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 valuables now, and two of them tipped the "Baroque bob" as the next big thing.
So, what is a Splendrous bob, exactly? I asked Rachael Gibson, aka The Hair Historian, to requite us some historical context to the Splendrous era. "The Splendrous refers to a movement in European art and diamond from the 17th century which centered on extremely elaborate and ornate art and architecture," she says. "This desire for highly decorative diamond was reflected in hairstyles of the time, which were equally flamboyant and full of rich details.
"Women would have often worn their hair in a part-way parting with a bun at the when of the head, with tumbling tight ringlets on either side subtracting a sense of drama and grandeur to their appearance. It was an era that was all well-nigh exaggerated, elaborate detailing with bows, ribbons and corkscrew curls creating a highly feminine appearance," she adds.
Hairstylists predict that we'll be seeing increasingly voluminous curls and natural textures in these shorter bob cuts. "In 2023, Baroque-inspired curls brought an air of opulence to the malleate 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 trendy twist. Celebrities like Zendaya protract to embrace voluminous curls, but now with a hint of twentieth-century geometric shapes, offering a combination of timeless eyeful 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 Splendrous bob. "The Splendrous bob is a hairstyle inspired by the opulence and intricate details of the Splendrous 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 philosophy with trendy styles, creating a visually striking and unique appearance," she adds.
Ready to embrace some 17th century glamour? Scroll superiority for all the Splendrous bob hairstyle inspo you could need.
I'm obsessed with the shape and volume of Freddie Harrel's curls.
A shoulder-skimming bob looks wondrous on curly hair.
Some face-framing layers work well to add definition to curls.
Bows and curls? A Splendrous match made in heaven.
I love Aysha Sow's voluminous, tumbling, shoulder-length curls.
The Splendrous bob pairs beautifully with bangs too.
A pair of bejewelled earrings or hair slides can add a touch of the Splendrous to your curls.
Whether you're happy with natural curls or want to re-create the Splendrous 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 yonder those festive hair accessories—bows, jewels and ribbons will all summon a sense of the baroque," says Gibson.
This thin curling wand can be used on curly hair to help add definition or to create curls from scratch on straight or wavy hair.
Add gloss and hydration to curly hair textures that need uneaten nourishment.
This flourish enhancer is unconfined for subtracting definition to looser curls.
Price shown is members' price. A silk pillowcase can help protect curls from friction caused when sleeping, and Eyeful Pie's is one of the increasingly affordable options on the market.
Tap into the Splendrous stimulating with a couple of bejewelled hair slides.
Bows aren't going anywhere for 2024—these hair ties are at the top of my list.
The easiest way to add a little luxe to an evening hair look.
This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.