It’s been a couple of months since Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh went for the big chop and she’s already proving herself to be something of a bob-styling pro. First, we saw her ‘supersize’ the style, boosting volume at the roots. Now, she’s embracing the ‘rounded bob’ — another simple trick for keeping the cut feeling fresh, and one that can take years off the face, too.
The Duchess, 61, was spotted in Keswick yesterday, enjoying a day out at Seatoller Farm. She looked effortlessly polished in a tailored blazer, perfectly complemented by her swishy bob. But we couldn’t help noticing one subtle hair styling update that elevated the entire look.
Take a closer look and you’ll spot the clever technique in action. The ends of Sophie’s bob have been softly curled and flicked upwards, creating a soft, rounded shape.
‘Sophie’s bob is a great example of how a shorter cut doesn’t have to feel harsh or overly structured,’ says Jason Collier, celebrity hairstylist and key opinion leader at Jerome Russell Bblonde.
‘The key to this look is in the way the ends are shaped and styled,’ he says. ‘Rather than leaving the perimeter completely straight or razor-sharp, the ends have been gently curved under, creating that soft, almost “C-shaped” silhouette.’
It might seem like a simple styling update, but it can have a transformative effect. As Jason explains, it’s especially flattering on mature women thanks to the softness it creates around the face.
‘Whenever we talk about hair having an ‘anti-ageing’ effect, I think it’s really about creating softness, movement and light around the face. A very blunt or severe finish can sometimes emphasise angles, whereas curved ends, like this, create a softer transition around the jawline,’ he says.
‘She also has a lovely amount of volume and lift through the sides, which helps frame and brighten the face,’ he says. ‘Combined with the rounded ends and soft movement, this creates a fresh, youthful feel without looking like you’re trying too hard to achieve it.’
So if you feel like your bob is in need of a refresh, it’s well worth giving the ‘rounded bob’ a go. As Jason tells us, all you need is your trusty hairdryer, a round brush and a few styling staples from your beauty repertoire.
To recreate the look, Jason recommends working a volumising mousse or lightweight styling cream through damp hair, focusing on the roots and mid-lengths. His top pick is the Bstyled Thickening Mousse.
Jerome Russell BStyled Thickening Hair Mousse
‘When blow-drying, use a medium-to-large round brush, directing the hair underneath and slightly back as you work so the ends naturally curve under rather than flicking out,’ he explains. ‘You don’t need a really pronounced curl. The key is a soft bend through the ends.’
Once your hair is dry, Jason recommends wrapping the front sections around the round brush, or a large Velcro roller, for extra lift. ‘Then you can finish with a light hair oil, such as Bstyled Hair Oil for a glossy finish; Sophie’s bob works because it looks touchable, glossy and full of movement,’ he notes.
Jerome Russell BStyled Hair Serum
It’s a simple styling tweak, but it can give your bob a whole new lease of life.
