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How to grow out a bob is probably a wise thing to know before you actually make the cut. You know what they say, measure twice, cut once. And if you're booked in for a dramatic change in length, like a bob haircut, you want to go in armed with all the info. 

Of course, it's no secret that bobs are big news. In fact, they were the most popular cut amongst GLAMOUR's readers in 2021. But phwoar as they are, can be a commitment, especially if you're starting out with longer hair. 

Before getting any cut it's always a good idea to have a discussion with your stylist. Tell them about your lifestyle, how long you have in the morning for styling and how you like to wear your hair day-to-day – that way they can tailor the cut into a style that works best for you. 

If you're going shorter, check in with your stylist how to grow out a bob and long it will take to grow it back out again as that way you can make your decision more confidently. It also means you can map out any cuts you might want to experiment with in between, if you plan on growing it longer again eventually. 

We spoke to Ricky Walters, hair pro and owner of Salon 64 in London to get the low-down on growing out a bob. 

How long does a bob generally take to grow out?

“Despite getting longer over time, as a bob grows out the haircut can still often look like a bob,” says Ricky. “This is due to the way we layer or graduate a bob." In general though, you'll get half a year of wear out of if before your bob starts morphing back into midi length. “After a solid 6 months of growing out your hair the haircut should soften (although this can vary for some),” Ricky says. And, if you want a longer length, don't be tempted to cut and run early. “Don't give up, keep growing past this stage,” he says. 

Any tips for growing a bob out?

“After 6 months of growth you should have enough hair to layer the hair less like a bob and more like a chic collar bone cut,” says Ricky. “Ask your stylist to retain all length in your hair while adding some loose layers to make the hair look longer and less bob like,” he adds.  

Any bobs that are particularly easy to grow out, to have in mind before getting one?

“Bobs come in such a range and variety,” Ricky says. “I personally think the traditional graduated bob [like a Posh Spice-style pob] has had its day. Search for looser, low maintenance bobs with a little more length,” he says. For instance, try the shattered, layered or hacked bob.

Any cuts/styling techniques that can help grow a bob out gracefully?

 “Slicing the hair with layers and less of a rigid structure means your bob can be left to grow out far more easily than a heavy, formal power bob,” says Ricky.  “Keep it loose and lived in,” he says. 

For more from GLAMOUR's Beauty Editor, Elle Turner, follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk

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