Feathered hair was a popular hairstyling technique used during the 1970s, and today, we're bringing it back! This time, however, it's paired with the oh-so-on-trend bob, making for a style with heaps of bounce and volume.
To bring us up to speed on what exactly the feathered bob is, who it's suited to and how it's best styled (not to mention inspo pics to persuade you of the trend), we spoke to hairstylist and salon owner Samantha Cusick, who shared her expertise.
Ahead: everything you need to know about the feathered bob – from how it channels that effortless retro cool to the modern twists that make it fresh for 2025.
What is a feathered bob?
Whether you're after a subtle nod to the 70s or a full-volume revival, the feathered bob can be tailored to suit your needs; It's the softer, more romantic sister of the classic bob with layers cut at an angle. The harsher the angle, the more feathered your bob will appear. "It’s all about movement, texture and that effortless 'cool girl' vibe," Samantha says.
"The layers are light and airy, giving the hair shape and flow without it feeling too done. Think volume at the crown, wispy ends and a finish that looks like it just happened naturally," she adds.
Who is best suited to a feathered bob?
Layers aren't for everyone; however, feathered layers can "create body and lift to the hair", Samantha shares. So, if you've got fine to medium hair and want to create the illusion of thicker strands, this might be the technique for you.
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In terms of face shapes, Samatha says, "Oval and heart-shaped faces look especially great with this cut as the softness flatters the cheekbones and jawline. It’s one of those universally flattering cuts that can be personalised to your texture."
That all said, if your hair is very thick or coarse, your feathered bob might need some tweaking. "Too much layering can make it puff out rather than fall softly. I’d always recommend chatting with your stylist about how to adapt the shape to suit your hair density so it feels balanced and light, not bulky," Samantha advises.
How is the feathered bob best styled?
With a professional hairstylist at our very disposal (Samantha's clientele includes the likes of Zoe Sugg... hello!), we asked her how the feathered bob is best styled. She recommended using a round brush and a hairdryer to give that perfect airy bounce. "I love finishing with a few drops of Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil for shine and separation or using the GHD Chronos to flick out the ends for a soft, feathered shape," Samantha adds.
The beauty of this cut? It should never look too perfect, just perfectly effortless, so make of it as you will!
Feathered bob inspo
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Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
