The Doll Bob Haircut Is About to Be Winter’s Biggest Hair Trend

Samir Hussein/Getty Images; Instagram/@lilyjcollins

Looking for bob haircut inspiration for fall and winter 2024? Try something retro! That’s what our favorite beauty icons are doing, anyway.

No, we’re not talking about the Old Hollywood bob (though we love that cut too). We mean the doll bob, Old Hollywood’s even older, sleeker, and lower-maintenance sister. As seen on stars like Lily Collins and Jung Ho-yeon this fall, and countless others earlier this year, the low-key look proves that you don’t have to go big to make a serious hair—or fashion—statement that pulls from the past.

“The doll bob brings a retro vibe with a modern twist, combining the elegance of classic glamour with contemporary touches,” Jennifer Korab, celebrity hairstylist, colorist, educator, and founder of Renaissance Salon & Spa, tells Glamour.

If you’re struggling to picture it, think: a flapper bob meets a ’90s bob with contemporary elements and styling. “It’s usually a chin-length cut with soft, rounded edges that give it a refined yet fun look,” Korab continues. “The doll bob has a gentler, fuller shape with a slight inward curve, offering a youthful, doll-like effect.”

It’s also on the shorter, blunter side of bob haircuts, adds Olya Iudina, a stylist at IGK NYC. “It has a bit of elevation in the back,” she continues. “There’s not a lot of texture, and no layering.”

As for why this look is trending now? Because it’s fall, of course! “Summertime is all about relaxed, lived-in, and carefree hairstyling. As we transition into cooler temps, most women want a change in their hairstyle, and this cut delivers,” says Michelle Cleveland, celebrity hairstylist, extensions artist, educator, and owner of Hair Addict Salon & Extension Bar. “It’s such a classic look that will never go out of style, so if you’re trying to jump on this trend it’s kind of a safe bet.”

It also doesn’t hurt that it made its debut on Emily in Paris. “I’m a big fan of Emily in Paris and this season gave us Emily rocking this trendy and fashionable look,” Cleveland adds.

While it’s reminiscent of early 20th century’s biggest bob haircuts, Gregory Patterson, Sally Beauty’s celebrity stylist and DIY expert, notes that you’ve almost definitely seen a similar style in more recent years. “There isn’t anything new about this style besides the updated name of a classic bob technique that Vidal Sassoon has made famous,” he says. Sassoon did, indeed, coin his trademark look in 1964.

There’s a reason why this type of bob haircut keeps making its way back to the zeitgeist, though: It seems to look good on everyone. “What’s special about a bob haircut is they really can be suited for all face shapes, hair types, and hair textures,” says Patterson.

The doll bob is especially versatile, adds Korab. “It works well on oval, heart, and square face shapes, as its soft edges balance and flatter facial features,” she explains. “A longer version is ideal for round faces to add length.”

That’s part of why everyone wants in this year: After seeing so many celebrities pull the look off, people are finally feeling ready to take the plunge. “In my experience, I’ve cut a lot more bobs in 2024 than usual,” says Iudina. Plus, much of the look’s impact lies in its styling and exact length.

“Clients ask for bobs at every length all day, every day, but what’s unique here is that the ‘doll bob’ leans into a more vintage, polished look and involves more glamour in the styling,” adds Patterson. And you can keep that look with a longer bob or even lob, like Kim Kardashian or Coco Jones.

Cleveland says the same. “This cut is very versatile and can work with most face shapes, however, styling it is a different story,” she explains. “For example, someone with a rounder face may want to avoid tucking the hair behind the ears as it can create the illusion of an even wider face shape. Similarly, someone with a longer face shape may want to avoid cutting this style above the jawline as it would bring attention to the elongation of the jawline.”

Feeling inspired? Here’s what to ask for at the salon: “I would recommend you ask your stylist for a chin-length bob with soft, rounded edges that gently curve inward to frame your face,” says Korab. “Emphasize that you’re looking for volume and movement, avoiding sharp lines for a softer, more feminine look. For a more vintage look, I would ask for a subtle bevel at the ends and a polished finish.” They will work with you to ensure the most flattering length for your face shape.

Now for the really fun part: styling. “To style a doll bob, apply volumizing mousse like Kerastase Densifique to damp hair and blow-dry with a round brush for lift and curling the ends inward,” says Korab. “For texture, use a one-inch curling iron to create soft waves—my favorite iron for this is The Beachwaver. I recommend leaving the ends out for a more relaxed look.”

For a sleeker finish, run a flatiron through small sections, curling the ends. “Finish with a lightweight texturizing spray and flexible hold hairspray,” she says. Just be sure not to overstyle it, adds Patterson. “Keep your products either ‘skinny or smoothing,’” he says. “Remember, the more volume you add to this bob, the more dated it will become.”

Still on the fence? Iudina has some parting words: “If you’re thinking about it, just do it. It’s not hard to style and it will look gorgeous with lots of styles.”

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Danielle Sinay is the associate beauty editor at Glamour. Follow her on Instagram @daniellesinay.

Originally Appeared on Glamour