A-Line Bob

Q: How did the A-line bob get its name? Who came up with that name, and why is this cut so popular? I often see women with this hairstyle, and I find it very attractive. I'm always tempted to get my hair cut like that too, but I haven’t had the courage to part with my long hair just yet.

A: This chic and timeless cut gets its name from the way it mimics the shape of the letter "A" when viewed from the side. Picture this: shorter in the back, gradually lengthening toward the front, creating a sleek, angled line that frames the face beautifully. Alternative names are angled bob and plunging bob.

While the bob itself became a sensation in the 1920s, the A-line variation was popularized in the 1960s, thanks to the legendary British hairstylist Vidal Sassoon. He revolutionized haircutting with his precise, geometric styles, and the A-line bob was one of his masterpieces. Sassoon’s technique allowed for those sharp, clean angles that make this cut so striking.

The term "A-line" actually came from fashion before it made its way to hair. In 1955, designer Christian Dior introduced the "A-line" silhouette in clothing - narrow at the top, flaring out at the bottom - just like the hairstyle. When the haircut gained popularity in the following decade, the name stuck, further cementing the deep connection between fashion and hair trends.

A-line bob - Bob with an angled line and shorter nech section

Over the years, the A-line bob has had its moments in the spotlight. The 1960s saw it worn sleek and sharp. The 1990s softened things up with a bit of layering. The 2000s brought dramatic angles and asymmetry. Thank you, Victoria Beckham and Katie Holmes! And today? It’s all about personalization: textured ends, shaved sections, color contrasts, asymmetry, and varying lengths.

So why is this style so irresistible? It’s a bit daring yet elegant, and many find it kind of cute. The angled cut creates a flattering frame for the face, adds movement to the hair, and even gives the illusion of some length while keeping things fresh at the nape. It’s versatile and the A-line bob can be tailored to suit your vibe. For a different look, you can tuck your hair behind your ears.

A-line bob - Bob with a short buzzed nape

If you’re tempted but hesitant to take the plunge from long hair, I totally get it! Chopping off a lot of length can be daunting. But trust me, once you experience the breezy feeling on your neck and the stylish appeal of an A-line bob, you might just wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. Ready to go for it?

©Hairfinder.com

See also:

How to cut a dramatic A-Line

Try A-line bobs on a photo of yourself