Granny style has taken over our wardrobes, so it was only a matter of time before we became obsessed with the granny bob haircut too. From granny shorts and granny jeans to granny shoes and even espadrilles, the nostalgic trend has dominated our feeds this season and is now serving up major spring hair inspiration. The granny bob has been everywhere recently, spotted at Paris Fashion Week and on red carpets worn by the likes of Zendaya, Emma Stone, and Teyana Taylor.
What is the granny bob?
Cropped and elegant, the granny bob is the perfect short haircut to try as temperatures begin to warm up. “It’s a version of the classic graduated bob, which features layers cut short at the nape and gradually getting longer to elegantly frame your head shape,” says hairstylist Kenna Kennor, founder of New York City hair salon Kennaland.
Why is the granny bob trending?
As for why the granny bob cut is trending? Kenna cites the resurgence of vintage hair, which has us embracing nostalgic looks. “The granny bob has become classic and timeless because it’s been in and out of fashion since the 1920s, when Irene Castle became known for the Castle bob,” she says. “It swung back around in the 1960s when Vidal Sassoon made it iconic on Mary Quant, and Jackie Kennedy sported a slightly longer version.”
The classic style has withstood the test of time, and its modern iteration is no different. “It’s a very versatile haircut,” says Kenna. “Styled one way, it can be stoic and powerful. Styled another way, it can be fun and playful. It’s been around a long time and has been a staple for many iconic characters—a home base that people return to again and again.”
How to get the granny bob haircut
When it comes to salon inspo and reference photos, Kenna points to Emma Stone, who has become “a North Star” for the look. “She’s been through all the stages of growing out her hair from a shaved head, and she brought us along for the ride,” says Kenna. “Watching that journey has inspired a lot of people to embrace shorter, more structured cuts.”
Keep in mind that your hair is unique and always consult your hairstylist beforehand. “Let your stylist know your taste and allow time to discuss your current styling routine,” says Kenna. “Don’t get set on a particular image—everyone’s hair texture and face shape are different. Trust your stylist to advocate for what suits you specifically.”
Kenna recommends adding colour to create texture and dimension. The best hair colours and highlight techniques “can make the cut look even more dynamic.”
If you struggle with how to style thin hair and how to get volume in fine hair, you could benefit from getting the granny bob. “The graduation in the back of this haircut is designed to create volume, so make sure you discuss how much volume suits you,” says Kenna. “A more voluminous silhouette can change the way you need to dress your overall look, which is an exciting thing to consider.”
How to style the granny bob
If you’re into low-maintenance hair, you’re in luck. You just need a few tools and products to capture the granny bob’s cool-girl vibe. “In an ideal world, this is a low-maintenance haircut,” says Kenna. “Jump out of the shower, add a generous amount of Iles Formula Finishing Serum, comb into shape with a wide-tooth comb, and put it under a baseball cap to dry while you head to work or run errands.”
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Remember, the key word is effortless, so less is more when it comes to styling. “That’s the spirit of this haircut—there’s so much power in its shape that it needs to be approached with nonchalance,” says Kenna. “You don’t want it to look too serious or overdone. The beauty is in the effortlessness.”
This article originally appeared on Glamour US.
