If you’re in the mood for a new style but prefer a cut that’s more polished than choppy, it’s time to get acquainted with the “preppy bob.” This neat, softly structured take on the classic haircut takes cues from collegiate style, swapping undone texture for a refined, put-together finish.
Spotted on ELLE UK’s cover star Léa Seydoux, Natalie Portman, and Alexa Chung, it’s considered one of the most timeless yet contemporary takes on the bob. Ahead, everything to know about the “preppy bob” and how to style it this season.
What is a “preppy bob” haircut?
True to its name, the “preppy bob” is understated, chic and impeccably polished. “This crop is an effortless take on a classic jaw-length cut. It’s neat without feeling rigid, with soft ends and a clean shape that gives hair an expensive-looking finish,” says Luke Hersheson, hairstylist and CEO of Hershesons. Think less lived-in texture and more precise ends, defined by clean lines and a sharp, neck-baring silhouette. Sitting between the chin and nape, it offers an ideal middle ground for those who aren’t ready to commit to the ultra-short lengths of a micro bob or the choppy edges of a French cut.
