As a beauty writer, it is my job to report on the latest trend predictions and recognize the season's next big beauty look (before it ends up all over your social media feeds). And when it comes to my arsenal of haircuts—specifically bobs—it's ever-evolving. You could say there's a bob for everyone!
From the graduated bob to textured bobs and even the Scandi bob, this short hairstyle is, arguably, the most versatile. And today, a new bob has entered the chat with a name so swoon-worthy you won't be able to resist.
Hi, heart-throb bob!
What is a heart-throb bob?
Coined in 2022 by hairstylist Mara Roszak, the heart-throb bob is a style that resembles that of your favourite 90s crush; equal parts effortlessly cool and spotlight-grabbing. The cut itself is defined by shorter, neck-hugging strands at the back, with longer, floppier layers at the top. Not to mention the soft, graduating curtain bang, making for a face-framing style.
The best part? As Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz demonstrate below, the heart-throb bob is androgynous, gender-fluid, and can take on a variety of lengths!
Because of its layers, it can sit anywhere between a longer, blunt bob cut and a pixie cut, making it super versatile and customisable.
Who is a heart-throb bob best suited to?
For those interested in the heart-throb bob (or those looking to be a heartthrob with a bob... wink, nudge), it's important to consider your hair type and texture. That is, before committing to the dramatic chop.
Because of its soft and floppy style, the heart-throb bob might not work for all. For example, if you have curly or coily hair, the layers and length may skew a little round. But always consult your hairstylist beforehand!
That said, it's a great option for those with a short pixie-type cut to grow out their lengths. The layers make it transitional while still maintaining a shaggy, textured shape.
How to style a heart-throb bob
To understand more about how to style and maintain the heart-throb bob, we spoke to hairstylist Chlöe Swift, who shared her expertise. "For a sleek look, I would recommend applying some Color Wow Dreamcoat Spray and a light oil like the Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops, then blow-dry smooth with a hair dryer and a round brush."
"For a more mussed-up/textured look," Chlöe says, "diffuse drying is great, if your hair has some natural wave, applying a product like the Oribe Matte Waves Texture Lotion first."
"Or if your hair is naturally poker straight, apply a volume spray, rough dry, and then add some soft bend and wave in the hair using a straightener."
Heart-throb 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.
