In my role as a beauty editor, I like to keep my eyes peeled on the haircuts that celebrities are choosing. Right now, I’m seeing a lot of celebrities turn to the pixie cut, while ’70s-inspired haircuts like the shag and curtain bangs are continuing to make a huge comeback. However, when it comes to timeless hairstyles that really stand the test of time, there is one haircut that I see time and again on celebrities over 50. The haircut in question? Layered bobs.
Like blunt bobs, layered bobs not only are timeless but also suit fine hair particularly well. As we grow older, our hair can become thinner, but a layered bob helps to keep the length while adding dimension and making hair look thicker. “Bobs of any length or haircuts with a solid outline are always a good choice for fine hair,” says Craig Taylor, session stylist and creative director of Hari’s salon. “The solid outline of a bob will always give the illusion of thicker hair, as the hair ends are blunt, and the weight of the hair is heavier and full,” he says.
If you’re thinking of getting a layered bob, then Taylor recommends consulting your hairstylist on what length and shape would work best for you. “The deciding factors on what length the bob should be to create an appearance of thicker hair depends on where the hair naturally starts to become thinner,” he says. “The balance of suitability for the hair type and a length that best suits the face becomes the optimum choice for the haircut length.”
Strategically placed layers can also help to create the illusion of thicker hair, and Taylor says that styling is key to getting the most out of these. “For styling hair with layered bobs, those layers have been either added for volume or texture. Diffuse the hair to maximise the natural volume and texture the hair has,” he says. However, don’t be temped to over-style the hair. “Don’t over-dry or over-brush the hair, as this will flatten the hair or create unwanted static and frizz,” says Taylor. “Use an electrical appliance such as a tong, wand or straighteners to create further texture and movement. Try to use your fingers over brushes, and to finish, add a small amount of styling cream to pronounce the textured layers.”
Ahead, we’ve rounded up 27 layered bobs for fine hair that look amazing on over-50 celebrities.