The Cup Bob Is the Bowl Cut’s All Grown Up Sibling

The days of your mom sticking a bowl on your head to assist with your in-kitchen haircut might be long gone, but the latest bob trend certainly takes us back! Introducing the cup bob, the elegant, grown-up take on the bowl cut that ditches the bowl-bangs in favor of a super sleek style.

Featured Experts

• Harry Josh is a celebrity hairstylist and KERASILK ambassador
• Dimitris Giannetos is a celebrity hairstylist and Moroccanoil and L’Oréal ambassador

What is the cup bob?

“A cup bob is a super sleek, chin-length cut that hugs the face and curves in slightly at the ends— almost like it’s cupping the jawline,” explains celebrity hairstylist and Moroccanoil and L’Oréal ambassador, Dimitris Giannetos.

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Harry Josh, celebrity hairstylist and ambassador for KERASILK, agrees. “The main detail that makes the cup bob unique to a traditional bob is how it’s styled,” he says. “By round brushing under, towards the chin, you’re getting a completely different look.”

Is it a more glamorous bowl cut?

“It’s clean, sculpted and sharp but with a softness to the shape,” Giannetos notes. “And yes, it’s the bowl cut’s grown-up, glam older sister. The old-school bowl cut was blunt and harsh, but the cup bob is glossy, tailored and intentional.”

If you’re feeling a little intimidated by the cup bob’s closeness to the bowl cut, Josh clarifies that the end result looks distinct. “Because of styling, the bowl cut ultimately looks totally different and traditionally involves bangs,” he says.

Styling the Cup Bob

“To style it, you want a smooth, glassy finish with a slight curve under,” Giannetos explains. “I’d prep damp hair with L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Slayer Leave In ($9) to protect and smooth, then blow-dry with a round brush, curving the ends in.”

And that round brush detail? It’s essential.

“A round brush is the most important tool, and we’ll use it to heat and cool the ends of your style,” Josh explains. “I also love the KERASILK Smoothing Blow Dry Cream ($14) to keep the look smooth with a soft, silky feel.”

“I like to finish with a flat iron if needed, and seal it with L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Strong Hold Hair Spray ($16) for that lightweight hold without stiffness,” Giannetos notes.