Bobs are always on trend, however, for autumn/winter 2023 there's one bob that's set to take over and has already been sported by celebs including Zendaya and, more recently, TV presenter, Susanna Reid—The Butterfly Bob.
Below, Andy Heasman, creative director of Rush Salons shares information on the cut, what differentiates it from other classic bob styles and how it should best be styled.
What is the butterfly bob?
The butterfly bob is a great choice for those who don’t want a traditional ‘block’ bob. The butterfly bob encompasses short and long layers and texture to give the hairstyle a more effortless finish. The bob usually hits between the chin and above the shoulders and featured a longer layer around the cheekbones with shorter, more feathered layers around the face to help compliment facial features and frame the face. The ends of the hair should be cut bluntly to give thickness and fullness. With that in mind, this haircut is particularly great for those with thinner hair types who want their hair to appear thicker.
The beauty of this style of bob is that it works for all face shapes. For those with a round or square face shape, the layers help to soften the face and create the illusion of a longer face shape.
I would say in terms of styling, this haircut is definitely a low maintenance style where even with little to no styling it will look incredibly sophisticated, however, it will require maintenance in regards to visiting the salon to keep the cut looking its very best - the layers trimmed and the bluntness of the ends kept thick and fresh.
How would you best style this bob?
There are so many different ways you can style the butterfly bob depending on the client's desired finish. If they want a fuller, more glamorous and polished look, you can use rollers or a hairdryer and round brush to create a more voluminous, bouncy blow-dry look. A mousse is a great product to use before creating these styles to prep the hair and give it hold.
Another way to style the look is by using heated styling irons or tongs to create a soft wave in the hair for movement. A serum or oil can then be used alongside a mist of hairspray to keep the waves in place all day and to give them a gorgeous gloss. I love the Goldwell Dualsenses Just Smooth Taming Oil.
If the client wants a lower maintenance way to style the look at home, that requires little to no effort, a texturizing spray/salt spray is a must have. This can be scrunched into their hair when damp to give it added texture and to enhance the layers. Alternatively, once dry, they can use matte product like a pomade or wax to break up the layers and give the style further movement and depth. The Goldwell Style Sign Creative Texture Texturizer Mineral Spray is one of my favorite products for achieving an effortless, tousled finish.
Credits:
Hair: Andy Heasman & Tina Farey, Rush
Photography: Jack Eames
Styling: Magdelena Jacobs
Makeup: Kelly Sadler