The graduated bob is a fashionable and adaptable hairstyle that has grown in popularity due to its contemporary appearance and versatility. Depending on your face shape and personal style, this haircut can be customized for short, medium, or long hair.
This haircut is a great option for people who want to add some flair to their hair because it creates layers that add volume and movement. It’s particularly attractive for those who want a stylish yet manageable haircut.
This post will address who looks best with the graduated bob, how it can be tailored for varying hair lengths, and how to style it. We’ll also offer some advice on how to get the ideal look, whether you go to a salon or do it yourself.
| Hair Length | Who Suits It | How to Style It |
| Short | Best for those with fine or thin hair, as it adds volume and texture. Great for oval and round face shapes. | Use a volumizing mousse and blow-dry with a round brush. Finish with a texturizing spray for a tousled look. |
| Medium | Ideal for those with straight or slightly wavy hair. Suits most face shapes, especially heart and square. | Apply smoothing serum before blow-drying. Use a flat iron to create sleek, defined layers. Add a shine spray for a polished finish. |
| Long | Perfect for those with thick hair, adding movement and reducing bulk. Suits oval and long face shapes. | Use a lightweight leave-in conditioner. Blow-dry with a paddle brush, then use large curling irons to create soft waves. Finish with a light hold hairspray. |
Features of the classic version
The bob haircut’s emergence in the early 1900s is linked to a minor scandal. At that time, women did not wear their hair short. This is why there was a public uproar when dancer Irene Castle chopped off her hair because it was in the way of her performance. However, this hairstyle turned into a sort of prototype for the iconic bob, which is credited to the renowned French hairstylist Antoine de Paris.
The straight hairstyle and distinct lines are characteristics of this variety. The haircut is frequently mistaken for a bob. The absence of a consistent, even cut is the primary distinction. The occipital strands of a classic bob are shorter than the front curls. The silhouette generally has a bean-like appearance. It is frequently done on short hair and without bangs.
General description
The traditional bob haircut gave rise to other styles, such as the graduated bob. With so many options, it’s affordable for any woman. There are no limitations on hair length, occupation, or age. It is only crucial to select a variety that will enhance the image’s elegance or, conversely, lend a hint of audacity and mischief. Graduation will visually revitalize and enhance the health of the curls while also masking minor facial imperfections.
Changes in hairstyle from long to short can be gradual or sudden. This is the distinction between a traditional bob, which has a single silhouette line, and a bolder haircut. Furthermore, it is thought that the graduated version has more facets. You can do it with long hair, add bangs, mix it with other techniques, etc.
Take note! Curly hair is one restriction for a graduated bob. They are unable to fully convey the hairstyle’s uniqueness.
Who it suits
The following advice from stylists and hairdressers should be taken into consideration when selecting a haircut for short, medium, or long hair:
- this hairstyle looks most advantageous on those with an oval, square or rectangular face. In the last two cases, it successfully corrects the shape;
- straight bangs in combination with a graduated bob make the right accent on high, beautiful cheekbones;
- if the face is full, round, you should give preference to oblique bangs;
- features such as a short neck, rough features or an elongated face shape are not a reason to refuse a fashionable hairstyle. Complement it with thick, torn bangs, which should be combed to the side;
- thin hair needs to be cut especially carefully. All lines should be smooth, otherwise the hairstyle may seem sloppy;
- for owners of thick strands, a graduated bob will help remove excessive volume.
Preparatory stage
Any hairstyle that features graduation is challenging to test on your own. Additionally, the salon master will need to make a few minor adjustments in order to select an appropriate option for the client and skillfully execute it. In Moscow, a hairdresser’s professional services typically run about 1000 rubles. It will be feasible to make smaller payments in the regions.
In order to create a graduated bob at home, it helps to watch the instructional video ahead of time and have hairdressers, a few mirrors, thick-toothed scallops, hairpins, and clamps ready. In the end, feng and brawing come in handy.
Suggestions. Wet, clean hair is used for the haircut.
Interesting haircut options
There are numerous ways to achieve this fashionable hairstyle because the graduated bob works well for a variety of hair lengths. Older women with short curls can choose a haircut. It looks good on young ladies as well, particularly when paired with asymmetry. Any types of beans with graduation are possible on the middle hair, with or without bangs. In this instance, the strands typically extend to the middle of the neck, but a shorter length is also an option. If you select the appropriate haircut technique, this hairstyle can aid in correcting the oval shape of the face.
The bob looks very feminine on long hair. You can create a range of hairstyles using it as a base, frequently altering the appearance. Many times, the extended version is performed without bangs. Curls may be wavy or straight. The front strands of the hairstyle are long, a la bob-caret haircut, but the silhouette of the style is retained. At the same time, the occipital curls stop being overly short, which lessens the prominence of the volume at the back of the head.
It is best to make a multi-layered graduated bob on weakened, thin strands. First of all, this is more volume. Secondly, discarding any broken or disorganized ends. Such a bob has a cascading or ladder-like cut. Almost all girls can pull this look off, but young women with round faces should definitely see a stylist to ensure the new hairstyle doesn’t accentuate their facial oval.
Any partings, such as asymmetrical, straight, or oblique, go well with a graduated bob.
Bangs are not required for this particular haircut. However, there are instances when using their assistance is required to adjust the facial shape. You have the following options to select from:
- graduated bangs – not suitable for women with thin strands. Optimal for a square face shape. Makes the image bold, perky;
- straight – suitable for girls with a high forehead. On thin hair, it can start from the crown. Bangs the length of the eyebrows are appropriate if the nose and cheekbones are not too large;
- oblique – goes well with a bob, but only done on straight hair. The elongated version will be a good solution for women with an oval, round or square face;
- asymmetrical – ideal for smooth, thick curls. Helps to visually narrow a square face shape.
A haircut that contrasts with different types of coloring looks especially good on multilayered hair. Select highlights to draw attention to specific curls on top of the hair. Coloring with three to four similar shades will work well as well.
Execution technology
To cut your own hair, adhere to these guidelines:
- Separate the top part of the hair, remove it with clips.
- Draw a horizontal line through the lower part of the back of the head.
- Comb the curls in this part well and cut strictly horizontally. In this hairstyle, the back view should be perfect, so invite an assistant – mom, sister, friend.
- Continue cutting the hair in the back of the head, placing strand after strand.
- Next, move to the temples. Separate the strands, align them and cut without pulling.
- Return to the back of the head to start grading. Horizontally separate the wide part, take some hair from the middle and cut, while pulling at an angle of 45 °C.
- Perform similar actions, gradually moving towards the crown.
- Having reached the crown, comb all the strands back and graduate again. The principle remains the same.
- Dry your hair with a hairdryer, using a brush. If necessary, adjust the haircut.
A clip showcasing a graduated bob hairstyle.
Video of a bangs-and-gradient bob haircut.
Haircut care
Carefully style your hair to guarantee that the graduated bob always looks gorgeous and well-groomed. It won’t take very long. It’s sufficient to lightly mousse or foam your hair, then use a comb and a hairdryer to model the silhouette. It is appropriate to apply a gel that simulates wet hair on a short haircut. You can use an iron or curling iron to curl the ends of long or medium-length hair. To keep the ends healthy and the silhouette intact, you should change your haircut once a month on average.
Take note! You must style an asymmetrical graduated bob with extra caution.
Comparison with similar models
Because of its original shape, a graduated bob is hard to mistake for another hairstyle. However, it is unlikely that an unskilled eye could tell it apart from others that are comparable. The extended version, for instance, resembles a bob-caret haircut but is more frequently styled with bangs.
Graduation often goes well with other hairstyle options, like a cascade, because it’s a technique rather than a specific haircut. However, in this instance, a bob’s recognizable shorter nape will be apparent. A version of a graduated haircut is a torn one. The strands’ edges in this instance, though, appear more jagged and almost bite-like. A split bob appears a little disorganized.
Torn bob and bob-caret
The graduated bob is a chic, contemporary haircut that flatters a wide range of face shapes and hair types. It works well on various hair lengths. This cut adds movement and volume to any hair type—short, medium, or long—making it a great option for anyone looking to look current and fashionable. Although it looks good on most people, it is particularly nice on people with straight or fine hair because it brings out the natural texture. The secret to a fantastic graduated bob is deft layering and close consideration of each client’s distinct features.
Pros and cons
Benefits of the haircut:
- universal for women of any age;
- considered fashionable for many seasons;
- visually rejuvenates the face, especially the shortened version;
- quite easy to care for;
- helps to emphasize the advantages of appearance and hide the flaws.
Drawbacks:
- requires frequent correction;
- not very suitable for doing at home;
- without styling it does not look too voluminous;
- difficult to correct;
- due to the difference in the front and back strands, it is more difficult to grow long hair.
A versatile haircut that works well on a range of hair lengths, from short to long, is the graduated bob. It’s a great option for people who want to accentuate their natural texture or create a more dynamic look because of its layered structure, which adds movement and volume.
With its balance that can soften angles or accentuate features, this style is especially attractive on a wide range of face shapes. Hairstylists and clients alike favor the graduated bob because it can be customized to fit the needs of individuals with thick or fine hair.
It’s crucial to get professional advice when thinking about this haircut in order to decide on the ideal length and layering method for your particular hair type. The graduated bob can be a chic and low-maintenance hairstyle that improves your overall look if you approach it correctly.
