s also a great styling trick for extending hair between washes during a busy December social calendar.”

      *Tigi Bed Head Wanna Glow Hydrating Jelly Oil*

      Fordham suggests gently twisting Tigi's hair oil into the ends of your hair for that perfect wet-look finish.

      A wet-look gel will help your style last throughout the day.

      **Grown-Out Bob Inspiration**

      1. **Shoulder Sweeping**

      Once, Elsa’s blonde bob was all over short hair inspiration boards; now, she sports a blunt shoulder-length cut as a grown-out bob icon.

      2. **Get Wavy**

      Selin chose waves to transition her hair from a bob to longer lengths.

      3. **Bend Inwards**

      When your bob is at that awkward length, bend the ends inward to avoid an unwanted flick.

      4. **Flicked Ends**

      Or fully embrace the flick for a bold look similar to Sasha’s.

      5. **Chic Yet Simple**

      Sylvie demonstrates how a grown-out bob can still look very chic.

      6. **Up and Effortless**

      A claw clip up-do is perfect for concealing bob-length hair between cuts.

      7. **Va Va Volume**

      Grown-out bobs can fall flat, so create volume with a side part, as Lucy does.

      8. **Effortless Lengths**

      Gigi is currently flaunting slightly longer tresses.

      9. **Soft Slick**

      Saiorse’s hair looks fabulous at any length, especially in this wet-look shoulder-sk

Chic women are embracing grown-out bobs—here’s how I’m styling my own mid-length cut. Chic women are embracing grown-out bobs—here’s how I’m styling my own mid-length cut. Chic women are embracing grown-out bobs—here’s how I’m styling my own mid-length cut. Chic women are embracing grown-out bobs—here’s how I’m styling my own mid-length cut. Chic women are embracing grown-out bobs—here’s how I’m styling my own mid-length cut. Chic women are embracing grown-out bobs—here’s how I’m styling my own mid-length cut. Chic women are embracing grown-out bobs—here’s how I’m styling my own mid-length cut. Chic women are embracing grown-out bobs—here’s how I’m styling my own mid-length cut. Chic women are embracing grown-out bobs—here’s how I’m styling my own mid-length cut. Chic women are embracing grown-out bobs—here’s how I’m styling my own mid-length cut. Chic women are embracing grown-out bobs—here’s how I’m styling my own mid-length cut. Chic women are embracing grown-out bobs—here’s how I’m styling my own mid-length cut. Chic women are embracing grown-out bobs—here’s how I’m styling my own mid-length cut. Chic women are embracing grown-out bobs—here’s how I’m styling my own mid-length cut. Chic women are embracing grown-out bobs—here’s how I’m styling my own mid-length cut. Chic women are embracing grown-out bobs—here’s how I’m styling my own mid-length cut. Chic women are embracing grown-out bobs—here’s how I’m styling my own mid-length cut. Chic women are embracing grown-out bobs—here’s how I’m styling my own mid-length cut.

Other articles

My friend requested my Zara list for 2026—these fresh pieces will give a modern touch to any wardrobe. My friend requested my Zara list for 2026—these fresh pieces will give a modern touch to any wardrobe. Stylish sweaters, striking jackets, and beyond. 15 Stylish Lounge Sets for All Your Holiday Travel Requirements 15 Stylish Lounge Sets for All Your Holiday Travel Requirements Enhance your airport attire with these sophisticated lounge sets—stylish, comfortable, and ideal for all your holiday travel arrangements. Stylish Women Are Donning Grown-Out Bobs—Here’s My Approach to Styling My Own Transitional Cut. Stylish Women Are Donning Grown-Out Bobs—Here’s My Approach to Styling My Own Transitional Cut. Advice from experts and sources of motivation. Here They Are: The 30 Top Zara Coats, Scarves, and Boots for Winter 2026 Here They Are: The 30 Top Zara Coats, Scarves, and Boots for Winter 2026 Our senior fashion editor has curated the finest winter coats, scarves, and boots from Zara, making your shopping easier. Explore them here. Here They Are: The 30 Greatest Zara Coats, Scarves, and Boots for Winter 2026 Here They Are: The 30 Greatest Zara Coats, Scarves, and Boots for Winter 2026 Our senior fashion editor has curated the top Zara winter coats, scarves, and boots, saving you the hassle of searching. Browse them here. I’m a Fashion Editor residing in Paris—7 Essentials That French Women Will Depend On in 2026. I’m a Fashion Editor residing in Paris—7 Essentials That French Women Will Depend On in 2026. Continue scrolling to unveil the seven essential items influencing the fashion choices of French women in 2026.

Chic women are embracing grown-out bobs—here’s how I’m styling my own mid-length cut.

Advice from experts and sources of inspiration.