Between the resurgence of the bob and the overwhelming popularity of shoulder-length lobs, it’s been a big decade for short haircuts. We’ve even seen styling techniques like glass hair that cater specifically to the shortest-haired ladies. With all that emphasis on a swan-like neck and a defined jawline, it’s only natural that celebrity stylists would take it one step further with the razor bob.
Nick Arrojo, owner of Arrojo Studio in New York City and bonafide razor cutting expert, says there's an effortlessness to the bob that's appealing to a new generation of trendsetters. It’s not too short, so it is less of a commitment than going above the chin (but, of course, the length can be tailored to your liking), and the razor cut makes it easier for hair to swing and move.
Are you thinking of chopping your dark brown hair to a chic new length? Keep reading for everything you need to know before asking your stylist for a razor bob of your own.
What is a razor bob?
A razor bob is when your stylist uses a straight-edge razor blade to slice through the ends of your hair.
Two distinct shapes result from cutting your mane with a razor. The first has a sharp, blunt edge and swingy length and is often accompanied by an asymmetrical slant to better frame the face. While it can be worn curly or wavy, the best way to show off that sharp edge is to wear it pin straight. No frizz, no frills, all glamour!
In contrast, a soft razor bob features more jagged edges, lending a lighter, wispier appearance for a rock ‘n roll look. Its defining characteristics are lived-in texture and airy volume.
Good hair day by @iconink.design
What's the difference between a razor cut and a scissor cut?
"A scissor cuts from the ends up and from within," Arrojo explains. "In one cut, it can only remove length or weight; it cannot remove both. A razor cuts from the shaft down, in effect tapering the hair by removing length and weight at the same time.”
Good hair day by @anibalstylesok
Is a razor cut good for hair?
As long as it’s left in the hands of a trained professional, a razor cut won’t damage the hair. Your stylist will use the sharpest blade possible to cut your locks, which glides easily through strands without creating any friction that can contribute to split ends. A super-skilled stylist can perform razor cuts on wet and dry hair, but the slip of wet hair is usually preferred to help keep breakage to a minimum.
Who should try the razor bob?
Unlike more conventional cuts, the razor bob is as much a fashion statement as a hairstyle. It’s meant to be shown off, preferably accompanying a glamorous outfit. The razor bob is the best choice if you’re looking for a cut that makes itself known and helps you stand out.
As any stylist will tell you, the most crucial part of any haircut is customization. If you schedule an appointment to get a razor bob, your pro will factor in your age, face shape, jawline, hair type, and a few other things to ensure you get a bob you like and one you’re prepared to maintain.
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Is a razor bob high maintenance?
A razor-cut bob's distinct edges and shape will require regular trims (we’re talking every four to six weeks) as your hair grows out to ensure the cut stays on point and free of split ends. Be mindful of factoring that in as you consider taking this chic cut for a spin.
If continual trips to the salon aren’t realistic, consider adding a split-end mending system into your hair care routine to prevent breakage between your touch-ups. We love Matrix Total Results Instacure Anti-Breakage Shampoo, Conditioner, and Porosity Spray. The pH-balancing line works to fill overly porous areas of hair with liquid proteins to add strength and resilience for 60% less breakage.
The 13 Best Razor Bob Ideas to Try Now
Photo credit: @artsymel.hair
Basic Razor Bob
You’re not afraid of change, uncertainty, or making a statement, so tell the world all that with a single glance by getting this staple razor bob. Its short length is modern and simple, so you’ll never have to worry about how you’re styling your hair in the morning.
Arrojo says that when it comes to styling, less is more.
"Style with a flat brush," he explains. "You can easily create wavy, lived-in texture or, if you want a more polished finish, it’s easy to create smoothness by working it consistently from roots to ends."
Photo credit: @daisymckane.tone.mcr
Angled Razor Bob
A slight variation on the standard, the angled razor bob incorporates more length around the face, so you benefit from the slimming effect of face-framing pieces.
Good hair day by @vikiscissorhands.
Wavy Angled Razor Bob
This ‘do gives you the dramatic length of a bob while maintaining face-framing softness around the face. Oh, and did we mention how killer these tousled waves are? A liberal spritz of Shu Uemura Art of Hair’s Wata Wave Texture Spray will give them lasting volume and texture.
Photo credit: @hellocindeee
Silver Razor Bob
It’s a real power move to mix a statement cut with a color that’s equally as showstopping. If going platinum blonde has left you with damaged ends, why not cut them off and use the opportunity to try something a little different?
Another way to salvage frayed ends is by using a rinse-off like Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Intensive Treatment, which contains 14 percent citric acid to repair and condition hair damage from the inside out.
Photo credit: @amyfishcolour
Flippy Razor Bob
Once you’ve got the cut, the styling options are endless. We love this flippy, ‘90s-inspired take on the razor bob that includes a dramatic side part.
Use a flat iron like L’Oréal Professionnel Steampod Hair Straightener + Curling Iron to flip the ends like a pro.
Photo credit: @michelle_marshall
Razor Bob with Baby Bangs
Add a punk edge to your razor bob with the addition of baby bangs. The good news is that this fringe will need to be trimmed about as frequently as your cut, so you’ll never experience that awkward grow-out process!
Photo credit: @rosibelhair
Straight and Piecey Razor Bob
If you’re searching for natural flat iron hairstyles to wear with your razor bob, you can’t go wrong with a classic sleek look to play up your piecey ends.
Be sure to stick to a low heat setting and prep your hair with a heat-protectant. Mizani’s Thermasmooth Style & Style Again is one of our go-tos. The formula protects locks up to 450 degrees and allows you to re-shape and re-style your hair, so you don’t need any other items for your blowout.
Photo credit: @violetgrace_
French Girl Razor Bob
The French girl bob is effortlessly cool. The traditional hallmarks of this Parisian-inspired style are its chin length, layers, and full set of fringe.
Photo credit: @dvglam
Choppy Asymmetrical Razor Bob
You’ll need an equally unique hairstyle if you like to live out of the box. This choppy asymmetrical bob combines some of the most outrageous and artistic hairstyles into a bold look that’s not for the faint of heart.
Photo credit: @chloe_ste_marie
Side-Parted Razor Bob
Calling all fine-haired gals: A deep side part offers a big impact with the least effort. This easy part switch-up is the way to go if you want to give your blunt bob an instant volume boost.
Photo credit: @thehairtrove
S-Curl Razor Bob
On-trend S-curls are achieved by gently tugging on each section of hair after you loosen it from your curling iron or wand. The technique lengthens the curl for an easygoing vibe that elevates the shattered ends of a razor cut bob.
Photo credit: @mariactmtx
Electric Blue Razor Bob
Make a lasting impression by dyeing your razor bob a vivid color like this cool and calming classic blue.
We recommend picking up a system formulated for high-maintenance hair colors like Matrix Keep Me Vivid Shampoo and Conditioner. This shampoo and conditioner system gently cleanses and moisturizes to maintain the vibrancy of fast-fading hair hues.
Photo credit: @mikaatbhc
Layered Razor Bob
Your friends may envy your thick, plentiful locks, but you’re likely all too familiar with how weighted-down your lush strands can get. A razor bob is an excellent solution. Feathery, light ends, a full crown, plus plenty of delicate layers will be the next look to be fawned over.
Want to style your razor cut? Head to Hair.com to shop the professional products you’ll need.
Total Results Instacure Anti-Breakage Shampoo
Anti-breakage shampoo that works to smooth, repair and reduce breakage in dry, damaged, brittle hair.
Total Results Instacure Anti-Breakage Conditioner
Anti-breakage conditioner that nourishes, repairs and strengthens dry, damaged, brittle hair.
Total Results Instacure Anti-Breakage Porosity Spray
Anti-breakage spray that fills in porosity, smooths cuticle and controls frizz in dry, damaged, brittle hair.
Wata Wave Texture Spray
A texturizing finishing spray that provides buildable texture
Acidic Bonding Concentrate Intensive Treatment
An intensive acidic rinse-off treatment that helps reinforce weak hair bonds and repair damaged hair.
Steampod Hair Straightener + Curling Iron
A flat iron for fast, smooth styling on all hair types.
Total Results Keep Me Vivid Sulfate-Free Shampoo
A sulfate free, gentle shampoo that gently cleanses so hair color remains vibrant.
Total Results Keep Me Vivid Nourishing Conditioner
A lightweight, yet hydrating conditioner that leaves colored hair vibrant, smooth and soft.
