4 Steps To Maintaining A Bob Haircut, From Regular Trims To At-Home Care

Whether it’s a statement-making blunt bob or a polished Italian bob, this short hairstyle is no doubt a defining look for 2025. But now that you’ve committed to a bob, maintaining it can feel tricky, especially if you’ve transitioned from having longer locks.

‘The main concern is that a bob can look grown out quite quickly, so clients can end up wanting for an appointment more often,’ says senior stylist Andreas Wild at Larry King, Notting Hill. He’s a fan of a lived-in bob, but admits that those with fine hair can find that their bob looks heavier at the bottom without as it grows out.

4 steps to maintaining a bob haircut

Regular trims

It’s all down to preference, and hair grows at different rates for everyone but in general, Wild recommends a trim every 7 weeks.

Having a good relationship with your hairstylist helps, too. ‘I have clients who will send me a picture of their hair after a few weeks to ask me if they are ready to come in if they aren't sure themselves,’ says Wild.

A personalised approach

Wild’s best advice for keeping your bob in top form? ‘Getting it cut regularly, working with your natural texture and asking your hairdresser for advice on how to maintain it best,’ shares Wild, as it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.

'Make sure you have a proper consultation, ask your stylist to analyse your face shape, talk about your lifestyle and be honest here - to make sure your bob works for you.’

As for trimming your bob at home? Just don’t do it – it’s not worth sacrificing a great cut!

At-home nourishment

A hair oil that suits your hair type will help to hydrate the hair and keep it healthy. Wild is a fan of Larry King’s Spoilt For Choice as it ‘contains rosemary oil to encourage growth’. Team ELLE also rates Kérastase Glaze Drops for fine hair, Olaplex No7 Bonding Oil for processed and dyed locks and Bread Beauty Supply Hair Oil for curls.

‘Investing in a great scalp scrub is a good idea, just like you exfoliate your face every so often, it's important to do that with your scalp too,’ adds Wild.

ELLE Edit: The Bob Essentials

Larry King Spoilt For Choice Hair Oil

£55 at Cult Beauty

Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Hair Oil

£35 at LookFantastic

£39 at Boots

Bread Beauty Supply Hair Oil

Now 40% Off

$13 at Space NK

Paul Mitchell Flexible Style Hot Off the Press

£18 at LookFantastic

Careful styling

'A great little trick if you don't want to wash your hair too much, straighten your hair instead and/or go over with some tongs,' says Wild. 'It can make your bob look brand new.'

That said, shorter lengths doesn't mean you should scrimp on hair protection. If you're using heated tools, make sure to use a heat protector beforehand to avoid frying your ends and incorporate a nourishing mask weekly to keep your strands hydrated and glossy.

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Medina Azaldin

Beauty Editor, ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK

Medina Azaldin is the beauty editor of ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK, working across print and digital features. She has more than seven years journalism experience and has previously written for Red and Good Hoousekeeping. When she's not demystifying the latest skincare ingredient, sniffing out the next big perfume trend or uncovering the science behind wellness practices, you'll most likely find her in Hatchards Piccadilly or watching a crime series with her cats. Oh, and she's a competitive cheerleader, too.