The Bell-Bottom Bob Gives Classic Short Hair a Soft, Bouncy Upgrade

Like a moth to a flame, I've always been drawn to a good flare. Gimme farfalle over penne, a trumpet sleeve over a cap, a champagne coupe over a flute. Even as a preteen, while everyone was squeezing themselves into skin-tight jeans like overstuffed denim sausages (a collective fever dream, frankly), I snubbed them in favor of my trusty flares. Admittedly, it wasn't so much a fashion statement as an early indication of tactile sensitivity, but hey, make of that what you will.As it turns out, circa two decades later, fashion has finally caught up to my peculiar preferences. This time, not in denim, but in hair. Enter: The bell-bottom bob, a softer take on the classic style that gently kicks out through the ends to create movement, bounce, and volume in equal parts.Ahead, hairstylist Chlöe Swift explains everything you need to know about the flattering style, from who it's best suited to, to exactly how to style it.Rather than sitting pin-straight like the classic blunt bob, the bell-bottom style keeps things sleek at the roots before gently flaring out at the ends—much like its denim namesake. This gives the look of bouncier, fuller-looking strands, perfect for anyone with fine or lackluster hair.As Chlöe puts it, "The outward movement gives the style more body, while the shorter length keeps it feeling fresh and modern. It’s one of those cuts that looks like you’ve made an effort, even when your styling routine has only taken five or ten minutes."Who is the bell-bottom bob best suited to?Now, despite having a name that sounds like it belongs at a Texas state fair, the bell-bottom bob is surprisingly universal."It works particularly well on straight to wavy hair, and can be adapted for finer hair by creating the illusion of fullness through the ends," Chlöe says. "Face-shape wise, it’s incredibly flattering because the outward movement around the jawline helps soften stronger features and creates balance for oval, heart and longer face shapes."Want some bangs, too? You're in luck! "Curtain bangs are my favorite because they blend seamlessly into the flicked-out shape," Chlöe explains. "A soft, wispy or Bardot style fringe gives the style a more French-inspired feel," she adds.How to style the bell-bottom bobLow-maintenance girlies, listen up because the bell-bottom bob isn’t particularly fussy when it comes to styling. Hallelujah!Add Cosmopolitan as a preferred source in your Google search results.Use your Google account to add this to your settings."The bell-bottom bob is medium maintenance," Chlöe says. "The cut itself grows out beautifully, but if you want to upkeep its flicky shape without having to heat style it daily, you'll need trims every 8–10 weeks." This is because its shoulder length lends to a natural upturn.If it does grow longer or you'd prefer a shorter length, you'll need to allow some styling time in the morning – but Chlöe describes the technique as "easy".Start by blow-drying your hair smooth, then use a round brush to flick the ends up and out. Though, if multitasking ain't your thing (it surely isn't mine!), Chlöe recommends reaching for a hot brush instead.As for products, restraint is key. "Keep products minimal," she advises. "Use a leave-in heat protectant spray before blow-drying and finish with a light hairspray to tame down any fly-aways."Et voilà! There you have a style that Chlöe describes as a "brilliant summer haircut." After all, it does keep hair off the neck while still being long enough to tie back—styling options in abundance!Bell-bottom bob inspiration picsTIZIANA FABI//Getty Images