Bobs 'n' Bangs

What the hot (and soon-to-be-freezing) women of Chicago are doing with their hair this season

By Bridget Brosnan
Published: Dec 01, 2007

This fall, the strongest look by far is the return of the bob. It’s been in and out of our favorite fashion magazines for, oh, about the past five decades, but, this time, it is back with a bang (pun intended).

The bob is essentially the strongest shape that exists in hairstyling. Back in the 50s, most women opted for weekly coifs. Then came Vidal Sassoon, who pioneered wash-and-wear styles, revolutionizing how women thought about their hair. The bob was born.

Lately, we’re seeing this Sassoon-inspired cut everywhere. Celebrities like Katie Holmes, Rihanna, Anna Wintour and Ellen Barkin are all sporting them, proving that the bob can work for women at any age. And, of course, like all great hair trends, this one has been given a nickname (think the “Rachel” or the “Farrah”)— the “Spicy” for its trendiest bearer, Victoria Beckham.

One of the best things about this style is that it’s so versatile. It comes in every shape and size, really. It can be angled forward or back, round or square, shorter or longer, with or without bangs.

Speaking of which, changing your style doesn’t mean you have to lop all your hair off. If you have a long hair addiction like me, you can still keep yourself looking fresh by adding bangs, or a “fringe,” as we like to call it in the hairdressing world. A well-cut fringe can be worn either off to the side or down and slightly parted in the center. Some of you may have cut a side-swept fringe during the last several seasons, so now I suggest changing that side part to a slight split at the center and wearing it just at the eyebrow.

Next up, the ultimate step-by-step guide for an amazing blowout. Just in time to start practicing for the holidays.

Bridget Brosnan-Boscaccy is a senior stylist with salonblonde in Chicago. She is currently waiting for her 4 month old son's hair to grow in so she can give him his first faux-hawk. Visit salonblonde to learn more about it's services or make an appointment with Bridget.

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