We’ve all been there: you finally grow out your hair only to be tempted to cut it right off. Call it the circle of life (or celeb inspo from Kiera Knightly and Gracie Abrams).
Either way, before you commit to the big chop, it’s worth knowing exactly what to ask for and how you’re going to style it, especially once it starts to grow out.
To support your bob journey, E! spoke with Sally Hershberger, the celebrity hair stylist behind icons including Julia Roberts, Meg Ryan, and Miley Cyrus.
Whether you’re thinking of a tousled French bob or a sleek ’90s style, Sally says, “”The most important thing you can do is bring visual references.”
“Photos are the best way to communicate what you want – whether that’s from Instagram, Vogue, or anywhere you’re seeing cuts you love.”
”You’ll also want to be specific about where you want the length to hit – whether that’s at the chin, just below, or grazing the shoulders – because even small differences can completely change the overall look,” she advised.
Bobs aren’t a one-size-fits-all haircut, which is why Sally emphasizes giving your hair stylist precise instructions. That being said, the longtime celeb stylist explained that a good stylist will tailor the cut to your face and shape and natural hair texture.
Ultimately, a fresh chop is “about customizing the shape so it enhances your features and works with how your hair naturally falls,” Sally said.
