As the winter season approaches, the topic of bobs arises. Bobs, also known as chops, become popular each season with the viral online trend displayed through the various names, such as ‘summer chop,’ ‘winter chop,’ ‘fall chop’ and ‘spring chop.’ Chops appear to be more common now than in the past years. With each year, bobs are becoming more apparent in the community and everyday lives, bringing up the debate of how short is too short for a bob.
Bobs are an extremely adaptable hairstyle, with the option of many lengths. Chops can be from shoulder-length to chin-length to even shorter. The versatility of bobs causes many to wonder when a bob becomes too short or unappealing. The recent trend of ‘micro-bobs’ on TikTok and Instagram has caused many to question if people are pushing the limits with the shortness of bobs.
Sophomore Sofia Connolly, who is growing out her bob, stated, “A bob is too short when it is to your ears because it only suits certain people.”
TikTok plays an important role in the popularity of bobs. As new bob trends are created and shared, many are persuaded to chop their hair. Posts influencing people to get a chop are getting tons of attention, tempting many to give the hairstyle a try themselves. Social media can be a good inspiration, but it may also rush people into going shorter than they planned.
Sophomore Finley Kitsko, who recently got a bob, mentioned, “Bobs were going viral on TikTok, and I was influenced to try it out myself and get one to make doing my hair easier.”
Although some are excited about the rise of bobs, others remain unfazed. Coming down to personal style and preference, many aren’t falling for the trending bob propaganda displayed on the internet. Some people believe that bobs can be hard to style in the first place, while others have had a bob in the past and weren’t too fond of it.
Junior Lyla Fortney, who is known for her long hair, stated, “Would I ever get a bob? Absolutely not. I think they suit certain people, but I would never get one.”
The question of how short a bob should be doesn’t have an exact answer as long as trends online keep changing.
Different people prefer different hairstyles. Factors such as face shape, hair texture and maintenance time play a major part in how people form opinions on bobs. The correct length for a chop is the one that a person feels most comfortable and confident with.
