I'm no angel (acceptance is the first step to recovery), but with a halo bob, you best believe I'll be looking angelic... doe eyes have got nothing on this haircut!
Intrigued? Well, as its namesake would suggest, the halo bob haircut is an angelic saving grace with a soft, face-framing shape. But don't let me convince you because we spoke to one of the best hairstylists in the business, Mark Hayes, Senior International Creative Director at HOUSE OF SASSOON, who shared his knowledge on everything there is to know about the cut.
From what defines it to who it's best suited to and how to style and maintain the shape, no halo has been spared below.
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What is the halo bob?
The halo bob is a haircut that became especially iconic in the 1920s and resurged throughout the 1960s. "Traditionally, it's a sleek bob cut that sits at jaw length (sometimes slightly longer), with straight ends often curved inward toward the face," Mark explains. "It was often paired with a fringe (blunt bangs) for a bold, structured look," he adds.
Like many haircuts, this bob goes by a variety of names and was originally coined "the pageboy bob" from its resemblance to the style worn by page boys in medieval times. That said, our main goal isn't to look like a pageboy – and thankfully, the style has evolved with a number of flattering modern interpretations. Our winner? Vidal Sassoon's 70s reimagination, "the halo".
Everyone's clicking on...
"Today's reimaginings of the halo bob are softer and more versatile," says Mark. Many modern versions keep the clean, blunt edge but lean toward textured or tousled finishes for an undone, French-girl feel. Length, too, can be experimented with, ranging from chin-length to collarbone, and with different fringe options, from blunt to curtain or longer versions, or skipping a fringe altogether.
Who is best suited to the halo bob
Here at Cosmo, we encourage our community to sport any hairstyle that makes them feel confident – if you absolutely love a specific cut or colour and have the confidence to rock it, then who's to say otherwise! Aka, we don't like subscribing to the idea that you have to have a certain style just because you have a specific face shape.
That said, if you are looking to attract or detract from certain facial features, or are just intrigued to know whether the halo bob will suit your hair type, do continue on!
"Oval, heart, and square face shapes tend to suit this haircut best, as the structured, face-framing quality enhances those features," Mark explains. "Round faces can also wear it well if the length is slightly extended and softened with a side part or subtle layers".
In terms of hair type and texture, Mark tells us that the look works most easily on straight to slightly wavy hair, since the defined line is more visible. "It’s great for fine to medium hair types, as it can add density and polish. Curly or coily textures can also adapt the look, though the texture will soften the graphic quality of the line," he says.
Though, as a word of warning, Marks says that those with very thick, coarse, or frizz-prone hair may find the halo bob a little high-maintenance, as the cut's clean lines require control.
Above all, this bob is timeless and chic, with both vintage and modern appeal. And good news! Because of where the layers sit, Marks says, "It frames the face beautifully, highlighting cheekbones and the jawline."
How to style the halo bob
As Mark mentions, the clean lines of this cut require a bit more styling than other bob types (side note: the shaggy bob is great for the low-maintenance styling girlies). So, to understand how to get your halo bob looking its best, we asked Mark for his styling tips.
"The classic approach is to blow-dry smooth with a half or round brush, turning the ends slightly inward," he says. "A modern, sleek version can be achieved with a straightener for a sharp, glossy effect. Or to create a more relaxed look, a texturising spray or styling cream can be added and the ends left straighter." But remember: It all depends of your hair type and texture – so be considerate when debating this cut!
If you're opting for a fringed halo bob, Mark says, "It can be styled blunt and smooth or softened and tousled."
In terms of upkeep, the halo bob does require regular trims; Mark recommends a cut every four to six weeks to preserve its precise shape.
Still toying with the idea? Well, let the following six inspiration pics be your deciding factor...
Halo 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.
