Flattering and anti-ageing – why it’s all about the midi-bob

flattering anti-ageing hair style haircut women bob midi-bob uk 2022
flattering anti-ageing hair style haircut women bob midi-bob uk 2022

Without even a whiff of irony we have news. There’s a brand new bob on the block. Meet the ‘midi-bob’ – a shoulder-skimming French-inspired, slightly tailored haircut that looks as stylish on mid to later life women as it does on the likes of gen-Z poster girl Mia Regan. Truly.

According to celebrity hairstylist Andreas Wild at Larry King in Notting Hill, the ‘midi’ is as versatile as the skirt that bears its name. Not too long nor too short; less severe than the chin-length style that originated in the 1920s and softer than its twin, the LOB (long bob) which typically has more layers and a rock n’ roll edge (hence, harder to wear).

flattering anti-ageing hair style haircut women bob midi-bob uk 2022 - Karwai Tang
flattering anti-ageing hair style haircut women bob midi-bob uk 2022 - Karwai Tang

Of course, no new trend is official without a slew of celebrity sightings. At Wimbledon the midi-bob has been spotted on Spice Girls’ Melanie Chisolm, 48, TV personality Stacey Dooley, 35, and Royal Zara Tindall, 41, while Andie MacDowell, 64, had her curls fashioned into a flattering ‘midi’ for Cannes. And yet unsurprisingly, it is Parisians Jeanne Damas, 30, stylist and editor Carine Roitfeld, 67 and actress Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, 59, who are carrying off the midi-bob with enviable ease.

The key to its success, says Wild, who counts actress Gemma Arterton as one of his regulars, is the blunt baseline. “This lends it fullness and a healthy look that will give it longevity as it grows out,” he explains.

flattering anti-ageing hair style haircut women bob midi-bob uk 2022 - Karwai Tang
flattering anti-ageing hair style haircut women bob midi-bob uk 2022 - Karwai Tang

Old style bobs are often chopped into at the ends, which doesn’t work on mature women with grey or fine, thinning hair, insists Wild. However, if your hair is thick, he suggests asking your hairdresser to invisibly and delicately thin the underneath to give it more fluidity while retaining its clean edge.

Since the midi is generally layerless, there is scope for a blunt or curtain fringe and/or some softer pieces cut around the perimeter of the face which will lift and sculpt the cheekbones and soften a droopy jawline. “Some light face framing will make it bespoke and flatter your features,” Wild adds.

When it comes to styling, he suggests leaving it to dry naturally or creating an easy S-bend by inserting two creaseless hair clips, one at eyebrow level and another at ear height either side, removing them when dry. “Whether you blow dry it straight or create a soft wave, the shape looks as appropriate on a 75-year-old as it does on a 20-something,” enthuses Wild.

Thankfully, this is one of those hairstyles that doesn’t need an arsenal of sticky products to look good. All it takes is a blob of mousse or a spritz of volumising spray at the crown and a tiny amount of styling cream through the ends to smooth flyaways. Or, for fine hair or to boost texture, try a light mist of dry shampoo.

On holiday tuck a flower behind your ear or throw it up for the evening leaving a tendril or two to hang loose on either side. As Wild says, “it really is the easiest haircut you’ll ever have – it suits everyone at every age regardless of face shape or hair texture.” Genius

The only three products you need

Larry King Hair My Nanna’s Mousse, £19

flattering anti-ageing hair style haircut women bob midi-bob uk 2022
flattering anti-ageing hair style haircut women bob midi-bob uk 2022

KLORANE Daily Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk, £9.50

flattering anti-ageing hair style haircut women bob midi-bob uk 2022
flattering anti-ageing hair style haircut women bob midi-bob uk 2022

Undone by George Northwood Moisturising Cream, £15

flattering anti-ageing hair style haircut women bob midi-bob uk 2022
flattering anti-ageing hair style haircut women bob midi-bob uk 2022

This article is kept updated with the latest information.


Is the midi-bob one of your preferred hairstyles? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below