The "Italian bob" is summer's most polished haircut: here's how to make it work for your face shape

When it comes to haircuts, 'French girl hair' is one of the most popular references – that done-undone, laidback texture that is chic yet low maintenance. The definition of effortless.

But for those who prefer a cut that's a little more polished and sophisticated, it's time to consider the Italian bob. Sported by silver screen icons such as Sophia Loren, Claudia Cardinale, and Monica Vitti, this voluminous style made a return back in 2022 when actress Simona Tabasco wore a modern interpretation of the look on The White Lotus. The current day version is much sleeker and softer than the glamorous curls and maximalist volume of the '60s.

Thanks to its wearability and polish, the Italian bob is now a look that's here to stay.

According to expert hairstylists, the Italian bob generally sits between the jawline and collarbone (although you can go shorter), and it is evenly cut; blunt, but not severe. "It has minimal layering, clean lines, and a real precision to the finish. It’s sleek and it’s intentional," she shares.

They add: "Where the French bob is romantic and a little messy, the Italian bob is sharp, polished and quietly powerful. Think less Brigitte Bardot, more Monica Bellucci."

How to get the Italian bob

As with all haircuts, your chop should be bespoke to your features, hair type and texture and your lifestyle. There are no hard and fast rules, but expert hairstylists share general guidelines on how to tailor your cut:

Angular face: Consider softening the features to bring balance. Keep the length closer to the collarbone, add some curtain fringe and make sure the ends are finished with enough softness to balance the jawline. You’re not fighting the angles, you’re just adding warmth around them.

Round face: It's about creating length through the centre. A slight graduation at the back gives you that elongating effect, and styling with volume at the crown rather than the sides is key. A centre or very slightly off-centre parting works much better than a side parting here.

Narrow face: The Italian bob offers the width and weight of the blunt finish that will be to your advantage. That clean, minimal line adds fullness and balances the face shape beautifully.

Straight hair types will naturally hold the silhouette of the Italian bob well. Expert hairstylists recommends adding volume on the roots with a hairdryer before using a straightener such as GHD Chronos to create a a polished, sleek finish. For wavy strands, you're in luck: either lean into the body and movement of your natural texture or blow-dry for a smoother, classic Italian bob finish.

This haircut is a dream for curls and coils, too. Make sure you approach a stylist who is well-versed in curly and coily hair as they truly understand how curl patterns differ when hair is cut shorter. "The shrinkage factor is real so always cut longer than you think. Diffusing with the GHD Speed on a low heat setting preserves the curl integrity and gives you that full, voluminous finish that makes this cut look incredible on textured hair," share expert hairstylists.

Why you should try an Italian bob

Thanks to its clean lines and bouncy finish, it is one of the most timeless, sophisticated haircuts out there. "It frames the face beautifully, it looks incredibly polished with very little effort, and because there’s minimal layering the grow-out is really graceful," Expert hairstylists tell us.

It's also relatively easy to manage and style on a daily basis. "You can wear it sleek and sharp one day and then spray a little GHD Curls Gone Wild through the next morning and it looks just as good with a bit of that second-day texture," recommend expert hairstylists. Your summer hair transformation starts here.