Your face shape, hair texture and personality – these are cornerstones to finding the perfect bob haircut. Hair experts say that the bob fits almost any woman with very few exceptions. So, the problem is to figure out which bob is destined for you. There are different types of bobs – blunt, A-line, stacked, straight, wavy, choppy and more. Make yourself comfortable and delve into the world of bob hairstyles with us.
What Is a Bob Cut?
Historically the bob originated from a short cut of about ear-length. Present-day versions can flow below the ears and even down to the collarbone, thus falling into three main categories:
- Long bob, often reduced to lob, is a shoulder-skimming cut,
- Medium bob, a cut that reaches the middle of the neck, resting between the chin and shoulders, and
- Short bob, cut approximately at or above jaw level.
Obviously, the length of the haircut can change any silhouette dramatically! Let’s explore all the modern bob ideas to get you ready for your next salon visit.
1. Side-Swept Lob
via @maggiemh
This long wavy bob arrests the eye with its distinct shape and mix of textures. It’s a popping contrast of even and messy, complimented with an elevated crown and a volume-adding side parting.
2. Shoulder-Length Blunt Bob
via @richnegroni
This shoulder-length blunt bob is a hands-down winner for showcasing beautiful balayage or ombre transitions. Besides, blunt ends create the required body when it comes to fine hair.
3. Shaggy Long Bob
via @hair.by.hallie
Layered hairstyles are the best bet for women with thick hair. Shaggy layers take out some weight, while giving this long bob texture and movement.
4. Inverted Bob
via @styled_by_carolynn
If you find a straight bob too boring, consider this messy angled bob. Just look how wonderfully flirty bob hairstyles can be! Don’t forget to ask for razor cutting to get this airy feel.
5. Lob with Wispy Bangs
via @salsalhair
We know that the lob works great with bangs, and we absolutely love this blonde hair, since it creatively incorporates bangs into the overall color scheme. The result is a cohesive and stylish look that highlights the harmony between the bangs and the blonde tones.
6. Graduated Long Bob
via @nikimoonsalon
A layered bob is a thing if you want to reduce thickness. This graduated long bob helps to make the heavy tresses more dynamic, debulked and touchable.
7. Textured Lob
via @paloma_salon
Searching for decent mid-length options? Look how this brunette got her hair brightened up with a woody balayage and a textured bob cut. Low maintenance is guaranteed, in addition to a sexy hairstyle.
8. Lob with Curtain Bangs
via @ro.hsiqueira
The color play and gorgeous bangs make this blonde bob shine. While shadow roots add some depth, the long swoopy curtain bangs, parted down the middle, frame the face and create movement.
9. Disheveled Bob
via @kristen.lumiere
Dark-haired ladies should definitely bookmark this inverted wavy bob. It is fashionably disheveled, textured, and it just radiates the admirable color transition.
10. Wavy Bob
via @prissyhippiebeautyshop
Highlights from the professional’s hand work wonders. Wavy styling will make dimension more prominent, which makes wavy bob a marvelous canvas for highlights and balayage.
11. Blunt Mid-Length Bob
via @hairbykaitlynbrown
Girls with fine hair should really take this trendy bedhead look on board for its volumizing effect and textured touch. The tousled style with highlights and lowlights adds fullness and depth, making fine hair appear thicker and more dynamic.
12. A-Line Bob
via @rachelwstylist
The A-line bob gracefully stretches your silhouette. Note that bob pops with both center and side partings, so it offers a choice of styling ways. This adaptability allows you to switch up your look effortlessly, providing a fresh and dynamic appearance.
13. Sleek Straight Bob
via @maggiegarciacolor
If you are searching for a sleek hairstyle, the medium blunt bob is never out of fashion. Especially, when it is juiced up with such a beautifully melted color transition.
14. Rounded Bob
via @kateshahanadams
The rounded A-line bob is great for straight hair, giving it this dramatic shape, while its pointed front keeps the hairstyle fresh. Side bangs work great for balancing round or long face shapes.
15. Bob with Face-Framing Layers
via @hairbykimtran
Don’t hesitate to couple your medium bob with piecey face framing bangs and layers. This combination adds texture and dimension, enhancing the overall look with a modern and playful touch.
16. Stacked Bob
via @headrushdesigns
Falling down a bit below the jaw, this graduated A-line bob shows the curved and elevated back complemented with the slightly angled front, while flashes of highlights add a crisp finish to the color.
17. Feathered Bob
via @ro.hsiqueira
The chin-length feathered bob with bangs offers a chic and youthful appearance. Blending soft, feathery layers, this hairstyle gets a touch of lightness and playful charm to it.
18. Layered Bob for Thick Hair
via @kelseycurtis.stylist
For wavy hair, choose this choppier version with razor cut ends, adding a contrasting texture. Note that there is still plenty of length to frame your face, unlike with an ear-length cut.
19. Bob with Wispy Layers
via @chrisjones_hair
Wispy layers and carefree styling create an ultimate cool girl look. Steal the sun-kissed coloring, especially on the threshold of summer.
20. Chin-Length Bob
via @hairbykaitlynbrown
This chin-length hairstyle has it all – the depth, texture, movement, body… Not to mention the sexy feel this shaggy side-swept bob boasts.
21. French Bob
via @salsalhair
Effortless and elegant, French bob haircuts are high in vogue now. Note it can look crisper with natural hair texture and short bangs. Mind, “If you have very short bob that hits at the cheekbone or right at the jaw, as soon as it goes below the jaw, it goes very British instead of very French,” as Matt Fugate, NY-based celeb hairstylist, noted to Allure.
22. Pixie Bob
via @rochellegoldenhairstylist
This short pixie bob boasts a subtle angle that accentuates its pronounced shape. Disconnected layers enhance volume and movement in hair.
23. Short Bob Rounded at the Nape
via @hairbykimtran
Healthy straight hair and a fascinating ash blonde – what else do you need to mimic this awesome bob?! Many stylists undercut the nape area a bit – this helps hair in the back hug your neck instead of sticking out.
24. Undercut Bob
via @kateshahanadams
This very short bob embraces layers all around the head to create a clearly-shaped and voluminous hairstyle. A nape undercut adds an edgy touch and makes a super touchable hairstyle detail many women adore.
25. Bottleneck Bob
via @domdomhair
A short, blunt or textured, bob is a popular choice for straight hair. You can step up the classic look by styling a bottleneck bob. The trendy silhouette is achieved by styling the front layers as curtain bangs, which gives you that flawless face framing without actually cutting the bangs.
26. Short Bob Shag
via @lorenzomarchelle
This disconnected short bob is boldly textured with multiple waves scattered throughout the head. Its deep black and ice blonde contrast is startling!
27. Tapered Back and Longer Front
via @hairartist.alexisvanvalin
Short in the back, yet long in the front, the stacked bob allows for plenty of body. Soft waves and swoopy highlights is a good way to personalize your look.
28. Asymmetrical Bob
via @araako
Cutting an asymmetrical bob with one side shorter than the other is an interesting yet bold move. If you like to add a bit of asymmetry without getting an alternative cut, consider styling your short bob with a deep side part. Coupled with strands tucked behind the ear, it serves to create an exciting asymmetrical bob illusion.
29. Precision Cut Bob
via @ashligreyhairstylist
Here is an example of one-length bob with precision-cut ends. Here, it is perfectly straight and smooth, with body-adding blunt ends and depth-gaining shadow roots.
30. Steeply Angled Bob
via @dlowehair
Have we mentioned that a steeply angled bob is a good choice for straight thick hair? An open neck looks sassy, and heat is not trapped under your thick hair, but you still have a classical bob look from the front.
31. Bob for Thick Wavy Hair
via @paloma_salon
Lush manes are hard to style at home when they are cropped, so it makes sense to give preference to lobs. Blending large waves and razor cut ends, this bob is really of-the-moment, and it flatters thick hair perfectly.
32. Blowout Bob
via @chrisjones_hair
Thin and fine hair screams for shorter bob haircuts to gain density. Blown out and side-swept, this rounded bob takes on an extra volume that fine hair requires. Use Velcro rollers to help the blowout last.
33. Blonde Bob
via @carleejo.locks
While this is only the color that differentiates this bob from other types, the combination of bob length and a blonde shade is truly iconic. Shadow roots and a bunch of shades in the color scheme do an awesome volumizing job.
34. Curly Bob
via @fernandagriebler
Short curly bob gives a nice shape to your ringlets, keeping them from stretching and falling flat on top. “Ask for a long layer to keep the edges a little lighter and avoid that dramatic blocky look,” recommends Jen Atkin, celeb hairstylist and Ouai founder, in her interview for Elle.
35. Bob with Flat Iron Waves
via @prissyhippiebeautyshop
Transform your classy blunt bob by styling it using a flat iron. Section your hair and create soft waves, alternating the direction towards and away from the face, to achieve a textured, shaggy look without actually cutting choppy layers. This type of styling is very popular right now!
36. Bob with Piecey Bangs
via @weeklyyeg
Short hairstyles work well with round faces if approached in the right way, so don’t be afraid to frame your round face with a chin-grazing bob. Just be sure to ask for texturized, piecey bangs.
37. Bob with Blunt Bangs
via @vladimirhairartist
Long blunt bangs and some extra volume on the sides hit the spot when you need to visually shorten and widen long faces. These waves are perfectly placed to get the desired effect.
38. Classic Bob for Oval Faces
via @maeipaint
The best you can do for your oval face is to avoid an imbalance caused by excessive elongating. These soft waves frame the face beautifully, giving enough texture and volume on the sides.
39. Bob for Square Face Shapes
via @chrisjones_hair
Rounded layers and side parting work best for angular face shapes. Here, side-swept bangs shift the focus from the square jaw line to the eyes, while lose waves soften the shape.
40. Messy Bob
via @chrisjones_hair
Try the messy bob with below-the-chin front tresses to make your heart-shaped face seem more oval without emphasizing the pointed jaw line.
41. Bob with Long Side Bangs
via @aaashleee
“Hair covering the forehead and falling on the sides of your face can overwhelm and hide your gorgeous mug and nobody wants that,” Kristin Ess writes in her post. This bob with long side bangs melting into the side tresses is a good example of what to do instead.
42. Bob with Choppy Layers
via @brianaguilarhair
Choppy layers are a marvelous choice for fun-loving and rebellious personalities. Piece-y bangs complete the hairstyle, accentuating its texture.
43. Bob with Short Side Bangs
via @whitneyd.hair
This nice stacked bob comes with shorter side bangs to balance the facial features and compliment the clean lines of the cut. Perfect for those who get irritated when bangs fall on their eyes.
44. Bob with Thick Bangs
via @amber_at_poppy
Thicker bangs can work for girls with thick hair types, but it bears the risk of overwhelming your look. Better opt for side-swept or curtain bangs rather than blunt bangs if they are quite thick.
45. Lob with Arched Bangs
via @timm.morrison
We adore this long bob, complemented with thin arched bangs. Mind that you might need frequent bangs trims with this cut, though.
46. Point Cut Bob
via @dre.xo
This A-line bob boasts clean lines and a sharp shape, making a good showing to the straight hair. Long pointed strands at the front elongate the face and contrast the stacked layers at the back.
47. Neck-Length Bob
via @maggiegarciacolor
Stylish and flirty, this graduated hairstyle pops with layers and textured waves to deliver both volume and movement. Dimensional color with highlights and lowlights makes every detail stand out.
48. Bubble Bob
via @styled_by_carolynn
An angled bob for straight hair can come in a more laid back option, when completed with tapered layers. Rounded toward the face, it has a distinct bubble bob look, which can be further enhanced using rollers or hot tools.
49. Boyfriend Bob
via @hairbylilbri
If you’ve got fine hair, opt for a blunt haircut and sweep it to one side. Block-shaped boyfriend bob will be a great option.
50. Shaggy Bob with Bangs
via @novaartssalon
Get this perfectly shaggy look with a lot of razor cuttings throughout the bangs and lengths. This style is as gorgeous as it is low maintenance.
51. Gray Bob
via @shmoakin_hair
This airy stacked bob catches the eye with its soft rounded shape and abundance of volume. A short length and shadow roots are some of the best ways to pull off a gray hairstyle that will look fresh and rejuvenating.
52. Square Bob
via @gardneredmunds
When sharp lines are more flattering to your face and hair, don’t hesitate to pick a square bob. Sleek and shiny, it’s all about the refined and classy look.
53. Bob with Two-Tier Layers
via @beautybymayraponce
IInverted bob haircuts can be spiced up by two-tier layers and highlights. Style your front pieces backwards like this to give a twist to the shape.
54. Elevated Bob
via @luxehairstudiorva
Do you want that voluminous elevated crown? It can be achieved by cutting short layers and styling your bob for volume with hair mousse or root powder. This short elevated bob is super feminine and versatile in styling.
55. 90s Bob
via @hertford_hair
90s bob has been the talk of the town lately. Whether you are after a bouncy supermodel bob trend, Winona Ryder’s bixie, or the Rachel, the trendy look is guaranteed. To copy this example, go graduated and get some chunky 90s highlights.
56. Bob with Temple Undercut
via @shmoakin_hair
Steal this messy short bob with a daring temple undercut in case you want something dramatically different. We are in love with this daring modern bob!
57. Italian Bob
via @camouflageandbalayage
Italian bob has blunt ends and minimal layering. “Italian bobs look great with waves and curls to give a classic sophisticated look,” says celebrity hairstylist Jennifer Korab in the commentary to Byrdie. This wavy bob shows how gorgeously fine hair can be textured to get this ultimately silky feel.
58. Bob with Textured Layers
via @styled_by_carolynn
Although it is rather difficult to gain texture for a solid dark bob, this choppy hairstyle has plenty of it. Be sure to section out the layers before curling to define the structure of the haircut.
59. Butterfly Bob
via @masterskaya_koloristiki
Looking for an elegant and tender hairstyle? Voluminous butterfly bob is a hot option to try. To follow the trend, ask for longer face-framing bangs or round feathered layers and blow out your hair for maximum volume.
60. Relaxed Bob
via @artistry4gg
This flipped-out bob is an amazing option for black women who prefer wearing their locks short and relaxed. It offers a chic and modern look that accentuates facial features beautifully.
How to Choose: Stylists’ Recommendations
The chin-length bob is kind of traditional, but by no means old-fashioned. “The short bob is the haircut that’s chic, fierce, and perfect for anyone who wants to rock a look that’s effortlessly cool,” RCNQ stylists say, and we cannot agree more. The length is a go-to option for fine, thin or oily hair, since it’s less likely to lose volume or look greasy, which is often the case with longer hairstyles. Besides, the chin-grazing bob offers unparalleled framing for prominent cheekbones and an exquisite bone structure. If you have a round face shape, be sure to go slightly below or above the chin, though, as getting your hair cut at this level will make the face look wider.
Unlike the short bob that is more demanding in styling, the mid-length allows for this effortless wash and go look, which is so hot today. However, the above-the-shoulder haircut has some limitations. “If your shoulders are extra wide or if your neck is really short, I will probably encourage a different style, either longer or shorter,” says Kristin Ess, celeb hair magician and self-named brand founder, in one of her posts.
Finally, when looking for a modern cut to get rid of your long tresses or, vice versa, when growing out your short hair, a long bob should be the first option to consider. “The lob is such a popular style because it is a striking look, and yet you don’t have to commit to having short or long hair,” said Earl Simms, celebrity stylist and Kerluxe ambassador, to Glamour. You can wear your lob loose or put it up, style it polished or tousled, you choose.
Before making the big chop, be sure to consider your face shape. In fact, there are many ways to balance your facial features – by choosing the right shape, length, texture, parting or bangs. For example, a side parting and messy layers around the face, a lob with elongating volume on the top are all good for round-faced girls. Rectangular faces will benefit from waves and curls on the sides, as well as from A-line bobs with side bangs.
With so many celebrities wearing bob, the haircut is not going anywhere any time soon. So, if you toy with adapting one of the looks for yourself, maybe it’s just the right time to spring into action. “It’s the perfect cut for fall, and it’s good for girls who want to get rid of their dry summer ends,” makes a good point Jen Atkin in Ouai’s blog.
There is no one-fits-all bob and there is no hottest bob, but there are plenty of ways to nail the haircut, and sure, the one is yours. Heed the advice and find your own super-duper bob hairstyle being inspired by our suited-to-every-fancy collection.
