The 'slip bob' is the effortless, 90s-inspired cut that'll take your hair from summer to autumn

Short crops, like the French bob, have reigned supreme for some time. But now there's a new style in town: an elegant, collarbone-grazing iteration dubbed the 'Slip Bob' by London hair salon Hershesons. Taking its cue from the ‘90s, the trending cut is inspired by the era's most iconic sartorial staple – the satin slip dress.

“We’re seeing a real return to ‘90s minimalism across fashion and beauty, and hair is following suit,” says Dale Herne, expert stylist at Hershesons Fitzrovia. “People still want their hair to look healthy and polished, but without it looking like they’ve spent hours styling it. The Slip Bob has that effortless quality. It’s sleek, but not severe, and the subtle movement stops it from feeling too perfect.”

It's that effortless movement that ties the trend back to its satin slip dress inspiration. “Where the Italian Bob is fuller and more voluminous, with that blown-out shape, the Slip Bob sits closer to the head with less lift and a more fluid silhouette. It feels a bit more understated, which is what makes it look so expensive,” explains Herne.

What is the 'Slip Bob'?

A defining bob hairstyle of the '90s, it was worn by everyone from Christy Turlington and Naomi Campbell to Gwyneth Paltrow. More than three decades later, Margot Robbie has been spotted with the cut, giving the look a modern revival.

“The Slip Bob is a bob that just kisses the shoulders, with some invisible layers – there's no heavy line, so it feels very soft but with some precision,” says Herne. “It gives it that slightly sexy feel but still looks luxurious and elegant, thanks to the flick through the ends.”

Who does the Slip Bob suit?

Unlike shorter, sharper bobs (like the box bob), the Slip Bob leaves more room for flexibility. “It can be tailored to suit different face shapes and hair types,” says Herne. “The length also makes it super versatile because it's a little bit longer than a traditional bob – you can style it in different ways and even wear it up if you want to.”

That extra length also makes it a good option if you've been curious about a bob but don't want to commit to a dramatic chop. “For women over 40, it's a great option because it gives the hair shape and structure without feeling too harsh,” says Herne. “It's also low risk – you don't need to take too much off the hair for it to have a big impact and look really modern and fresh. You can also decide to grow it out really easily.”

What to ask for in the salon

“I’d ask for a one-length bob with a strong, clean outline and very soft internal layering if it’s needed,” advises Herne. “You don’t want lots of texture or heavy layers because that takes away from the simplicity of the shape. Take a few reference images with you. The styling is just as important as the haircut when it comes to getting this look right.”

How to style the Slip Bob

The beauty of the Slip Bob lies in its ease. While the finish is polished, it should still retain a sense of softness and movement. Herne flags that the biggest mistake is trying to make it too perfect. "Smooth the hair first, then use something like the Hershesons Great Iron to add a really subtle bend through the mid-lengths or just flick the ends under or out slightly.”

Movement is key to stop the style from looking stiff. “You still want movement, so it doesn't sit flat,” he says. “Finish with a lightweight cream, like Almost Everything Cream, through the ends for shine and separation, rather than loading the hair up with lots of product. It should look effortless, like you've got naturally great hair.”