Grow Out Your Bob: Boticelli-Era Long Hair Is Back
January 1 | 3 minute read
Words by Celia Ellenberg and Lisa Marie Corso
Originally published on | July 5
We first saw glimpses of the ‘anti-bob’ phenomenon at fashion designer Chemena Kamali’s Fall debut as the new Creative Director of Chloé. With a well-curated front row outfitted in the brand’s iconic platform clogs, the world was reminded of the French house’s early-aughts bonafides, which effectively resurrected ‘boho-chic’ – replete with a cameo from its poster child, Sienna Miller.
Blonde and radiant following the birth of her second child, Miller also reignited one of the noughties other big trends: long, fluid waves befitting any boho beauty.
Seeing a sea of chest-sweeping strands at Chloé (Kamali’s own hair gives ’70s-era Cher) would itself have been noteworthy. But after several years of headline-making chops cementing the bob as the trend-proof style of our modern era, they appeared extra novel.
All of a sudden, two equally compelling hair propositions, in extreme contrast to one another, are making the question “to crop or not to crop” a much more challenging decision – and they’re poised to re-engage consumers in the hair category, which has not experienced the same degree of disruption as skincare and makeup.
It’s great news for precision styling aids, which have had to contend with a widespread minimalist wash-and-wear mentality over the past decade. It also comes at a time where technological advancements in formulation and ingredients have never been more pervasive.
Now is the time to get acquainted with the power of scalp treatments that stimulate healthy hair growth, serums that repair hair strength, and styling aids that opt for regulated temperatures to minimise heat exposure
If you’re in for the long haul of growing out your locks, we’ve got just the products to help you as you wave bye-bye to your short cut.
Good hair starts at the scalp
Growing out your hair requires patience, commitment and willpower, but it’s also an opportunity to go back to your roots. Good hair starts at the scalp, and using an effective scalp treatment, as well as a nutritious diet and scalp massage, can help stimulate hair growth, which is especially important if you plan to exclusively order ‘just a trim’ at your salon for the foreseeable future. Act+Acre’s Cold Processed® Stem Cell Scalp Serum is rich in phytonutrients, which promotes longevity, while aloe vera and bamboo extracts support follicle health and fortify roots for a fuller and thicker-looking mane.
Rebuild your hair’s strength
There’s more to honey than a drizzle on your granola – it’s also full of hair-loving properties. This knowledge inspired sixth-generation beekeeper Negin Mirsalehi to start Gisou, a honey-infused haircare and skincare brand. Gisou’s Honey-Infused Hair Oil is a magical elixir that helps rebuild hair strength, while offering natural shine and minimising frizz (just ask Dave, proud owner of one of MECCA HQ’s best heads of hair).
Cut your styling time in half
Long hair can be more susceptible to heat damage because (a) there’s more of it, and (b) it takes longer to dry with your tools of choice. Those without the patience for air-drying should turn to the likes of the Dyson Supersonic Nural™ Intelligent Hair Dryer, which accelerates drying time, protects scalp health with a network of Nural™ sensors to regulate its temperature, and comes with five styling attachments that allow you to transform your hair with everything from a bouncy blowout to a sleek and straight look.
For the ultimate time cruncher, try the ghd Duet Style Hot Air Styler, a two-in-one, wet-to-dry tool that will dry your hair with a regulated airflow of 150C, and also straighten and smooth it with a low plate temperature of 120C.
