InStyle July 20, 2022
InStyle
Hair
10 Layered Bob Haircut Ideas For When You Want to Switch Up Your Signature Cut
Oh the possibilities!
Deciding whether or not to cut your hair can be a nerve-racking decision, especially if you're not too sure how short you should go.
But according to Raven Hurtado, hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, a layered bob is a safe place to start. "Layered bobs are pretty much universal for any face shape," says the stylist. "The only thing I would look out for is if you have thick, coarse hair, going shorter will expand your hair wider."
On the other hand, if you have thin hair, Michelle Cleveland, hairstylist and extension artist, says a layered bob can help give your hair movement and lift, as opposed to a one length cut that sits heavy, and has less movement when the head swings.
If a layered bob sounds like it should be the next go-to style for you, keep scrolling for some inspiration from celebrities who love the cut too.
Wispy Layered Bob
The layers in Jaime Alexander's bob give the style more texture. "This wispy bob is playful," says Hurtado. "The layers make the style look feminine and soft, since Alexander's hair is dark, you can see the contrast that the layers give which makes the style look airy."
Bouncy Layered Bob
Tracee Ellis Ross' bob definitely has bounce! The layers in the haircut give her curls more definition and frame her face. "Tracee looks great with this cut, the layers give her hair a ton of volume and the curly bangs soften up her face," says Hurtado.
Layered Bob with Diagonal Part
"January Jones' short layered bob is sweet and stylish," says Hurtado. "It's a classic, simple style with just enough body to give the bob movement." The diagonal part at the front of the hair creates more shape and gives off an effortless-chic vibe.
Choppy Layered Bob
Layered bobs don't have to be straight, you can add curls like Michelle Williams to add more texture. "The choppy ends and waves create a carefree look," says Hurtado. "This style is very trendy and easy to style."
Layered Textured Bob
We're not the only ones who love Gabrielle Union's layered, textured bob. Cleveland admits that she's obsessed with it too! "Union's cut diffuses the blunt strong weight lines that come with a typical bob haircut by texturizing the ends — this gives the look a lived in edgy look," says the stylist.
Sixties Layered Bob
Rita Ora's layered bob is giving us '60s vibes. The added volume on top and the flicked under ends help to frame Ora's face and accentuate her jawline. "As this style sits right above Ora's shoulders and below her chin, it gives an edgy look," says Hurtado.
Graduated Layered Bob
Victoria Beckham is rocking a graduated bob in this picture which is a cut that has graduated layers in the back of the head and longer layers around the face. "This cut works great with Beckham's silky fine hair as it adds volume in the back," says Cleveland.
Colored Layered Bob
Ciara looks fab in her short layered blonde bob, and the color helps to add even more definition to the layers. "I love this look on Ciara because the length ends right at her jawline and accentuates it well, along with her strong cheekbones," says Cleveland. "The layers allow the hair to move rather than sit heavy around the perimeter."
Deep Side Part Layered Bob
Emma Watson's layered bob incorporates loose waves, choppy ends and a sleek side part to create a playful tousled look. "This is a great cut because you can wear it parted on the side to add instant volume and soften up the forehead," says Hurtado. "A deep, side part bob is chic and sophisticated."
Layered Bob With Bangs
A layered bob with a bang is a great alternative to a middle or side part, especially if you have an oval face. "Kelly Rowland's layered bob is the perfect length for her facial features," says Cleveland. "By combining a fringe to this cut it draws attention directly to her eyes and accentuates her face perfectly."