'A Bob Haircut Made Me Feel Brand New' – 5 Lessons From The Fresh Start Chop

I used to say that nothing helped me beat my blues more than unboxing a shiny new lipstick shade. There was something about trying on a fresh hue, or even just meditatively doing my make-up for no special occasion at all, that felt instantly uplifting. However, this summer, no matter how many viral Mac shades, or glossy bright tones I swatched and swiped, nothing seemed to help the stubborn 'same-old, same-old' feeling I held about myself. There was only one thing for it: it was time for the bob.

Despite being completely enamoured with the bobs of Gracie Abrams, Hailey Bieber, and Lucy Boynton, I had a few common apprehensions about going for a dramatic cut. For context, I'd been wearing a glorious set of tape-in extensions that took my measly midi lengths to an impressive, near-hip style. The contrast of a blunt new bob felt utterly exposing. Part of me struggled to shake the feeling that a bob might lessen my romantic appeal; another part worried I wasn't petite enough to pull off such a daring cut.

However, as I surrendered to the talented sheers of hairdresser Samantha Cusick, these feeble worries instantly melted away. What I more-so didn't expect was how much a bob haircut would feel like a fresh start, let alone what it would teach me about confidence, self-image and personal expression. Here's everything it's taught me so far.

5 Lessons My New Bob Haircut Taught Me About A Fresh Start

1/ There's A Bob Haircut For Everyone

There are plenty of myths surrounding bob haircuts, but the most frustrating of all is the idea that you need a certain body type or facial anatomy to pull one off. Now, I'm not suggesting that every bob works for every face shape, hence why the woeful tales of bob regrets have deterred many a prime bob candidate from trying the cut. However, with the abundance of styling tutorials, try-on filters, and expert commentary available online, you can get a strong sense of the bob that might suit you before you've even stepped foot in a salon.

What I personally didn't expect from my fresh-start haircut was the newfound appreciation I'd have for features I'd long tried to 'correct' with contour and strategic posing. For me, the idea that spherical faces can't sport a bob was quickly proven wrong. In fact, the right, flattering chop can transform your facial shape, giving a face-framing look to even the roundest of cheeks.

2/ A Bob Haircut Can Help You Beat Your Blues

There's no denying that a big chop can be utterly cathartic. While I'm not recommending that anyone undergo a major hair transformation without due consideration (I'm looking at you, post-break-up readers), there's something in the notion that hair holds memories that rings true to me, despite it being complete nonsense scientifically.

As someone who has changed her colour, cut, and style many times over the last fifteen years, I can't help but attach certain hair moments to specific periods of my life: the drastic bleach that followed my first relationship breakdown; the playful box-dye experiments I indulged in throughout lockdown; the bold letterbox red I stayed loyal to during the first two years of my career.

There's something romantic about linking the many eras of life to a hairstyle, and equally, about allowing a negative one to close with an intentional chop. Remember, a bob can be a full stop, or even a 'The End,' if you need it to be.

3/ In A Rut? A Style Pivot Can Help

It's not just the physical act of cutting off your hair (and with it, a sentimental part of yourself) that can spark that 'shiny and new' feeling. Think of a bob haircut as a personal rebrand: a bold transformation that helps you lean into a new aesthetic, much like a rugged vintage jacket or an edgy new perfume. It's a key to unlocking another facet of your personality.

For me, shedding those princess-style locks has helped me embrace other aspects of my personal style. With a bouncy blow-dry, it exudes an effortlessly expensive appeal that has me reaching for red lipstick and oversized, statement Gucci sunglasses. Worn tousled and air-dried, it channels the breeziest 'cool girl' vibe - think masculine edge, armed with powerful, architectural fashion silhouettes and a smokey, cowboy-inspired perfume.

It's not just about the bob; any exposing new haircut will give you space to get playful, and explore what your new signature style could be.

4/ A Bob Haircut Is Effortlessly Cool

Whether you're channelling that uber-chic Christy Turlington '90s bob or a sleek, modern boyfriend cut à la Hailey Bieber, there's no denying that all the it-girls have, at one stage, sported a statement short crop. Given the cut is right (for example, not too short for your face shape, not overly layered, and not excessively angular), anyone can achieve that direct-from-a-Pinterest-board bob aesthetic. Already, mere days into my own bob haircut, I've never felt cooler. Not to mention, the much-needed trim made has my hair look thicker, healthier, and glossier than ever.

Not sold? Rather than looking solely to models and celebs for inspiration, try scrolling through Fashion Week street style and esteemed hair salons' Instagram pages. You'll get a realistic idea of how a bob can be styled for everyday life, with examples across a range of face shapes, hair types, and natural finishes. Just skip the AI-generated inspo.

5/ Stop Hiding Behind Your Hair

After eight months of sporting Aphrodite-worthy, hip-grazing hair extensions, the idea of a drastic cut felt exposing. As I wrestled with the thought of stripping away the glossy lengths that had long been my signature, I began to wonder just how much I had been using my faux hair as a crutch for missing confidence. The answer? A lot.

As previously mentioned, a bob haircut can allow you to transform your look, and it can bring out features you'd never dared spotlight before. But more than that, it means you're not hiding your face behind inches and inches of long, flowing hair. It also can mean confronting some of your deeper hidden insecurities, or the roots of those rut-driving feelings.

In conclusion, a bob haircut has made me feel completely brand new, from the emotional lift of losing some length to the air of effortless chicness it brings to my everyday look. Not to mention, an unwavering boost of confidence.

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Katie Withington

Beauty Writer

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.