5 low-maintenance haircuts for winter that flatter all face shapes – from the collarbone lob to the French bob

I know we’re only in October. I also know it’s technically autumn. But with the recent drop in temperature, I think it’s fair to say winter feels like it’s coming in hot (well, cold). And while I’m not quite ready to accept that the days of leaving the house without a coat are far behind us, I am ready to get my hair prepared for the months ahead. Because between the rain, wind, static and inevitable battle with a scarf, winter is hardly the time for a haircut that requires constant upkeep.

So, if you’re after a cut that can see you through the season without regular trips to the salon, you’re in the right place. Cosmopolitan UK spoke to celebrity session stylist Kris Barnes and hairstylist Chloë Swift to get the lowdown on the low-maintenance haircuts that flatter every face shape and still grow out beautifully while you hibernate indoors.

Goldilocks had the right idea: the best things are neither here nor there, but somewhere in the very satisfying middle. And that rings true for the soft lob. Sitting around the shoulders, it’s long enough to be tied up but short enough to still hold its shape, making it a rare haircut that doesn’t need constant attention. And not only that, but it’s "incredibly versatile and suits all face shapes," says Kris. Say no more.

If you want hair with movement but can’t quite commit to the maintenance of traditional layers, soft long layers are the answer. Kris says they can be tailored to any face shape while still adding movement without removing too much density. And because the layers are blended, they grow out subtly and can be styled in pretty much any way.

Got a rounded or square jawline? The long collarbone bob is a particularly good solution for elongating the face. Chlöe recommends adding soft shaping around the front or long bangs to add definition to the cut without creating too much width. Better still, it "grows out beautifully and doesn’t require constant trims."

I love the butterfly bob. The volume. The swoosh. The wisp. What’s not to like? Well, the maintenance, unfortunately. Enter: The soft layered cut, a similar style that gives the same movement and wispy shape, without requiring quite so much commitment. Chlöe loves it for enhancing the face’s natural proportions, with seamless layers adding body and volume without hours of daily styling. A simple round brush blow-dry will do the trick, which feels particularly appealing when winter mornings already require enough effort.

The French know what they’re doing when it comes to hair, and their take on the bob is great for those with heart-shaped faces, adding fullness around the jawline to balance a wider forehead and narrower chin. It does, however, need regular trims to keep that shape looking intentional, but styling is refreshingly quick and easy. A quick spritz of texture spray and you’re good to go!

Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand’s print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).

In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn. 

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