- A softer, airier take on the classic bob, the cloud bob is all about floaty layers and natural bounce.
- It works on most face shapes and hair types (especially wavy, curly, or fine hair with internal layers).
- The styling is relatively low-maintenance, especially compared to other bob haircuts.
I often feel like I could float on a cloud (usually after one too many espresso martinis or when someone actually likes my Instagram story). But now, thanks to the 'cloud bob,' I don't have to rely on caffeine or validation to feel weightless. Instead, I can... simply get a haircut. I mean, why wouldn't you want to be drifting around on cloud nine with hair that resembles pillow-soft, suspiciously effortless, cumulonimbus chic?
The cloud bob is here, which means suddenly, my head is 70 percent air, 30 percent product, and 100 percent full of itself. That said, to really understand what defines the cut, who it's best suited to, and how to style it, we spoke to Kieran Tudor, hairdresser and founder of CENTRED, who shared all of their expertise below.
Prepare to wake up mid-heavenly ascension with the cloud bob...
What is the cloud bob?
The cloud bob is a softer, lighter, and more ethereal take on the classic bob, defined by its floaty movement and airy volume rather than sharp, structured lines. "Think soft, diffused layers that create that cloud-like lift," says Tudor. "It’s less about precision and more about texture, movement, and natural bounce."
While the look first began appearing in salons and on runways towards the end of 2023, it has truly taken off over the past year. According to Tudor, this rise is thanks to a wider shift towards lived-in, effortless hair. "Clients want cuts that feel natural and expressive, not overly done. The cloud bob fits perfectly with that desire for softness and authenticity."
Who is the cloud bob best suited to?
With such a playful, whimsical, and rather untechnical name, many might be turned away from the cloud bob. However, this trend is far more versatile than it may seem. Its signature airy volume softens features and balances proportions, making it a great match for oval, round, and heart-shaped faces. It can also look flattering on square face shapes when tailored correctly. "For square faces, I adjust the layers to keep the look elongated rather than boxy, " Tudor explains.
The only face shape he warns to approach with caution is a very long face, as adding height at the crown can lengthen the silhouette further. "But with the right face-framing pieces, even that can be balanced," he adds. "No one needs to avoid it entirely—it just needs the right adaptation."
The cut also works beautifully across a range of hair types. "Wavy and curly textures naturally create the cloud-like halo the look is known for, while coily hair delivers a sculpted, rounded version of the trend," says Tudor. He also tells me that fine hair can also take on the shape well, especially with invisible internal layers that add movement without thinning out the ends.
The only texture that requires a bit more styling support is very straight, heavy hair, which may need volumizing products to prevent the shape from dropping too quickly.
How to style and maintain the cloud bob
When it comes to creating the voluminous cloud bob, styling begins at the root. Kieran recommends starting with scalp care (think: a light massage before washing to boost circulation). From there, he suggests washing with a volumizing shampoo to help create lift.
To dry, diffuse on low heat, scrunch at the roots, or use a round brush for a little bounce. "The aim is softness and movement, not stiffness," Tudor says. Finish with a lightweight texture spray for lived-in volume through the roots.
When it comes to upkeep, the cloud bob is refreshingly low-maintenance. A trim every six to eight weeks keeps the shape buoyant, while day-to-day care should focus on hydration and featherweight products. "Avoid heavy creams or oils that collapse the shape," Tudor advises.
Cloud bob inspiration pics:
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.
