Like slip dresses and scrunchies, the layered bob haircut that emerged in the ‘90s is having a resurgence. This time around, it’s most popular with people who weren’t alive yet during its first run, says professional hairstylist Danielle Huacuja. “This haircut has been primarily requested by young teens who are at that age where they’re starting to play more with their style and finding themselves, and I think it’s the coolest thing ever,” says Huacuja.
A layered bob is different from a stacked bob haircut, which is graduated so that it’s shorter at the nape of the neck and longer toward the face, explains Huacuja. “A layered bob has a lot more movement and bounce,” she says, “and that classic ’90s cut is more round in shape, which gives the effect of all-over body and volume, but requires a lot of styling to get that look.”
Featured Experts
- Danielle Huacuja is a professional hairstylist
- Christina Antonette Johnston is a professional hairstylist
- Leo Izquierdo is the cofounder of IGK Hair
- Nicky Clarke is a celebrity hairstylist and the cofounder of the eponymous hair tool brand
Classic examples of the ‘90s layered bob include Tyra Banks and Jennifer Aniston during the bygone decade, says professional hairstylist Christina Antonette Johnston. “When I think of a ’90s layered bob, I envision the classic supermodel bob from back in the day,” says Johnston. “It will typically sit anywhere from chin length to just above the shoulders. The key to getting all that voluminous bounce is pairing this length with tons of wispy layers.”
As for present-day examples, “There are a lot of celebrities that have had a ’90s layered bob, like Hailey Bieber and Kourtney Kardashian,” says IGK Hair cofounder Leo Izquierdo. “They are showcasing this cut in really beautiful ways.”
Today’s take on the ‘90s layered bob is a modernized version of the classic haircut, says Johnston. “Maintaining a strong perimeter is what gives that striking effect in a bob,” she says. “The layering and internal movement is where you can turn this look into something contemporary. Keeping the layers soft and rounded is how I would cater to this.” Soft, rounded layering also looks more natural as hair grows out, notes Izquierdo.
The key to achieving a haircut that matches your expectations is clear communication with your hairstylist about exactly what length you’d like, says celebrity hairstylist and cofounder of eponymous hair tool brand Nicky Clarke. It’s also helpful to ask for a cut that’s tailored to your hair type.
“Finer hair should strive to maintain that bluntness and the illusion of one length even with layers, to give the look of fullness,” says Clarke. “Thicker hair has more leeway and doesn’t need to be as blunt and can benefit from chunkier layers throughout.”
Visuals always help. If you’d like to ask for the bouncy, voluminous haircut, here are some reference photos (past and present) that you can bring to your appointment.
