If you're braving the chop for the first time, you may have been told it's a good idea to start longer, allowing your hairdresser to gradually chip away until you're happy with the final length. What they don't warn you, is that the urge to go shorter and shorter is a common side effect of getting a bob. As a result, spring 2025 hair trends are snippier than ever, from textured pixie cuts to statement undercuts. Looking for an entry level hairdo that's bang on trend for this season? Allow us to introduce the coveted 'micro-bob'.
Here, expert hairstylist Syd Hayes explains the history of the micro-bob haircut, as well as how to chop and style it with a modern 2025 finish.
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What Is A Micro-Bob?
'The micro-bob is a favourite of mine,' says celebrity hairstylist and Babyliss ambassador Syd Hayes. 'It’s a super-short, sleek and bold version of the classic bob haircut, which is normally cut above the jawline, anywhere between the cheekbone and just under the ears.'
Defined merely by its length, the micro-bob can take on many forms, from choppy and undone to sleek and pin-straight.
'The master of this has to be Vidal Sasson who paved the way for this in the late '60s. Now, a micro-bob may be slightly layered or textured depending on the look you’re going for. It’s a minimalist, effortless cool girl haircut, which always makes me think of the 2001 film Amelie (who had the most iconic micro-bob look).'
How Do You Cut A Micro Bob?
When it comes to cutting a micro-bob, the options are endless, but all should be left to the hands of expert stylists.
'You might want the bob to be completely blunt. For this, I love to use a clipper,' says Hayes. 'I also like to cut a micro-bob that has a sharp outline, but then razor the edges for a different feel. Ultimately though, it depends what look you’re after: blunt or layered, fringe or no fringe etc.' Continue to scroll for our guide to the best micro bob cuts for 2025.
How Do You Style A Micro Bob?
If your hair has a natural wave, styling a micro-bob can be effortless; just air dry and finish with a texture spray for that undone French appeal. Straightening can also leave a blunter micro-bob looking sleek, glossy and expensive; just be sure your cut is graphic and sharp first.
'Wrap drying was a technique I learnt years ago on a Vidal course,' add Hayes. 'It basically involves you pushing the hair around the head, wrapping the hair one side and then back around the other side of the head. This helps to put a bevel or bend on the hair so that it sits perfectly well. The BaByliss Air Wand is game changer for this at home.'
He adds that the micro-bob works well on all hair types and textures, as it gives power, elegance and confidence to a look. 'It makes fine hair look fuller, when the cut is blunt. Make sure you avoid too much layering here. On thick hair, however, the look might need a bit of internal thinning or an undercut to avoid helmet head.'
How Do You Maintain A Micro-Bob?
The only downside of the micro-bob is that regular haircuts are essential to keeping the look sharp. 'Make sure to always wash with conditioner and masks to keep the hair looking shiny and multi-dimensional, and dry shampoo can be really helpful in between washes for those with oily roots.'
The Best Micro-Bob Styling Inspiration For 2025
Blunt Micro-Bob
The most popular cut is the blunt bob finish, which works particularly well for straighter tresses. 'A micro bob is perfect for straight hair, especially when there are clean lines,' says Hayes. 'Plus it’s very low maintenance to style.'
Wavy Micro-Bob
'For wavy hair, a micro-bob reveals natural texture and movement; this look might need light layering to control volume.' Finish this off with a dry texture spray to add body and shape.
French Micro Bob
For fans of a classic French bob, this statement cut is perfect. It has all the shape and character of the traditional style, but with a shorter, sharper edge. Remember, no French bob would be complete without a statement tousled fringe.
Classic Micro-Bob
When it comes to celebrity hair inspiration, we'd recommend checking out Gracie Abrams' famous bob or Taylor Russell's grown out pixie. Both are perfect examples of elegant, red-carpet ready micro-bobs with an elegant, A-list allure.
Curly Micro-Bob
'If your hair is curly, make sure you seek out a skilled stylist as shrinkage and bulk must be considered. However, it can look absolutely amazing with the right sculpting,' Hayes advises. Not ready to commit to a textured micro-bob yet? Check out our guide to bobs for curls and waves?
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Katie Withington (she/her) is the Beauty Writer, at ELLE UK and Harper’s Bazaar. Working alongside the ELLE UK Beauty Team, she covers all things beauty for both print and digital, from finding backstage make-up trends at London Fashion Week and investigating buzzy skincare ingredients, to unzipping the beauty bags of Hailey Bieber and Margot Robbie. Prior to joining ELLE UK in 2022, Katie studied (BA) Fashion Journalism at London College of Fashion and has previously contributed to Red, Good Housekeeping and Prima.
