The sun is out, as is the Aperol Spritz — and if you need one more thing to channel that Italian summer feeling, let it be the ‘Italian bob’. It’s a style that continues to reign supreme in 2026, especially as we move into the sunnier months. Voluminous, sophisticated and effortlessly chic, it captures the essence of la dolce vita.
What is the ‘Italian bob’?
Think of it as a shortcut to instant chic. ‘The Italian bob is a softer, fuller version of the classic bob,’ explains Jason Collier, founder of Studio23 and key opinion leader for Jerome Russell Bblonde. ‘It usually sits between the jaw and collarbone, with lots of movement, volume and a more effortless finish than sharper, sleek cuts,’ he says.
As Jason points out, celebrity influence is huge. The bouncy bob has been spotted on the likes of Demi Moore, Hannah Waddingham, Penélope Cruz and Pamela Anderson — need we say more?
‘It’s part of the shift we’ve been seeing towards hairstyles that look polished but still relaxed and wearable,’ says Jason. ‘The Italian bob has that expensive-looking bounce and softness people are really gravitating towards right now.’
Why does it work so well for mature women?
It’s no coincidence that so many of our favourite women over 50 are embracing the style. As Jason explains, it’s a haircut that’s incredibly flattering in midlife. ‘Softer, voluminous bob styles, like this, are especially flattering over 50 because they frame the face gently and create a more lifted, youthful effect than very blunt or rigid cuts,’ he explains.
The even better news is that it works beautifully on fine, mature hair too. As Jason explains, it’s one of those cuts that can give even stubborn hair an instant boost in volume. ‘It creates natural fullness without removing too much density through heavy layering,’ says Jason. ‘As hair matures, softer shapes and added movement can make the hair appear healthier, thicker and more youthful overall.’
‘The shorter length will lift the hair naturally, while soft texture will bring in that body and movement,’ he says.
You’ll notice that the celebrities tend to wear their Italian bobs with softly brushed-out curls. ‘The softness and undone texture is what makes this style feel so modern,’ says Jason. ‘It looks chic and luxurious without feeling overly styled or severe.’ Bellissima!
What to ask for in the salon
If, like us, you’re already eyeing up your next salon appointment — it’s important to know exactly what to ask for before you go. ‘You want to ask your stylist to keep the cut around jaw-to-collarbone length,’ advises Jason. ‘This is the best length for maintaining fullness.’
Styling is where the signature Italian bob bounce really comes into its own. ‘A soft blow-dry with root lift and loose movement is key,’ says Jason. ‘The style works best when it doesn’t look too perfect. A little bend and natural movement is what gives it that effortless Italian feel.’
A spritz of product will help enhance that bounce and soft finish. Jason recommends a root spray, such as the Bstyled Root Boost Spray, for targeted volume, alongside a lightweight texture mist like the Bstyled Wave & Salt Spray for that airy, Euro-summer feel — rather than anything too polished.
Next stop: the Italian Riviera.
