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The Italian bob is the effortlessly glamorous haircut bringing a touch of la dolce vita to everyday styling. In this blog, Chloe Whittle, Senior Digital and In-Salon Educator at Neäl & Wølf, shares everything you need to know about the Italian bob, from who it suits and how it differs from the French bob to the best ways to style it at home.
What is an Italian bob?
An Italian bob is a short cut that has lots of volume and a thick, blunt baseline that makes the ends of the hair look full. The style is inspired by the gorgeous Italian actresses of the 1960s, who combined their hair shape with movement. Instead of being precise and rigid, the Italian bob can be swept from side to side, tucked behind your ears or styled with bounce.
What’s the difference between a French bob and an Italian bob?
Although both styles centre around short hair, there are a few key differences between the French bob and Italian bob.
Read more about the French bob style: What is the French Bob Haircut? All Your Questions Answered
Who suits an Italian bob?
One of the reasons the Italian bob is so popular is because it can be adapted by your stylist to work with your features and hair type. For fine hair, the blunt baseline can create the illusion of thicker, fuller ends. If you have thicker hair, the style can be tailored to make sure that it falls perfectly.
Your stylist can also adjust the length according to your face shape. A slightly longer Italian bob can provide softness around the face, while a shorter interpretation makes more of a statement.
Can you get an Italian bob without a fringe?
Of course, whilst a fringe can be a gorgeous addition to an Italian bob, it isn’t essential. Without a fringe, you can experiment with a centre parting, sweep the hair into a glamorous side part or tuck the front sections behind your ears.
If you like the idea of some face-framing without committing to a full fringe, speak to your stylist about incorporating longer pieces around the front. This can add softness and movement while retaining the Italian bob’s signature full-bodied shape.
How do you cut an Italian bob?
The Italian bob is all about achieving the right shape. Typically cut to somewhere between the chin and shoulders, it has a strong, blunt baseline that creates the appearance of thick, healthy ends.
Rather than attempting such a precise cut at home, we recommend visiting a professional stylist. They can personalise the length and shape according to your hair type, texture and face shape while ensuring the finished cut retains the movement and volume that make an Italian bob so distinctive.
Take reference images to your appointment and discuss how you normally wear and style your hair. Your stylist can then create an Italian bob that feels uniquely yours. Ready to make the chop? Find your local Neäl & Wølf salon today with our Salon Finder.
Video Credit: Instagram @sashadippolito.hair
How do you style an Italian bob?
Volume is the key to a beautiful Italian bob. The aim is to create body through the roots and a smooth finish through the lengths without making the hair feel stiff or overly styled.
1. Start with a volumising wash routine
Begin with our AMPLIFY Volumising Shampoo & Conditioner. These sulphate-free formulas are ideal for giving hair an added boost, leaving it feeling thicker and fuller after washing. Find out more: AMPLIFY Collection
2. Add volume before blow-drying
Apply ENHANCE Volumising Mousse through damp hair before styling. A volumising mousse can help create additional body and lift, providing the perfect foundation for the Italian bob’s signature bounce.
3. Create a bouncy blow-dry
Using your HERØ Ceramic Round Brush 34mm, blow-dry the hair in manageable sections. Lift each section away from the root with the brush to create volume before gently curving the ends to enhance the rounded silhouette of your bob. Pay particular attention to the front sections. These can be styled away from the face for a glamorous, sweeping finish or directed according to your preferred parting.
4. Finish and hold
Once your hair has cooled, gently arrange the style with your fingers to retain its natural movement. Finish with CONTROL Hairspray to help hold your look in place without losing the soft, luxurious feel that defines the Italian bob.
Whether you prefer yours sleek and sophisticated or big, bouncy and glamorous, the Italian bob proves that shorter hair doesn’t have to mean fewer styling possibilities. With the right cut, a little volume and a beautifully polished finish, this timeless style brings effortless Italian glamour to everyday. View all of our styling products: Styling & Finishing Products
