A perennial classic, the bob always comes into its own as the temperature drops and roll-neck jumpers and scarves return to the wardrobe. The latest iteration to watch? The cloud bob, a short-to-mid-length cut which is defined by its ethereal sensibility. “It’s a rounded haircut with a soft, airy silhouette,” says hairstylist Tom Smith. “Unlike the sharp, architectural bobs of seasons past, this version is light, weightless and characterised by its effortless lift and movement.”
Tapping into the current trend for hairstyles that work to enhance and elevate one’s natural texture – frizz and flyaways included – the cloud bob offers a halo of face-framing volume and a natural kind of ease. “This bob – with its fluffy, powdery texture – is the new way to do undone waves,” says Anita Rice, co-founder of Buller and Rice.
Organic and expressive, it works best on hair with some form of natural movement – be it a gentle wave or a defined 4C coil. “Its rounded shape makes it ideal for those with square or more angular features, who wish to soften their look,” says Smith. For rounder face shapes, the cut can be tailored with subtle asymmetry, such as a deep side parting or simply tucking one side behind the ear.
As with most looks, the haircut itself is key. For those who don’t naturally have ample volume, Rice suggests asking your stylist to build in an invisible layer – a subtle technique that enhances texture and maximises fullness. For inspiration, look to Halle Berry or Helena Christensen’s recent styles, both of which showcase the airy, voluminous finish to perfection.
How to style a cloud bob
Once the haircut itself is in situ, styling it is all about amping up natural texture. How you do so will depend on what your hair is currently like, but as an overarching rule, avoid using heavy products that weigh the hair down, says Rice.
“I recommend applying a lightweight curl cream or spray – Davines Love Curl Primer is a favourite – onto damp hair, then twisting sections to help define the curl,” says Rice. “You can leave it to air-dry or use a diffuser. Once completely dry, finish with a powder spray or texturiser to boost volume.” When diffusing, Smith suggests tipping your head upside down to maximise root lift and cautions against excessive scrunching during the drying process to preserve the airy, cloud-like effect.
“For finer hair textures, a lightweight mousse or voluminising mist is a better choice,” he adds. “These products help create the scaffolding needed for maximum body.” Begin by rough-drying with your fingers until the hair is about 50 per cent dry, focusing on lifting the roots rather than flattening them. Then, use a curling iron to build in irregular movement and airy lift.
Hershesons
The Wand Hair Curling Iron
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Super lightweight, Hersheshons styler is easy on the arms and designed to deliver waves with serious staying power. The ideal width for loose waves and voluminous curls alike, its 25mm barrel quickly distributes even heat to get you defined styles that last. If you’re unsure, see Vogue contributor Jessica Diner’s demonstration in the next slide – road-tested on a humid summer’s day, The Wand granted gorgeous curls that didn’t drop despite the moisture and heat.
- Key Specs:
- Barrel type: ceramic coated
- Temperature: several heat settings from 80°C to 210°C
- Cable length: 2.5m swivel cord
- Features: easy twist mechanism to control temperature, safety auto switch off after 1 hour
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