4 Redeeming Qualities of the Inverted Bob

No one is getting the inverted bob anymore. It's such a shame because the hairstyle was once cool. Models like Linda Evangelista and Tyra Banks made the hairstyle cover- and runway-worthy, while style icons like Victoria Beckham, Katie Holmes, and emo kids from all corners of the earth sported the hairstyle throughout the 2000s. How exactly did the cut fall out of grace?

An inverted bob is a hairstyle that’s shorter on the neck, with longer sides extending to the chin. It’s also known as an angled bob or a graduated bob. Recently, however, it’s become more associated with memes of so-called “Karens.”

While many debate over the PC-ness of the term itself, it's hard to deny the impact that a few viral images have had on hair trends. Just look around you: Have you seen anyone “rocking” the inverted bob lately? Does your neighborhood beauty parlor still have posters of the look taped behind their glass doors? Can you name more than a couple of (stylish) celebrities wearing this type of bob today?

The haircut itself doesn’t deserve to be so despised – after all, it’s just hair and it does have its redeeming qualities. It’s time to reclaim this dated style and strip it of its unwarranted negative image. In case you’ve been wanting to get an inverted bob haircut, here are a few reasons to go for it.

In the heat, the inverted bob is a breath of fresh air and a gateway to fresh air. The back of your neck is exposed, which means you’ll get more ventilation in the area and none of the hair-sticking action that usually happens when you sweat. In the cold, it saves you from having to detangle your locks after they’ve suffered hours of friction against your coat or scarf.

Let’s be honest; no hairstyle is 100% wash-and-wear. It depends on your hair texture and the look you’re going for. The inverted bob, however, comes pretty close. You don't need much to style it. If you have fine hair, simply part it where you wish and head out the door. If you have wavy or semi-curly hair, scrunch it up with a mousse to give it some sexy volume.

Meanwhile, if you want to straighten your bob, use Cream Silk Vitamin Boost Standout Straight Conditioner daily. It has pro-vitamin B5 and hair oils that help smoothen strands for easier styling. To repair dryness and damage from heat tools, add Cream Silk Triple Keratin Rescue Ultimate Straight Ultra Conditioner to your routine. It uses three keratin actives to tame frizz, revive damaged locks, and add shine.

Growing out super short hair can be a pain. How do you, at any point, even avoid looking like Javier Bardem from No Country for Old Men? Simple: Get an inverted bob. It’s a great way to add structure to short hair to make it look like a more intentional style. Once the back grows long enough, you can move on to a blunt bob by cutting off the longer front ends.

Had the internet not ruined the inverted bob for everyone, it would still be fashionable and mainstream today. The precise cut makes you look smart and put together without trying too hard. Add a few subtle highlights for a quiet luxury vibe.

The good news is the inverted bob is all over TikTok, so getting the cut may not be as socially risky after all. Talk to your go-to hairstylist (not the manager!) about the proper length and angle for your face shape, proportions, and personality.