This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Alexandrea Ciardella. Find her on Instagram at @a6ysma1. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
Looking for a cool new beach cut to rock this summer? Tired of the upkeep long hair requires? Maybe you just want to change up your look? Bobs are a great summer style to try, with the short length keeping you cool in the summer heat. Surprisingly, there are multiple styles of bobs to choose from; blunt, curly, layered, braided, or sliced. Today, we’ll discuss two bob styles that have recently risen to fame, the French vs Italian bob styles.
French Bob
The French Bob has been coming back into fashion, with Southern Living predicting it to be the most asked-for haircut in 2024. Normally defined by its short length (cheekbone to chin or jawline) and soft waves, this sharply cut hairstyle is chic and easy to style. French bobs embrace the natural texture of your hair and have multiple ways to style it. These cuts are meant to flatter the face and cheekbones; though normally cut with straight-across bangs, you can try adding a wavy fringe for a softer image!
If you want to go for a French bob, ask your stylist for a jawline-length bob with subtle layers (if you don’t want blunt ends) or refined layers (for blunt ends). To give your bob lift and bounce, try using a combination of mousse and texturizing products like volumizing spray. A warning if your hair is on the curlier side; French bobs tend to look boxy and a bit bigger.
This French bob has slight layering with slightly blunt ends poking beneath. This bob is the definition of a traditional French bob; short (up to the cheekbones) and wavy.
Italian Bob
Italian bobs are all about volume. Normally cut above the shoulder and below the chin, the top of the hair is layered with the tips frayed out, increasing hair volume. Fringe bangs are optional, which is great for those of us who love the bob style but can’t seem to pull off short bangs. The best part about this bob is that it suits all face shapes! This bob looks great with either a middle or side part. These bobs have enjoyed a surge in fame, starting in the summer of 2023, as many celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Kourtney Kardashian have been seen modeling this style.
The Italian bob suits those with thicker hair and natural waves. It can be worn up or down. If you want to go for an Italian Bob, ask your stylist for a neck-length bob.
A shoulder-length bob with a slight wave.
Natural waves look the best with bobs.
Face Type
Want to know which bob will suit you best before getting a cut? Let’s first determine your face type. There are six common face types, all of which are determined through the width or shape of the chin, jaw, cheekbone, and brow. Each shape has a style that suits it best.
Heart-shaped faces have a pointy chin, narrow jaw, and wider cheekbone. The best bob that suits this face is the Italian bob, while they should steer clear of the French bob. Any hairstyle that ends at the jawline will make the forehead look shorter.
Pear-shaped faces have a rounded chin, narrow forehead, with the jaw being the largest part of the face. Either a shoulder-length bob or a super short bob is preferable. Avoid jaw-length blunt bobs as these will accentuate the jaw even more.
Oblong faces have a large and pointy chin, a high forehead, and more angular features, while the face is longer than it is wider. Either Italian or French bob will work for this face type, however keep the Italian on the shorter side.
Square faces have a square chin, strong jawline, while the face’s width and length are equal. Italian bobs suit this face shape best and should steer clear of French bobs.
Round faces have a round jawline, wide cheeks, while also being equally wide and long. Italian bobs work best but should avoid being chin length.
Oval faces have rounded jawlines, wide cheekbones, while the forehead is the widest part. Chin-length bobs work the best.
Which do you like better in the French vs Italian bobs debate? Let us know in the comments below!
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