CHIC, statement-making and yet timeless — the micro-bob is the cooler, edgier and more avant-garde sibling of the classic bob and has been winning over new legions of fans this year. “While the bob has always been a classic, the micro-bob is more contemporary and emanates a cool girl air because of its graphic lines and its relatively shorter length that can go anywhere between the cheekbone to just below the ears,” shares Bony Sasidharan, artistic and education ambassador, L’Oréal Professionnel.

The hairstyle was born in the late 1960s, when Vidal Sassoon reimagined the mod bob with architectural lines and sharp precision. Supermodels, including Linda Evangelista revived the iconic hairdo in the ’90s, while the Y2K version of this cut was famously sported by Cameron Diaz. The haircut has always served as a palate cleanser when fashion becomes too uniform and safe, running the risk of being too boring, Sasidharan observes. Whether in the ’60s, ’90s or the noughties, the style emerged as a way of celebrating low maintenance, individuality and a less fussy approach to style. If you’ve been contemplating a big micro chop, here are some factors to keep in mind: