Staying Fit
Some items — brown eye shadow, Spanx, a black V-neck sweater and stretch jeans — top our 50-plus power list. They never let us down. Now there is one more to add: the bob. Not only is it the hottest hair to have in 2020, but it's a style with staying power. Before you start visualizing rollers, hair spray and a high-maintenance trimming schedule, let's be clear: This is not the 1980s “coiffed” bob. This bob is edgy and classy and there's a style, texture and length for everyone. Here's why you should make the chop.
Monica Bellucci, Celine Dion, Gabrielle Union and Jennifer Lopez
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1. Your hair will rock. If you like being cool and looking hot (and who doesn't?) your hair is part of the plan. Forget about extensions and pastel streaks, two-tone pixie cuts and shags — you and your grownup hair don't need to go there. A bob will instantly upgrade mature hair that's blah, wimpy, straggly or stringy to a head-turning “look.” Not only will you be on trend now, this cut never ages so you can keep and tweak it to look elegant, casual or edgy with a few styling tricks. The bottom line: Extremes are over. Medium-length hair is the new sexy. For inspiration, take a look at Celine Dion, Monica Bellucci, Gabrielle Union and Jennifer Lopez.
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Kim Cattrall, Alfre Woodard and Carrie-Anne Moss
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2. A bob works like an instant facelift. Yes, it's an optical trick; the geometric shape of a bob provides a frame. Instantly your face assumes more structure: Cheekbones are restored, your jawline seems crisper, eyes look bigger — doubly so if you add bangs. Let's be honest: All long hair does (unless it's fabulous naturally, which is rare unassisted by extensions at 50) is drag down your face and emphasize lines. A bob can even give your body a boost. It visually stretches the neck and torso so you look taller, slimmer.
Holland Taylor, Regina King and Lucy Liu
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3. Your thin, fine hair will look thicker. To get the most luxurious effect, choose a blunt bob with a sharp, crisp bottom line. This no-layers cut is pure shape and shine, making even baby-fine hair hold together. A blunt bob will also look more abundant if it's no longer than an inch or two below the chin to avoid separation. An even-all-around blunt bob is the gold standard here, but for an extra dose of trendiness or if your hair has more weight, an A-line blunt bob adds extra swing. It's angled so the front is slightly longer than the back. Trim your blunt bob every four to six weeks to help maintain density at the “hem.”
Cate Blanchett, Jodie Foster and Mary Steenburgen
Andreas Rentz/Steve Granitz/VALERIE MACON/Getty Images
4. You can stay longish with a lob. If you're a longtime long hair devotee who is truly scissors shy, a lob will ease you into bob-land without any trauma. A lob, or LOB, is simply the longest version of a bob and hovers around collarbone length. It's a good entry-level cut, though many women who need a ponytail option stay with it. Lobs can be cut blunt, with some long layers or textured ends to vary the look, depending on your personal style. A sexy, swoopy, curved lob or one that's bendy (thanks to a curling iron) with soft waves throughout or at the ends takes a smooth lob to the next level. And here's the big bonus: A lob is the easiest bob to grow out if you have a change of heart. But you won't.
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