A graduated bob is a type of short hair style where hair is shorter in the back and gradually gets longer at the front of the face, generally being cut to around chin length. It may also be referred to as a wedge or angled haircut. This type of graduated bob hair style can be very fashionable and versatile, and it rarely goes out of style because of its classic look.
In general, hair cut into a graduated bob style is cut to approximately the nape of the neck in the back of the head. Then, along the sides, hair is gradually stepped up, getting longer as it goes around to the front of the head. The hair around the face is left the longest, and may be chin length or slightly longer. This type of hair cut generally only works well on those with straight hair, or who are willing to straighten their hair every day. The shape of the graduated bob tends to be lost on very curly hair.
Any hair stylist at a salon should be able to create a graduated bob haircut. The haircut should have a lot of movement, and should hang well around the face. Some people choose to cut layers into the haircut, generally around the sides of the head. Others add sideswept bangs around the face, which can be a good choice for people who have very long, narrow faces and want to make the face appear slightly shorter.
Highlights often look great with this type of hair style as well. They can help to add interest and movement to the look, and to brighten up one's face if the highlights are placed around the temples. Remember to only place highlights on the areas of the hair where the sun would naturally hit it; for instance, highlights generally look most natural if they are only applied to the outer layer of hair.
There are some downsides to a graduated bob haircut, primarily that it needs to be regularly maintained to keep that wedge shape. It may be necessary to visit a salon every month in order to keep the edges of the hair straight and clean looking. Second, it is difficult to just "wash and wear" a bob haircut unless one's hair is naturally very straight; it will generally need to be dried with a round brush and straightened every day to keep a smooth, sleek appearance.