Last year I had a fringe cut into my way-past-shoulder-length hair. It’s since grown out as I failed to keep up with the regular trims a fringe requires. Lately, however, I’ve been considering a more drastic change.
Inspired by the likes of Sienna Miller, Jennifer Lawrence and my favourite Pretty Little Liar, Ashley Benson, who are all currently working wavy boho bobs of varying lengths, I’ve been thinking of going for the chop. Unlike Sienna, Jennifer and Ashley who all seem to have naturally wavy hair, or at least a hairstylist on speed dial, my hair is poker straight. However the recent decision by John Frieda to bring back Beach Blonde Ocean Waves sea salt spray (one of my favourite hair products EVER), or at least sort of, the new version is called Beach Blonde Sea Waves, means that tousled boho waves are mine to be had for less than a tenner (it’s currently on sale in Superdrug and part of the three for two offer at Boots).
Another reason for going shorter is that after lots of hairdryer abuse over the winter my hair is extremely dry and, over the past month or so, it’s been falling out at a much faster rate than usual. I’m not sure what’s going on, but I need to find natural solutions for this problem as soon as possible. I’ve noticed that I’ve lost more hair than usual at stressful times in my life in the past, but I don’t feel particularly stressed right now. Whatever the reason I definitely have a lot less hair than I used to. Anyway I think a shorter style will make my hair look thicker and having a good few inches cut off will help with its condition.
I’ve pretty much decided this is happening, although I’m yet to actually book an appointment, but what I can’t decide is how short to go. I love the length the model’s sporting in the shot above which I spotted on the Mango website but I’m thinking that perhaps it would be more sensible to go for a long bob first and then go shorter if I like it. As you know, I do a lot of yoga and I’m thinking a shorter bob could get in the way when I’m upside-down in downward dog, for example. A longer style would mean I could still tie it up, without having to use a billion hair grips.
I realise that, in the grand scheme of things, the length of my hair is really not that important but, having a style I like makes me feel more confident, and I’m sure I’m not the only one. So, what do you think, should I go straight to a short bob, or take more of a baby steps approach, starting with a long, around about shoulder length, bob? Anyone else considering going for the chop or recently gone for the chop? If you already have a bob, who’s your hairspiration? Do share below!
I would definitely go to shoulder length first Miranda, have a look on the Marie Claire website today, they are featuring bob hairstyles, might help you out. I will definitely try that Beach Blonde Sea Waves product you mentioned, sounds great.
Ooh, thanks for the tip off Eileen, will check out the MC site. I haven’t tried the new version of Beach Blonde Sea Waves yet, hoping it stands up to the original!
I am currently having the same hair dilemma. My hair has got very long and I’m itching for a change. I am thinking of a longer bob too (possible with fringe a la Miss Swift). When I’ve gone short short bob in the past I have gotten bored quickly as it always looked exactly the same every day no matter what I tried but with slightly longer it can be put up. I’m going to check out the Marie Claire website now!
Yes, am liking Miss Swift’s hair at the mo too Sophie. You’re right, keeping it a bit longer increases your options, decreasing the risk of boredom…
That John Frieda sea salt spray is the absolute best. Bringing back memories of 2001! I think a longish bob first – I love Emily Blunt’s hair on the Guardian weekend photoshoot a few weeks ago, but it’s not short http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/jan/03/emily-blunt-nobody-goes-through-life-unscathed
Loving Emily’s hair in the Guardian shoot Sarah, going that length would still mean having quite a lot off the length, but not as scary as going just below my ears…
Love Sienna’s bob. Alexa Chung is also currently sporting something similar and is constantly popping up on my instagram and giving me hair envy. She does effortless hair like no-one else!
Alexa’s hair is great at the moment, but then it’s always great!
Just found this picture of Alexa’s new hair and the unlikely duo talking fashion (Boris, not Alexa obvs) made me chuckle so I thought I had to post it! http://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2015/feb/11/alexa-chung-boris-johnson-new-york-fashion-stylewatch
Haha, love it Jess!
Oh I’ve been contemplating the exact same thing! Though I’m a little scarred from a blunt bob a few years ago that was a disaster.
Problem for me is I recently got engaged and since I’ve had v long hair (shoulder-blades and longer) for my entire adult life it’d be weird to suddenly have short hair on my wedding day. But I don’t know when that is, maybe I might have time to grow ti back, I don’t know!! So my decision has been to cut in a fringe and take some off the length, with Clemence poesy a few years ago as my inspiration: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/e8/aa/e6/e8aae645f251d8cf8cbdd871e7050388.jpg
I say go for it – can always grow it out if need be!
Absolutely, it will always grow back, Anna. Love Clemence’s hair in that picture, gorgeous!
I’ve just googled if brunettes can use the Sea Waves spray and apparently ‘blonde is an attitude’. I’m off to get myself a bottle.
Miranda – go for the chop! A change is as good as a rest x
Blonde is an attitude, love it! Eek, just need to find time to make an appointment! x
Oh yeah they absolutely can! I was a brunette when it was out the first time around and was completely addicted to it. I’m so so excited it’s back, off to search the nearby boots and superdrug in my lunch break.
Oh my gosh I loved sea waves. So happy it is back! Used to get through loads of that. Oh and Sun In (may avoid that this time round!). I’d love to be brave enough to go for a bob but my hair is such a random half curly, half straight mess that I don’t think I could be bothered to style it! x
Step away from the Sun In Charlotte! x
I’m brunette and a big fan of the Sea Waves Lauren. It’s amazing!
Sarah I am definitely purchasing!
I took the plunge the day after getting back from honeymoon and chopped my very long locks into a bob and was the best thing. I had been growing it for the wedding over a very long time and it has started to break and was in a pretty bad condition. Going back to a bob has made it thicker and it feels so much healthier. I am definitely going to try this sea waves spray – sounds amazing.
Ooh, that’s good to hear Helen, I just need to find time to make an appointment!
So good to hear. I’m growing mine (or really just trying to keep it long) for my wedding. We’re a bit unsure when that will be through, possibly might spring it as a surprise on everyone at our September “engagement party” – eeek! So I kinda need to resist the siren call of a long wavy bob until then… gah. Getting a fringe cut in and some of the length off on Thursday – desperately need some kind of change!!
Miranda I am having the same dilemma, I really feel I need a drastic change – I’m thinking long bob but can’t decided on a fringe (or what kind of fringe?!) and I need to find a product that’s quick and easy to create texture/volume but doesn’t irritate my face!
I think a longer wavy bob would look fab on you! equally as per the model above.
I still have a picture of Naomi Watts from about 6 years ago that is my ultimate inspiration! *Off to check out MC website* x
I have to do something, my hair is in terrible condition right now!
I would go for nice soft side fringe Char, then it grows out nicely if you regret it or get def up and you can pin it out of the way. Would look super on you! Xx
I went for the chop in the summer to a long bob and I didn’t regret it. I have very recently taken it shorter and though I like it, it’s not practical for me, I need to be able to tie my hair up when it gets in the way. I feel like I would have regretted the cut had I gone straight for the short bob because of that but the long bob first helped me to get used to it first. On the heat damage, allowing my hair to air dry except on the very odd time has improved my hair condition so much. I started it with long hair and it was a bit of a pain but with short hair it dries much quicker.
That’s interesting to know Caoimhe. I do quite a lot of exercise so I like to be able to tie my hair up. I have always been one for mostly air drying my hair but this winter, I don’t know, something’s changed and I’ve been blowdrying it much more. Can definitely see the effects…
As someone who went for the chop a year ago and have been wearing a chin length no layers bob since id say head straight for a shorter bob! They grow out so fast so i get it cut chin length but mostly i am sporting a long bob as i cant afford to get it chopped more than every 10 weeks! The no layers thing works well for yoga/fitness class as it all ties up kirby grip free! X
Good point about the layers Rachel, I want to keep kirby grips to an absolute minimum!
Or one long layer just slightly shorter than the length will add a bit if movement but essentially look like a blunt cut and will make it look and feel thicker! I say go straight to short. I always get disappointed with my cuts when I play it safe, seems like a waste of money!
I blame Sienna Miller for all of this – she just looks too good!!! I’m having the exact same dilemma just now but I’m nearly 7 months pregnant and worried that if I go for the chop now, I will feel less feminine somehow without my longer hair to counterbalance the loss of control over my body (what if my face suddenly puffs out for example?!) – but I can’t help thinking how much easier it would be when baby arrives to have shorter hair that I could let air dry….it’s so tricky – I think about this way too much for someone who should be planning for baby’s arrival and has a lot on at work…..
Oh my goodness I am having the exact dilemma! My baby not due until August, but I am already starting to think my long lifeless hair is a bit mumsy and I should chop the lot into a funky youthful bob! But at the same time, thinking the length would make it easier to just pull into a pony and be done with it. Then again, shorter hair would be quicker to wash and dry, but longer to style? Arrrghhh! I grew it long for my wedding, but then went straight to a bob after the honeymoon. I instantly regretted it and have spent the last 16 months growing it back again! So i’m actually confused why I want it short in the first place (it really is all Sienna’s fault she looks so damn good!)… Sod it. i’m keeping the length but getting a fringe instead.
I’m blaming Sienna too!
I had bum-length hair until fairly recently – then my mum died and I decided I needed a change (because times of emotional trauma are obviously the best times to make large decisions about your appearance, no?!). So I had it all chopped off into a chin length bob. She literally chopped off my ponytail. It was hugely scary, but a great decision to make and I’m so pleased with it. I have poker straight hair too, and the advantage of that is that I can flip my head upside down, blow dry it and then run a pair of straighteners over it in the time it just took me to dry my long hair. And I feel a lot more ‘groomed’ with it; on non-hair washing days I just spritz it with dry shampoo to give it some volume again and we’re good to go.
The only down side is the huge jump in haircutting requirements. I used to get it done every 6 months, now it’s closer to every 6 weeks.
Wow, that sounds drastic Sara, but good that it worked out (I made some big decisions right after my mum died too, including giving up my job!)
I went for a long bob this time last year and loved it – healthier hair, easier to style etc etc. And that’s from someone who was convinced only long hair suited them after a very unflattering bob experience around the age of 14! (It obviously took quite a long time to get over it!) I’ve never tried the beach waves product – is it easy to use and does it work for fine hair? I think I might just try and purchase some at lunchtime!
It’s very easy to use and good for fine hair although I haven’t tried the new version yet, it must be at least as good as the original though?
Your hair would look great like this Miranda. There is something about a tousled blonde bob that you can’t beat. I find rubbing a tiny bit of wax into the ends helps to separate the lengths a little. My hair is about the length of the pic above but I’m now growing my fringe out to get more of a messed up look! I also find that the less layers in a bob the easier it is to manage. Too many and I seem to have Lego hair! Xx
Aw thanks Hannah. I think fewer layers would be better for making my hair look a bit thicker too. I’m sure you never have Lego hair btw! x
I have just had mine cut off again after 4 years of growing it. I got so bored with the long hair (and am terribly lazy with mine). I love it bobbed! Mine is wavy/curly with unfortunate kinks but with this lengths it’s much easier to make it look good without spending ages! As for beach waves, I love Toni&Guy’s seasalt spray – the smell and texture always remind me of our honeymoon in Cuba 🙂
Ooh, great to hear that you’re loving your bob Maike! I’ve never tried Toni & Guy’s seasalt spray, one for the list and ace that it reminds you of your honeymoon in Cuba!
Perfect post for me after cutting my hair into a long bob yesterday. After having long hair for quite a long time, I was pretty stressed about the change and woke up with a what-have-I-done feeling today! I now know I’m in good company with the long bob. Go for it Miranda! X
I’m going to try and get an appointment this weekend, so you’re a few days ahead of me Lucy! Hope you’ve shaken off that what-have-I-done-feeling by now! X
I had really long hair last year, quite thin and blonde. Anyway I always find I get a fringe then grow it out then get another then as soon as I have it get fed up. A side fringe is definitely my fave option as it grows so quick if you want it out. Anyway, so I went for just past shoulder to start with and loved it! It felt much more manageable could do waves could do sleek and still put it up for gym work etc. Then a few months later, thinking how I had enjoyed it so much decided to go for proper Bob! Big mistake! Reason I think I have hated it so much, she put me some really short layers in and it’s been a nightmare! They flick out and won’t stay put even with a ton of product and when trying to do waves just look a mess! Cue months of depression over my hair, it’s now finally reaching shoulders and beyond and I am getting a lot happier again! I think had I not had super short layers I would have really liked it! And I since read on tips for good bobs are not to have layers and keep it one length to avoid the mum Bob look! Whether that’s true or just down to how good the stylist is with layers! Who knows but I would avoid them like the plague when cutting mine again! When my hair was longer layers were fine, just not when th layers are above my ears thanks ha!! Good luck with it and def go for it, I would perhaps go slightly longer to start with if it’s a big change and see how you feel! X
A few people have said to avoid layers Alex, sounds like that’s key, and will also mean that I can shove it up in a ponytail as needed. Happy to hear you’re at a happier length now! X
I’m pretty desperate to chop my hair very short at the moment. I have wavy hair and I long for the short, easy, quick wash bob I rocked in my teens. My hair’s nearly to the small of my back and looks pretty if I bother to style it, but most of the time it’s really messy. The only thing stopping me is that I’m getting married in July and I don’t want to regret such a drastic change in the future!
I’m in the same boat! Recently engaged, possibly getting married in September and I’ve had long hair all my adult life except for an ill-advised blunt cut v short bob which kind of traumatised me a few years ago…
I’ve booked in to get a long fringe and to get a couple of inches off and figure I’ll go from there, happily even a disaster will have time to grow out before Sept.
Just think, at least you only have to wait till July for the chop! And you could always do like me and get a proper trim (a few inches) and different style to tide you over in the meantime…
A long fringe sounds like a good plan Anna and, you know what, I’m quite liking it even now it’s grown out, it adds a bit of softness around my face, when it’s down or in a ponytail.
You’re off to a flyer for a boho bob with naturally curly hair Jemma! Hmm, the wedding issue is tricky and you need to consider your dress and whether you want to wear it up or down, most of all you want to be happy, which you will be anyway, of course, but it helps if you’re not hating your hair! Celebs like Sienna and January Jones is another one, prove that a bob can really work with a fabulous frock at a special occasion…
I went for the chop two Fridays ago – I literally woke up walked into the bathroom took one look at myself and started ringing around trying to find a last minute appointment anywhere in east London! I got about 4 inches chopped and felt instantly better. The stylist dried it poker straight to check the cutting then she tousled it and finished off with salt spray – which I’ve got to invest in again! I have put on quite a lot of weight since my wedding and a move to London and the new cut has given me more confidence and the get up to start shifting the lbs!! Lauren is right – a change is as good as a rest! Go for it Miranda! Ps. Happy Pancake Tuesday everyone xo
Happy Pancake Tuesday to you too Helen! I’m at that point where I desperately need my hair cutting. Will be doing the anywhere in East London thing myself this weekend. X
I just had a couple of inches off my long hair so its still long but it makes such a difference to how it looks (less rat tails!) Just a silly comment that my husband always says women of an age (30+ which is young!!! ) and particularly new mummies always chop their hair into a bob and now I’m pregnant I think he’s dreading me suggesting it!!! But I won’t although I love a bob on girls and women of all ages I just don’t think it would suit me.
Be brave Miranda and go for it – what’s the worst that can happen?!!
Exactly Victoria and I can start growing it immediately if I don’t like it!
Haha it’s like you read my mind sometimes! I’ve just booked an appointment to have a long bob put in, I’m thinking of a shoulder length messy one, maybe slightly shorter at the back than the front! I’ve never used the John Frieda one, I’ve got the tgf salt spray at the mo, which I like too.
Excited to get all this hair chopped off, less for my little monkey to tug on xxx
Haha, promise I’m not a mind reader Tabitha. I’m going to stop going on about the John Frieda reissue and just buy it already! xxx
I am in exactly the same boat.After having a pixie crop for over 14 years I decided,after getting engaged,that I wanted to grow my hair for my wedding. A year later and my hair is just touching the bottom of my neck in a Bob style but the winter has left it dry with split ends. When I wash it loads false out and I am now thinking I’d getting it cut into a shirt bob style and growing out the fringe. Trouble is I am almost scared to book the appointment! Good luck what ever you decide I’m sure it will look fabulous x x x
Thank you Omie, good luck with whatever you decide too! xxx
Oooo I was at the hairdressers the other weekend & totally chickened out of chopping the hair! I was considering getting a long bob, but my issue is I HAVE to have a fringe (I think I have a giant forehead!) so was really worried that a long bob would just make my slightly square face look even squarer?!!
At the moment my hair crush is Kirsten Dunst in this picture: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/226024475024605919/
The reality is I have super straight hair just like you – BUT maybe some of this super beach spray will make my dreams come true!!! {zooms straight to the shops!!} xx
LOVING Kirsten’s hair in that picture Rebecca, oh to have a celebrity hairstylist on hand! xx
Do it! I went through a little hair mid life crisis days before my big 3-0 and decided to lop of my very long hair to a bob and it was brilliant! I’ve noticed that in the Winter my hair goes flat and thin and cutting it into a bob was the best thing – I had so much more volume and it looked so much more “vogue”. I looked to this fantastic Beverley Hills hairdresser that I found on Pinterest – Mister AnhCo Tran – http://www.misteranhcotran.com/ There are some seriously awesome haircuts here.
I do miss my long hair at times – sticking it into a high bun was great for bad hair days but when I’ve got the beachy wave thang going on – I love it! It’s getting to a point where it needs another trim – I’ll prob use one of the pics from Mister AnhCo Tran as my inspiration and go a little shorter. Then perhaps let it grow out over summer when my hair just grows so fast. Hope that helps?! xx
That helps a lot Rachel, you’re right, it’s perfect timing to go shorter, my hair grows fast over the summer too! xx
Such a dilemma…I went for the chop last year after getting back from a trip to the desert as I was desperate for a change and my hair was ruined from sun, chlorinated water and being tied up in a bun 24/7…however like you I wanted to be able to tie it back for exercise and the like.
I decided to have it slightly longer at the front (a bit old school) but it wasn’t really graduated it just made me feel less naked around my face and made it a dream to tie back for work/yogs. My hair dressed gave me bumble and bumble thickening hairspray to lift the root and then surf spray for the mid lengths and ends. I’m also a massive fan of osis drama queen. My hair kept the wave which was a surprise as it’s pretty heavy.
I’ve just gone for a fringe whilst I’m growing my hair for the summer in an attempt to stop me cutting it all off again.
I say go for it for it. You’ll look hot! Happy hair cutting. X
Thanks Lizzie! Big fan of Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Spray too!
I’m your hair twin! Well not really, it’s brunette, thick, and curly, but I went from long with a fringe to a bob the same length as the picture above. I’m happy with the cut but I feel like it’s a bit boring – I also wanted something I could wear ‘messy’ but it turns out at this length I can only do proper curly or properly straight. Messy doesn’t seem to happen as it involves making it straight then messing it up – too much work!
My fringe was quite easy – I only had to style the fringe and could let the rest do it’s thing. It does dry much quicker now though, and also grows out quickly. It’s been 8 weeks and it’s already nearly brushing the tops of my shoulders.
I’m now debating whether to have my fringe cut back in in a Blondie-style bob-thing(!) or grow it a bit into a one length shoulder length bob plus fringe.
Current hair inspiration:
http://www.haironthebrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Debbie-Harry-1976-Bob-Gruen.jpg
Hellooo hair twin! Who knew it was such hard work to make one’s hair messy – that should be easy! Debbie Harry is basically my inspiration for, well, life, but hair too. Love her!
I just checked – it’s not been 8 weeks at all – it’s been 5! It grows fast! Too soon to have it cut again though (sits on hands).
I chopped my long, very blonde hair into a just under chin ombré (warm dark brown to blonde) just before Christmas. I flippin love it! The surprise bonus of this was thats entire wardobe became new as how an outfit looked with my California girl locks is completely transformed with my dark bob!
Not sure I will stay a shorty forever, and am already plotting a platinum comeback for the sunshiney months but for now, it’s me!
I kept my hair long for my wedding day but held a charity lunch the next day in the tepees and chopped my ponytail off and donated it to princess trust and raised nearly £6k for our local special needs school…plus it meant I could wear my wedding dress for 2 days 🙂
I chopped my waist length, in perfect condition ombre hair into a chin length Bob and donated my hair, then my now fiancé proposed a month later! Now I’m a bit gutted because I wish I still had long hair for the wedding! It certainly feels better and less annoying to have short hair but admittedly I do miss how it looked long, especially the colour. My bob is too choppy for ombre at the moment. I wish I’d gone shoulder length first.
Gofor the cut! This time last year i went from long long to long bob and on Saturday i went from long to bob! It still ties back *just* its not all less work as there’s a bit more blow dry than blasting dry but it looks so much healthier. Plus totes in fashion ; )