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15 Layered Bob Haircut Ideas That Are a Visual Treat

 

For when you want to switch up your signature cut.

Deciding whether or not to cut your hair can be nerve-racking, especially if you're unsure of how short you want to go. But according to hairstylist Raven Hurtado, a layered bob is a safe place to start. "Layered bobs are pretty much universal for any face shape," she says. A layered bob can help give your hair movement and lift, adds hairstylist Michelle Cleveland.

While this haircut tends to work best on those with medium to thick hair density, that's not to say that there aren't layered styles for our fine-haired friends too (spoiler alert: there are). To prove it to you, we're rounding up our favorite iterations of the versatile cut, ahead.

MEET THE EXPERT

Raven Hurtado is a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago.

Michelle Cleveland is a hairstylist and extension artist.

 

Keep scrolling for 15 celeb-inspired layered bob haircuts.

Wet Look

Michelle Yeoh is red carpet-ready with this chic layered bob. Long layers lend body and fullness to her 'do while the wet-look styling adds that certain It factor.

Va-Va-Voom!

Pattern Beauty founder Tracee Ellis Ross knows curls—and this natural layered bob proves it. "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.

For those with curls, it's important to keep hair hydrated—especially if you're going shorter. Moisture will help to define curls and minimize frizz.

Fun and Flirty

"January Jones's short layered bob is sweet and stylish," says Hurtado. The layers combine with the chin-length cut to practically frame her face. "It's a classic, simple style with just enough body to give the bob movement," Hurtado says.

Side-Swept

Those with thick hair are perhaps the best candidates for a layered bob haircut. Layers work to remove some of the hair's density and add movement. "The choppy ends and waves create a carefree look," Hurtado says of Michelle Williams's side-swept lob. Plus, she says, this cut is very easy to style.

Grunge 2.0

With its platinum blonde color and dark roots, Lucy Boynton's layered bob is grunge-tastic. We love how this cut plays up choppy texture, interspersed with a few intentionally longer pieces, for an effortlessly cool finish.

'60s-Inspired

Those with fine and thin strands take note: Rita Ora's teased hairstyle, with long layers, lifted roots, and tucked ends, adds instant volume to tresses. It's also got a certain 1960s appeal.

Bed Head

A choppy layered bob is synonymous with a short shag. Here, Jamie Alexander's rendition strikes the perfect balance between playful and edgy. "The layers make the style look feminine and soft. Since Jaime's hair is dark, you can see the contrast that the layers give which makes the style look airy," says Hurtado.

A+ Asymmetrical

If you're looking to change up your standard layered bob, look to Dame Helen Mirren for guidance. Her asymmetrical cut goes from bob to lob, high to low (see: A-line), gray to blonde, and is a lesson in gradation—you can bet that we're taking notes.

Old Hollywood

Eiza Gonzalez channeled Old Hollywood when she stepped out in this glamorous style. By curling the ends of layers up and out, you get a flirty feathered effect.

Effortless Texture

Ciara's textured bob perfectly complements her heart-shaped face. And her caramel blonde highlights add further dimension to the cut, too. "I love this look on Ciara because the length ends right at her jawline and accentuates it well, along with her strong cheekbones," Cleveland tells us. "The layers allow the hair to move rather than sit heavy around the perimeter."

Inverted

Although Victoria Beckham now seems to favor a longer, lengthier mane, we'll always be fans of this graduated bob of hers. After all, it went on to inspire countless copycats (read: admirers). "This cut works great with Beckham's silky fine hair as it adds volume in the back," says Cleveland.

Lived-In

Gabrielle Union is one of our favorite hair muses—and it's not hard to see why. By sweeping hair to one side, she demonstrates the versatility of a layered bob. Meanwhile, textured ends add a lived-in edginess, says Cleveland.

Day-to-Night

Emma Watson's layered bob has got it all: loose waves, choppy ends, and a sleek side part to boot. "This is a great cut because you can wear it parted on the side to add instant volume and soften up the forehead," explains Hurtado. "A deep side-part bob is chic and sophisticated." It's the perfect look to take you from day to night.

Mussy Glam

A bob with bangs is a great look, especially if you have an oval face. "Kelly Rowland's layered bob is the perfect length for her facial features," says Cleveland. The lash-grazing length of her fringe draws attention to her eyes, she adds. To get her hair's mussy finish, invest in a texturizing spray.

Curls for Days

Jennifer Hudson's bob definitely has bounce! Light layers shape her hairstyle, defining curls, and adding texture and volume. The resulting curly bob frames her face beautifully. Honestly, what's not to love?

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a layered bob and a stacked bob?

A stacked bob is a type of layered bob that angles from shorter in the back to longer in the front. The back of this cut also features layers that create volume, making it flattering for those with fine and thin hair.

Is a French bob layered?

Yes, albeit subtly. The French bob is defined by strategic layers that result in effortless texture and volume.

What face shape suits a layered bob?

A layered bob suits all face shapes; however, your stylist should tailor your cut to you. This includes whether you add bangs—and if so, what kind—plus whether your layers are choppy, angled, long, etc.