Move over blunt bobs and wolf cuts, there's a new hair obsession in town. Enter: The Korean 2-in-1 bob, an effortlessly chic hybrid that's taking over social media feeds and salon chairs at record speed (I don't make the rules, TikTok does).
Part classic bob, part soft-layered magic, this hairstyle is all about versatility; think sleek CEO by day, off-duty K-drama lead by night.
Want to know more? Well, in our tell-all guide to the trend, we've enlisted celebrity hairstylist George Curran (who is also the genius behind Sofia Richie Grainge's viral bob, FYI) to decode everything you need to know: what exactly the Korean bob is, who it flatters most (spoiler: basically everyone), and how to style it without needing a glam squad on standby.
Plus, whether it's low-maintenance cool-girl texture you're after or glossy, glass-hair perfection, we've got six foolproof ways to make this viral cut your most flattering transformation yet. Prepare to go screenshot mad.
What is the Korean 2-in-1 bob?
As its name would suggest, the Korean 2-in-1 bob originated in Korea (but has since taken to wide fame) and is two haircuts in one. "It’s basically an undercut," explains celebrity hairstylist George Curran. "You have a panel underneath that’s cut into a bob, and then the longer hair comes over the top." The result? A clever hybrid style that lets you switch looks in seconds.
George shapes the hair around the face so the shorter undercut connects seamlessly with the longer layers above, creating a soft, fringed texture that flatters from every angle. "When you lift the hair at the back, you get a chic little bob," he says. "When you wear it down, you’ve still got your length." In other words, it's the ultimate hair cheat: half-up, you're the cool-girl bob wearer; down, you're all flowing, long-hair energy.
Business at the jawline, party at the collarbone!
Who is best suited to the Korean 2-in-1 bob?
According to George, this cut is ideal for anyone who loves to experiment but isn't quite ready to part with their long locks. "It’s perfect if you’re afraid of losing your length completely," he says.
When it comes to face shapes, the style suits most; however, the key is having enough thickness to cover the bob underneath. Aka, it's all about your hair type. "Someone with fine hair might want to avoid it, as you need that density so the shorter layer doesn’t peek through," George explains. Length is also essential, since the longer top section needs enough weight to fall over the undercut. "You’ll also need to maintain it with regular trims on the undercut so the bob stays sharp and defined," he adds.
So, remember: You'll need to consider your hair type, overall length, and whether you can (and want to) maintain the undercut with regular salon trips.
How is the Korean 2-in-1 bob best styled?
When it comes to styling, George believes simplicity is key. "The 2-in-1 can be styled in lots of ways, but personally, I think straight looks the chicest," he says. "If you wave the hair underneath, it can poke through the top layer, so I always recommend keeping it sleek."
His go-to prep product? L'Oréal Professionnel Tecni.ART Pli, a thermo-modelling spray that locks your style in place. "It’s a backstage icon for a reason," he adds. To finish, George (and his clients) swears by Kérastase Elixir Ultime for mirror-like shine and a healthy, luxe finish.
The takeaway? The Korean 2-in-1 bob is the best of both worlds! Chic, clever, and a commitment-phobe's dream.
Korean 2-in-1 bob inspo
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from viral celebrity hair and makeup news to the latest trend predictions, she’s an expert in recognising the season’s next big beauty look (before it ends up all over your social media feeds). You’ll usually find her putting TikTok’s recent beauty hacks to the Hype Test, challenging the gender-makeup binary and social stereotypes, or fangirling over the time Kourtney Kardashian viewed her Instagram Story (yes, it’s true). Find her also on LinkedIn.
