can we discuss bobs and what makes them frumpy

[PigOnStilts]

I wrote a massive post about bobs.
It disappeared into the ether.

This is my second, more concise attempt.

want a bob.
but not a frumpy mum bob.
what IS a frumpy mum bob?
I do not want a frumpy bob
I am 42 and live in adidas and have a big bum. I can't afford a frumpy do!

Is it too layered ie wispy and ageing?
Too structured?
Too helmety like dawn OPorter?
I want a graduated bob without any layer (see attached)

What's happening these days in terms of bobs??

A frumpy hair style is one without a blow dry! If your hair is smooth and shiny no one will care how it is cut.

Im contemplating this type of bob, I don't think it's frumpy?

I have a helmet-y Dawn Porter type bob, but just to below my ears - more Mary Quant/Louise Brooks, and less big. People frequently stop me in the street to say how cool it is/ask where I get it cut, so I don't think it's frumpy.

'Long bobs' are very in and on trend at the moment and can be more flattering than a standard bob, I've attached a picture of the kind of thing. What does your hair do naturally? If it has a natural wave this may be easier to manage than a standard, shorter bob.

my hair has a natural wave...If i could choose id have either Louise brooks (can't, big chin)

think those bobs are only for the gamine and certainly not frumpy

Judy do you have a high fringe? love that look.
Dawn oporters hair is too big IMO
I'm scared of having a meh-style rather than a hairstyle and after years of long hair (below bra strap at all times) am more than a bit daunted!!

I have a bob! I'm not frumpy! I actually am a bit as I am growing it out so it's a nothingy jaw length thing at moment

A friend has what I would call a 'mum bob'. It looks as though it requires minimal effort to maintain other than the occasional trim, wash as a tuck behind the ears. It is also a very ubiquitous mousy brunette. I reckon If you go for something which requires a little effort, looks a bit edgy and has a really nice colour then you're onto a winner.

Bobs are frumpy if they look like Lego hair. Also, they tend to make everyone look the same. Especially if in a standard hair colour.
The long bobs on this thread aren't frumpy but look a bit high maintenance.

pig I do. It is very high maintenance! Mine is much sleeker than DO'P's, I think she probably has a natural kink/wave which makes it big, whereas my hair is totally straight.

Long bobs like above are great. I also like this

I'm not a bob expert but I think the following make a bob frumpy;

A "helmet" look where it's cut too squarely and looks like a lego person,

Unless you're going for a 20's vibe, a short bob with fringe. This only looks good if you're hair is silky and poker straight,

Unkempt bushy hair in a bob which causes a mushroom effect,

And grey roots.

That said, I love my hair in a bob. It's very thick and has a bit of curl though so I find it hard work. It needed blow drying and ironing in my case which was time consuming.

Issummeroveryet sorry I think that style is a bit naff/frumpy. It's the cut Posh Spice had about 8 years ago (inverted bob?) and then loads of people copied her. Just looks dated I think.

We all love a diagram

Ruth Langsford always has a frumpy bob.

I think having the front slightly longer than the back helps, whatever length you go for.

These are my ideas of bad bobs. Do nothing for their owner's heads.

I think a short bob needs to be sleek. Any wispiness and it all goes wrong. Whereas long bobs look better with some texture.

Loving the bob diagrams

www.dollyrockergirl.com/2011/07/then-and-now-louise-brooks-hairstyle.html

Mine is this kind of bob, but the fringe is slightly arched/curved as opposed to straight across. it needs daily washing and blow drying, a swipe of red lipstick, and I'm good to go. I'm pretty dark haired which I think helps make it look glossy.

Bobs are not frumpy unless you look like Miss Hoolie

This is the sort of bob I'm growing my hair into. I'm totally grey and really don't want to look like a frump

Mine's grumpy. I'm hating it right now. I love the hairdresser and scared to say I don't like it
Can't wait for my regular lady to be back from mat leave

Ha the diagrams
It's something about the ends curled under that's really frumpy.
Which is what my bob used to do in damp weather ..Left the house with a sleek swishy bob, got to work with a mum Bob.

It's the bushiness at the ends which doesn't help. So, you need some fine layering at the ends to stop the triangular head look. And the back needs to be shorter than the front, even if not extremely noticeable.

I like Emma Stone's though.