The Italian Bob Is the Retro Take on the Season's Coolest Cut (2024)

Bobs are always and forever stylish, but after the success of Season 2 of White Lotus, a new bob hairstyle trend has emerged—the chic Italian bob. This breezy hairstyle is perfect for these upcoming warmer weather months—it looks and feels like a vacation along the coasts of Italy. But is it an easy style to maintain? What hair types should avoid this style? We asked the experts these important questions and more. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the Italian bob.

What Is an Italian Bob?

If short hair is your thing, you’ve probably already tried your hand (or is it hair?) at the French bob, a short and sweet ‘20s-inspired blunt cut that hits right above your jawbone. "It is a chin length bob with blunt ends. Italian bobs look great with waves and curls to give a classic sophisticated look," says celebrity hairstylist Jennifer Korab. The French bob has enjoyed plenty of time in the spotlight over the past few years, but the Italian bob is poised to take over—and here’s why.

The Italian bob has a fresh, vibrant ‘60s allure thanks to its blunt, chunky ends that add weight without making the hair feel heavy. Kaia Gerber has sported the cut, as has Elizabeth Olsen—and you can too, whether you’re a seasoned short hair professional or just thinking about letting go of length. “I think [it’s the perfect cut] because it can be worn up or down, which is rare for most bobs,” explains Tom Connell, Davines Hair Art Director. “Plus, it’s a taste of a shorter haircut without losing vast amounts of length.”

Italian Bob vs. French Bob

What makes the Italian bob different from its bob siblings and cousins, like le French bob and the bixie? The cut gives you more styling versatility and movement, making it perfect for someone who likes to change up their style from day to day instead of sticking to a signature look—not to mention anyone who likes short hair but wants the ability to pull it up in a chic twist or a ponytail on the regular. (Hello, sticky days of summer.) “Its difference lies in that it grazes the neck with a chunky line but has internal texture throughout,” says Connell. “This means that when the hair is cut with no particular parting, it can be flipped and moved around from one side to the other, looking slightly different each time.”

How to Get an Italian Bob

While anyone can rock an Italian bob, Connell says it’s best for those with a slightly wavy texture. “The kick at the perimeter is what gives this bob its chicness, and a slight wave would help set that off nicely,” he shares. When you’re in the salon chair, Connell recommends asking for an “Italian neck-grazing bob with no set parting” for maximum movement and styling versatility. Korab agrees, adding, "At the salon ask for a blunt cut bob, that usually will fall around chin length.Make sure the length is even all the way around."

How to Style an Italian Bob

With its face-hugging shape and easygoing, free-spirited texture, the Italian bob is a (Sicilian) breeze to style. If you prefer to blowdry your hair, Connell recommends prepping with Davines’ This is a Blow Dry Primer ($37) as a base, then finger drying or using a medium natural bristle brush, depending on your daily frizz level. He advises drying a bend into the ends with your dryer and finishing with a frizz-smoothing serum like Davines’ This is an Invisible Serum ($26) to enhance your natural texture.

The Italian bob also plays well with air dry creams and salt sprays for a beachy vibe, and can be pinned up in curls for a Marilyn Monroe or Sophia Loren glam vintage bob moment. You don’t have to be setting off on an Italian summer vacation, but you can certainly look the part.

What Hair Types are Best for an Italian Bob?

The Italian bob is a pretty versatile hairstyle, and but there are some hair types that should avoid this style. "This style works best on straight to wavy, and medium-thick hair. I would say really thick hair should avoid this haircut," says Korab. Why? Super thick hair will end up getting weighed down at the ends, giving the cut a more triangle shape. Super curly hair might also want to avoid this cut for the same reason.