There are haircuts that look good in a photo, and then there are haircuts that make you feel more like yourself. Aimee Lou Wood says her new bob falls firmly into the second camp.

The Sex Education actress revealed her cut on Instagram, crediting hairstylist George Northwood. She called it “life changing” because, when she looked in the mirror, she recognised herself more. She also described it as feeling “French Oui Oui Amelie”. That is a rather lovely brief for a haircut.

What does her bob look like?

In the photo, Aimee’s brunette hair sits around jaw length, with a softly defined shape and ends that flick out instead of curling neatly under. A sweeping side part adds movement across the front. It has the clean outline of a bob, but the finish feels relaxed and lived in.

The Amélie reference captures the playful, French-film mood, though this is Aimee’s own version - without copying the character’s short fringe.

Why this cut feels so good

A bob changes the outline of your hair immediately: it reveals the neck, brings attention to the face and gives the ends a fuller-looking shape. But Aimee’s caption makes a more interesting point. The best haircut isn’t always the one that makes you look different. Sometimes it’s the one that makes the person in the mirror feel familiar again.

That is why a reference photo is only the start of a good consultation. We also need to know how you want to feel wearing the cut. Polished? Playful? A little undone? Able to get ready in ten minutes? Those answers help shape the length and finish as much as the photograph does.

How to ask for Aimee’s bob

Bring the photo to your next appointment and ask for a jaw-length bob with a soft outline and enough movement for the ends to flick out. Show us where you’d like the length to fall on your face, and discuss whether a side part works with your natural growth pattern.

Be honest about your hair’s texture and how much styling you enjoy. On some hair, this shape may air-dry beautifully; on others, it will need a quick blow-dry or a little work on the ends. If you still want to tie your hair back, say so before the first cut: a few centimetres can make all the difference.

The at-home finishing touch

You don’t need to make every strand curve in the same direction. Try drying your roots for lift, then use a brush to turn a few ends gently away from your face. Leave some pieces alone for that easy, imperfect finish. A small amount of light styling product through the ends can add separation; start sparingly so the bob keeps its movement.