When it comes to seasonal hair trends, one haircut always seems to be in fashion: the bob. And for autumn, we're seriously crushing on the ripped bob – the cooler, choppy cousin of Sofia Richie's classic French bob.
"Instead of sharp, blunt edges, the ripped bob embraces lived-in, effortless movement," says Melissa Timperley, a celebrity hairstylist and founder of Melissa Salons. “It features a predominantly one-length cut but with softly frayed, piece-y ends that bring out the texture of torn or ripped paper.” Think model off-duty vibes, which is why Elsa Hosk, Gigi Hadid, Halle Berry and Hailey Bieber are the ripped bob's poster girls.
It's precisely this effortless feel that makes the ripped bob perfect year round, but especially for autumn. “The ripped bob aligns beautifully with autumn's more relaxed, layered style ethos,” Melissa says. “Its lived-in texture suits cooler weather, making it perfect for the transitional season. It also grows out gracefully, offering continued texture and movement even months post-cut.”
Instagram content
What should you ask your hairdresser for?
It's always worth remembering that not everyone may call this style of bob ‘ripped’, so it's important to show your hairdresser visual examples (keep scrolling for our specially edited mood board).
“Ask for a bob with deconstructed, piece-y layers that give a slightly irregular, undone finish rather than sharp, blunt lines," Melissa advises. "You might describe it as a bob with softly jagged ends or a ‘ripped’ texture. Stylists may refer to it as a textured or lived-in bob—just emphasise movement and soft edges.”
In terms of length, Mason Josh, principal stylist at Josh Wood Atelier, recommends describing it as “a bob that is one to two inches longer than a classic one-length bob.”
Instagram content
Who suits a ripped bob?
The beauty of the ripped bob is that the cut is surprisingly versatile. “Fine hair benefits greatly from the added texture and apparent volume that the piece-y ends create,” says Melissa.
If you have thick hair and want to lighten up, the ripped bob can help to reduce its bulk. “Introduce airy layers, so the style doesn’t look too heavy,” she recommends. “Layering the underneath, rather than adding short layers through the top, can be a clever way to keep this look cool and not mumsy.”
The natural movement of wavy and curly hair can also play up the cut’s textured, undone vibe, Melissa notes. “However, the layers will jump up on curly hair and appear shorter,” she says – which is why Mason adds that “it's best work with your stylist on how you wear your curls first.”
The only other caveat? Remember to book in for regular trims every six weeks. “Despite its tousled look, maintaining the shape – especially the jagged ends – will still require maintenance,” says Melissa.
How should you style a ripped bob?
“Embrace the undone aesthetic of the ripped bob,” says Melissa. “For effortless texture, go heat-free and mist a salt spray or work a texturising cream through the hair and let it air-dry,” says Melissa. “If you have curls, use a diffuser and curl-defining creams to create movement without any stiffness. The goal is relaxed, slightly messy—but intentionally so.”
For a sleeker style, “keep the movement and natural texture in the hair by creating an S bend with straighteners or using mermaid tongs,” says Mason.
Instagram content
Instagram content
Instagram content
Instagram content
Instagram content
Instagram content
Instagram content
Instagram content
For more from Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR's Associate Beauty Director, follow her on @fiembleton.
