The bob bandwagon

Variations of this short hairstyle are taking the internet by storm

KARACHI:

Let's take a moment for Hania Aamir and Alia Bhatt, who have single-handedly become the face of the bob in Pakistan and Bollywood alike this summer. With their ability to make even the simplest hairstyles look good, they are showing us that the short style is more than just a trend—it's a lifestyle choice. This year, the bob is back in a big way, and it's not just about aesthetics; it's about practicality. Because when it's too hot to manage a full mane and you're too busy to dedicate hours to your hair, the bob is a lifesaver. From classic cuts to edgier versions, there's a bob for everyone.

The classic and the Euro

The classic bob is timeless. It's that simple, blunt cut that frames the face just below the ears, giving an instant, polished look without any fuss. Hania has been rocking this exact cut for months, and it's the perfect blend of chic and functional. Her take on the bob is versatile, just long enough to be swept back behind her ears and, on particularly sweltering days, gathered into a tiny ponytail. For anyone living in a climate as hot as Pakistan's, the bob offers the ideal way to keep things cool and low maintenance. The classic bob is practically a miracle for those early mornings when the last thing you want to do is battle with your hair.

Bollywood celebs like Deepika Padukone and Shraddha Kapoor have also embraced the classic bob, each adding their personal flair to the look. Alia, for instance, often styles hers with soft waves, making it look as effortlessly chic as possible. These stars show how versatile this cut is—working for red carpet glam, everyday elegance, and everything in between.

Lately, the Euro bob has taken the internet by storm, thanks to celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Kaia Gerber. This European-inspired look is all about soft layers that frame the face, making it ideal for adding a hint of romance. It's similar to the classic bob but with added volume and movement. For those who want the chicness of a bob without the blunt finish, the Euro bob is the answer. And it's perfect if you're trying to embrace the "old money aesthetic" that's sweeping the beauty world. It's a little fuller, a little softer, and has just the right amount of Parisian charm.

The Euro bob's "butterfly" version (also known as the French bob) is equally as romantic, usually styled to look slightly textured. Zendaya has been seen with a similar look, giving us major hair envy. The charm of this bob is its versatility: you can keep it sleek or embrace your natural texture by spritzing a bit of sea salt spray.

The grunge and the lob

Enter the grunge bob, the rebellious younger sister of the classic cut. It's messy, it's edgy, and it's giving major '90s vibes, taking cues from Winona Ryder and Cameron Diaz in their heyday. The grunge bob is all about breaking the mould of sleek, polished styles, favouring shorter layers and Bardot-inspired bangs. It's for those who want a look that says, "I woke up like this"—perfect for anyone who wants to embrace a laid-back, art-school aesthetic. Just ask Taylor Hill, who recently debuted this tousled look, making it the go-to cut for anyone in search of a style that feels fresh and a little undone.

The best part? This style takes little to no effort to maintain. With the right texturing spray, you can achieve that perfectly imperfect look in seconds. It's ideal for those who are constantly on the go and don't have the time (or patience) to style every strand meticulously.

If you're not ready to dive headfirst into a short cut, the lob is a happy medium. It's a longer bob that typically falls just above or at the shoulders, providing more length while still being easy to manage. Bollywood stars like Alia Bhatt and Anushka Sharma have flaunted their lobs, giving it both red-carpet glam and everyday wearability. This cut is perfect if you want the bob aesthetic but still crave a bit of length for styling options. And let's be honest—when you've spent years carefully growing out your hair, it's nice to keep a bit of that length as you transition to a shorter style.

Minimum effort, maximum style

The beauty of a bob? The styling options are endless and far quicker than dealing with long hair. For a chic, everyday look, opt for soft waves by taking medium sections and using a flat iron to create loose, outward curls. Add a texturing spray, fluff with your hands, and you're set. The bob's length makes it easy to experiment with the ever-trendy "wet look," which models like Amna Baber have been spotted sporting on the runway. This style only requires some gel to slick the hair back, giving an edgy, polished finish perfect for a night out.

Shorter hair means less time blow-drying, less product, and quicker styling overall. You'll still want regular trims every six to eight weeks to keep the shape fresh, but this cut will simplify your routine drastically. Shampoo less to preserve the scalp's natural oils, and you'll find that even on lazy days, your bob looks effortlessly stylish.

Alongside these trending bob styles, bold colour choices are making a splash. Rich, warm browns and deep reds are favourites this season, giving the classic bob a modern twist. Inspired by Dua Lipa's cherry cola red, these colours add a luxurious, sun-kissed glow—perfect for anyone looking to add a bit of depth and drama to their look.