The Bubble Bob Is The Secret to Thicker-Looking Hair

“The bob continues to evolve, not disappear,” hairstylist and Roz founder Mara Roszak tells me with a laugh. The latest cut that’s growing in popularity? Bubble Bob.

“A bubble bob is essentially a classic bob with a blunt base to maintain weight and very subtle layering to soften the edges,” adds Los Angeles-based Roszak. (It’s worth noting that the bob’s never-ending popularity is partly her fault—Rozak was the scissors behind Emma Stone’s deft growth from bald to modern wavy bob.)

The haircut isn’t just a West Coast phenomenon (though Los Angeles resident Selena Gomez recently joined the bubble bob team)—Manhattan’s Carlyn Griscti says women are requesting haircuts in the chair at Beauty Supply, too. “The bubble bob allows clients to create volume and shape in their hair without sacrificing density through over-layering,” Griscotti tells me. “Much of the weight of a hairstyle is in the length of the hair.”

It’s this special shape that creates haircut wizardry: the magic that transforms a limp or thinning hair into voluminous, thicker-looking hair. Cuts inspired by Phoebe Dynevor, Beyoncé, Laura Harrier and Gracie Abrams. Griscti added some vintage touches to the list: Vidal Sassoon ads and iconic British fashion designer Mary Quant.

Speaking of the bob’s enduring popularity, Rozak has some thoughts on why it’s become the most popular hairstyle year after year. “The subtleties of a bob haircut are incredible,” she says. “This speaks to a greater desire for tailoring that is intentional and directional. Customers are leaning toward looks that make a statement without relying on fussy styling.”