It may be 2024 now, but it seems we’re still very much in our bob era. And hair salons agree; it’s been the haircut of the past 12 months. We saw every type of bob haircut have its moment last year, and the short style shows no sign of going anywhere. Curious to know what hair trends will be big in 2024, I asked hairdressers to share the bob trends that they’re backing now, and two of them tipped the “Baroque bob” as the next big thing.
So, what is a “baroque bob” exactly? I asked Rachael Gibson, aka The Hair Historian, to give us some historical context to the Baroque era. “The Baroque refers to a movement in European art and design from the 17th century which centred on extremely elaborate and ornate art and architecture,” she says. “This desire for highly decorative design was reflected in hairstyles of the time, which were equally flamboyant and full of rich details.
“Women would have generally worn their hair in a centre parting with a bun at the back of the head, with tumbling tight ringlets on either side adding a sense of drama and grandeur to their appearance. It was an era that was all about exaggerated, elaborate detailing with bows, ribbons and corkscrew curls creating a highly feminine appearance,” she adds.
Hairstylists predict that we’ll be seeing more voluminous curls and natural textures in these shorter bob cuts. “In 2023, Baroque-inspired curls brought an air of opulence to the fashion world, with Versace’s runway as a prominent example, says Jason Crozier, hairstylist at Neville Hair and Beauty “For 2024, the trend has evolved with a contemporary twist. Celebrities like Zendaya continue to embrace voluminous curls, but now with a hint of avant-garde geometric shapes, offering a combination of timeless beauty and modern artistry,” he says.
Jordanna Cobella, British Hairdressing Awards London Hairdresser of the Year 2023 and creative director of Cobella Salon, also predicts the rise of the Baroque bob. “The Baroque bob is a hairstyle inspired by the opulence and intricate details of the Baroque era,” says Cobella. “It often features a shorter length with voluminous curls, waves or elaborate textures. The trend in 2024 may stem from a desire for bold, statement looks and a fusion of historical aesthetics with contemporary styles, creating a visually striking and unique appearance,” she adds.
Ready to embrace some 17th century glamour? Scroll ahead for all the Baroque bob hairstyle inspo you could need.
Whether you’re blessed with natural curls or want to re-create the Baroque bob on straight hair, there are plenty of styling tricks to enhance this style. “For a modern interpretation, curls are still key; don’t put away those festive hair accessories—bows, jewels and ribbons will all summon a sense of the baroque,” says Gibson.
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