What Is the Italian Bob—and How to Style It

You’ve heard of the Parisian bob and have perhaps caught wind of the trending-again Christy cut, but we’d like to introduce you to the latest cropped hairstyle inspiring people to go for the big chop. Meet the Italian bob, a low-key, super chic cut that has “quiet luxury” written all over it. Keep reading to learn what the Italian bob is, what sets it apart from other short hairstyles, and how to style it at home. 

What Is the Italian Bob? 

The Italian bob dates back to the 1960s and is characterized by its blunt perimeter that sits right at the jawline, says Trevor Drenik, stylist and owner of The Studio by Trevor Allen in Sola Salons. The bottom is full versus layered or feathery, and it’s usually styled with a bend or wave for some texture and either a deep side part or smooth middle part. 

“While the French bob leans playful and artsy—often featuring bangs and a tousled finish—the Italian bob is more sculpted and sleek,” says Leo Izquierdo, hairstylist and co-founder of IGK Hair Care. “It’s less undone and more polished—the perfect balance of structure and softness.” 

Along with exuding a sort of chic and quiet confidence, the Italian bob is also pretty low maintenance and versatile. Drenik says we’ve seen everyone from Hailey Bieber to Kourtney Kardashian-Barker to Zendaya sporting this look recently. Izquierdo adds that it also taps into the Euro-inspired minimalism we’re seeing everywhere right now, and says it proves that short hair can still feel sensual, elegant, and powerful. 

How to Get an Italian Bob 

The good news about the Italian bob is that it’s somehow flattering on basically everyone. You just need to make sure your stylist customizes the look to your face shape, hair texture, and even hair density. 

“A stylist with great experience can customize this for you, adding soft layers, face framing, or waves can help enhance or minimize facial structures,” Drenik says. Make sure to bring a picture of the look so your stylist knows what you’re going for, and be open to some slight tweaks to ensure the style is perfect for you.   

Pro Tips on Maintaining and Styling an Italian Bob 

As for maintenance, Drenik says your cut schedule will depend on your lifestyle, hair type, and home routine. He recommends hitting the salon every six to eight weeks to maintain the polished look. This is par for the course with short hair, which isn’t as forgiving during the grow out face as a longer style.

For styling, try these expert tips: 

• Make it Glossy: Izquierdo recommends going for a glossy, shiny finish. He says to start with IGK Good Behavior Spirulina Protein Smoothing Spray on damp hair before heat-styling; it mimics the effect of a keratin treatment and protects up to 450°F. Use a hair serum to tame flyaways and a finishing spray to boost shine and lock in your style.
• Add a Soft Bend: One of the key characteristics of the Italian bob is its bend. Drenik says to use a wand or flat iron to add little bends all over, but don’t make them perfect! “I always add a wave going away from the face, then everything else, rotate in different directions, as this gives you a more lived-in look.” 
• Use a Texturizer: “Adding a texture spray before blow drying will help define volume and fullness,” Drenik advises. He loves the Kevin Murphy Body Mass or Color Wow: Carb-Infused Leave In Thickening Treatment.
• Build Volume at the Roots: For a little oomph, add some volume. “Blow-dry with a round brush to build volume at the roots and keep ends tucked under,” says Izquierdo.