Beauty

The Korean bob: the hairstyle that combines long and short hair

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The Korean bob: the hairstyle that combines long and short hair

I had to look twice before I saw it correctly. For a moment I thought it was a before and after of a fresh haircut, but no: it was just one hairstyle. A two-in-one cut. The Korean bob is the hairstyle that you want to book with your hairdresser today. Because who doesn't fantasize about long locks one moment, and a short bob the next? Just fun for a change, without having to put on a wig. How this Korean bob, also known as the ‘Hime cut’ or ’two-length bob’, is exactly constructed? Here it comes.

A bob with a Korean finesse

The Korean bob comes (how could it be otherwise) straight from Seoul, where it-girls have been wearing it for a while and K-pop stars like Lisa from BLACKPINK (and The White Lotus) have become style icons with it. It is a hairstyle where the bottom of your hair, usually the nape, is cut short, straight, and blunt, while the top layers remain longer and fall over the short hair. What makes this hairstyle extra special is the balance. The bob is short, but not strict. The length at the front ensures that your face is beautifully framed, without coming across as harsh or angular. It is precisely that airy quality, with that layering, that makes it such a beautiful combination of stylish, playful, and unique.

The difference lies in the cut

What makes this bob different from the classic version is the way layers are worked with. The bottom is cut short and blunt, and longer strands fall over it. Even with a wave or slight curl, you can go for this trend. For women with fine hair, it adds volume, while thick hair falls more airy. It is that rare hairstyle that adapts to your hair structure, rather than the other way around.

Not a tame bob

The Korean bob is everything but boring. There are variants with a subtle fringe, such as the now world-famous curtain fringe, or a fuller front strand that ends just below your cheekbone. Also in terms of color, you can go wild – just like the Korean girls: think of soft pastel tips or face-framing highlights for that little extra contour in your face. And if you, like me, occasionally feel the need for something ‘less sweet’, you can also play with a soft undercut or a slightly sharper line at the back. No worries, it remains subtle. But just edgy enough.

Who is the Korean bob for?

The fun thing is: the Korean bob suits almost everyone. Whether you have a round face or a more angular jawline, straight hair or a slight wave – this hairstyle always works. Especially if you long for something new, but don't want to immediately cut off your entire length. So yes: you can really have a bob without saying goodbye to your long locks that you are so attached to. Win-win.

How do you explain the Korean bob to your hairdresser?

Make sure to show a picture – even though hairdressers don't always find this ideal, because you never get it exactly like in the photo (your hair structure is different for everyone) – but it works best in this case. If you want to put it into words, say that you want a hairstyle where the nape is cut short, tight, and straight, and that the top layers can remain longer, flowing over the short part.

A hairstyle that works

What I love about the Korean bob is that it is not just a trend, it is simply a hairstyle that works. It is practical without being boring. Fashionable without too much maintenance. It has a nonchalant quality that is simultaneously very chic. Curious how this actually looks in real life? Then check out the video below.