Expert explains the difference between the Box, Parisian and Italian Bob hairstyle loved by celebrities

We’re calling it! Summer is officially over and the new Autumn/Winter 23 season has begun. The new season brings with it a need for change which is why so many celebrities are saying goodbye to their long locks and having their hair chopped off into the super chic 'Bob' hairstyle.  

Fans of the iconic style include actress Zendaya, Kim Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian and Emma Stone. Hailey Bieber recently debuted her bob with new ‘Cinnamon Cookie butter’ hair colour. The low-key hairstyle was originally created by Vidal Sassoon in the 1960s when he cut a graduated bob style on actress Nancy Kwan. 

Over the past few weeks we have seen the Parisian, Italian, Stacked and Box Bob haircut but as they all look so similar we asked hair expert Alice Dawkins from Milk + Blush exactly what the difference is. And to avoid being compared to Lord Farquaad from Shrek like Kim K was, we asked Alice to give her advice and best tips on how to maintain the hairstyle.  

Alice Dawkins explains “With lazy girl hacks currently trending, the bob is the perfect hairstyle that requires little-to-no maintenance. But with so many different types to choose from, how do you know which one will suit you?”

The Parisian Bob 

"Parisian or the French bob is super cropped, cut shorter than most types at the jawline, just above the chin and paired with a super chic full fringe. It’s reminiscent of the 1920s era as actresses like Louise Brooks sported the look and considered it a bold act of defiance worn by fiercely independent women.

Unlike other bobs, this cut isn't blunt but focuses on subtle layers to create natural texture and give it that relaxed, nonchalant, yet chic French look. Meanwhile, the bangs are designed to be at brow level and can be adapted based on your style.

If you choose this style, visit the salon every four to six weeks to ensure it stays the same length and doesn’t have split ends. However, this look really doesn’t need much to be maintained day-to-day. The cut pretty much does the talking and will look its best when air dried, slicked back with gel or slightly wavy and voluminous with a touch of mousse or styling serum."

The Italian Bob

"Slightly longer than the Parisian bob as it grazes the neck and sits just inches above the shoulders, curling under slightly for extra bounce. The 60’s inspired look is full-bodied and has chunky ends cut bluntly, with an assortment of subtle layers – both of which make the style feel thick and expensive.

Like the Parisian bob, this cut is all about embracing your natural hair and understated elegance, but this style has even more movement and is a little more playful and glamorous. 

This style is super low-maintenance and, like the Parisian style, can be air-dried for regular days or blow-dried for extra volume and set in rollers for a touch of Italian glamour. One thing that sets this style apart is that it can be tied up, as it's a little bit longer and looks good no matter the parting. 

While this haircut is generally suitable for any hair type or texture, it’s most associated with thicker hair types with natural waves as it’s supposed to be heavy. However, those with finer hair can achieve a similar look with styling products such as mousse or salt spray."

The Stacked Bob

"The modern twist on the stacked bob is a style that sees the hair softly graduate in length, with its shortest section at the nape of the neck and its longest towards the front of the face, achieved with subtle feathered layering. Where this style differs from others is the cut’s length can be adapted to suit you, looking best on mid-length, short and long hair.

 Additionally, the stacked bob is cut with an assortment of long and short layers, which provide a great deal of volume and body, making it ideal for fine hair, as well as those wanting to embrace naturally curly locks. For best results, get this style cut every six to eight weeks and keep it looking voluminous with mousse or rollers."

The Box Bob

"The ‘box’ bob is an iteration of the classic bob style that is cut to chin length at an angle and is very blunt and choppy, giving the illusion of a boxy, square silhouette - with plenty of volume.

In contrast to other popular styles, such as A-line, asymmetric and classic bob cuts, the ‘box’ bob accentuates the jawline and boosts volume to the roots by reducing the weight of the hair. This is a great short haircut for fine and straight hair that often sits flat, as this style can add shape and the illusion of fullness. 

The box bob looks best styled with plenty of texture and volume, so styling it with undone waves is the best way to go. Using a straightener to create a soft bend in the hair can work wonderfully for creating a tousled and natural look. Get this style trimmed every six weeks to maintain its shape and use products that add texture and volume, such as dry shampoo or texturising sprays."