There’s something in the Italian [pasta] water because not only is their food elite, but their hairstyles are, too. Case in point: The Italian bob.
Much like how the French bob borrows from Parisian chic, the Italian bob takes its cue from the glamour of icons like Sophia Loren, Monica Bellucci and Gina Lollobrigida. Think confident, rich and effortlessly elegant. But what defines the glamorous cut, and how is it best styled? Cosmopolitan UK caught up with hairstylist and co-founder of Haug London Haus, Philipp Haug, who shared everything there is to know about the look.
Buckle up, folks, because with this haircut in tow – à la Kourtney Kardashian – you’ll be living your best la dolce vita lifestyle… Destination: Amalfi!
What is an Italian bob?
As mentioned, the Italian bob draws inspiration from Italian Hollywood icons but, in terms of length and style, differs from the conventional chin-length cut. “The Italian bob is a longer, fuller take on the classic bob,” Philipp says. “Traditionally, it sits just below the chin or at jawline level, with lots of shape and movement.”
It’s all about volume but with a polished feel, so it’s equal parts glamorous and effortless.
Italian bob vs French bob?
The main difference between the French and Italian bobs is the length. “The French bob is usually cut slightly shorter, often at chin length or above, with a softer, more undone, and playful finish,” Philipp explains, “By contrast, the Italian bob tends to be longer, with more weight, body, and bounce.”
The French bob is also often styled with a straight fringe or a lived-in texture, whereas the Italian bob has more volume and is sometimes paired with a curtain fringe.
Read more about the differences here!
Who is best suited to an Italian bob?
Got thick, coarse hair? Well, you’re in luck because Philipp says this is the style for you! “The Italian bob works brilliantly on those with thicker or coarser hair, as it enhances natural body and volume,” he says. “It’s also ideal for wavy or curly textures that benefit from shape and weight,” Philipp adds.
That said, the Italian bob can suit finer hair types thanks to its blunt ends, which help create the illusion of fuller strands. Do steer clear of heavy layering, though, as it can cause fine hair to appear even thinner. If your hair is on the finer side and you’re considering an Italian bob, you’ll want to make sure you’re styling it in the correct way. But more on that below!
In terms of which face shapes the Italian bob suits, Philipp says it’s versatile. There are no hard and fast rules, however, “It especially flatters oval, heart-shaped, and longer faces, as the length and volume create beautiful balance,” Philipp tells us.
How to style and maintain an Italian bob
For styling the Italian bob, volume is everything. If you have thicker hair, volume can be achieved simply by blow-drying – for this, a round brush is key! On the other hand, if you have finer hair, “Using a volumising mousse or spray at the roots helps to build lift, and finishing with a glossing product adds the luxe finish that defines the look,” Philipp says.
See our step-by-step Italian bob tool kit below:
Perhaps my favourite shampoo to date, this formula not only smells divine but effortlessly adds body and volume to super fine strands, without feeling heavy or clunky.
Top with the co-ordinating FABLE & MANE Volumizing Conditioner for voluminous yet silky strands like no other.
On damp hair, add your volumising mousse of choice. This one is super affordable and adds bounce and texture sans-the crunch.
One of the most integral steps for achieving a bouffant bob: the blowdry brush. This one from Drybar is a firm Cosmo fave; it’s super easy to use and adds the perfect amount of curve to strands.
Finish with a dry hold spray for a long-lasting style. This one is perfect for fine hair and is often used by Khloé Kardashian!
While not essential, a backcombing brush as such is great for fluffing up any limp locks. From the ends to the root, comb backwards and smooth over once happy with the volume.
Italian bob inspo
Jacopo Raule//Getty Images
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