InStyle

Hair

From a Bob with Bangs to a Sharp Bob: 30 Bob Haircuts for Any Face Shape

 

Angled, with bangs, tousled with beach waves, or super sleek and straight, you'd be surprised how many different ways you can wear a bob haircut. Its versatility — and the fact that it looks good on every face shape — is likely why it's a haircut that's stood the test of time.

"A bob length can vary from jaw length to just off the shoulder," said Jenny Balding, the co-owner of Cutler Salon x Arlo SoHo salon in New York City. "This means it's very versatile for all hair textures and face shapes; therefore, it has become popular again."

Your Definitive Guide to Every Type of Bob Haircut

As for the biggest bob trend right now, Jenna Spino, stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, said it's the sharp bob. 

"The sharp bob typically has ends that align with a straight edge," she explained. "This effortlessly chic bob has super clean lines and not many layers, if at all."

Spino loves this haircut because it complements every face shape and hair texture. 

"The blunt bottom emphasizes the jaw area, being extremely flattering to every wearer," she added.

If short hair is in the cards for you, you're in luck, too. We pulled together this round-up of 30 bobs for your reference. Keep scrolling for proof that it works for each and every face shape.

Super Short with Textured Bangs

Naomi Campbell's super short bob with bangs is an edgy look. 

"I love it styled straight and sleek, showing off the clean lines," said Spino. "I also love that her bangs are textured — it softens the bob and shows off her eyes."

Sleek and Straight

A precise center part, along with a straight style, draws attention to Chriselle Lim's amazing bone structure.

Asymmetrical Chin-Length

For this look, Saoirse Ronan sports a deep side part in her blonde hair. Though it's barely perceptible, her asymmetrical bob still slays.

Flipped Out

Lucy Liu's flippy bob is styled by flipping the hair out away from her face, opening it up. 

"It's great having the option to sometimes flip up the bottom of the bob instead of the typical under curl," said Spino.

Tousled Waves

The beauty of Sofia Boutella's waves is that they're perfectly undone — like bedhead but better. Plus, the wavy bob with bangs? It's a look.

Flipped In

By curving the ends of your bob towards your chin and styling it sleek and straight, you can completely transform the look of your haircut. Exhibit A: Regina King.

Blunt Bangs

On the shorter side of the bob spectrum, Kat Graham's chic haircut hits right above the chin. This length also looks amazing with a set of full, blunt bangs.

Short Bangs

Zendaya's short, textured bob with bangs is super cool. 

"Bangs draw attention to the face — with her bangs being cut short, it opens up her face. This can be a more aggressive look, giving her some edge," said Spino.

Tucked Back

Charlize Theron has worn her bob in so many different styles and colors, but we're digging this slicked-back, wet look.

Shaggy Waves

"Jennifer Lawrence's shaggy textured bob is one of my favorite bobs because it's very low maintenance and works well on mostly everyone," said Spino. "It can be styled many ways: air dried, straight, curled, waved. It's extremely versatile and easy to wear while still trendy."

A Little Dazzle

Emma Roberts accessorized her chin-length cut by pulling back a section of hair with a barrette.

Voluminous

Jane Fonda added texture and volume to her bob with lots of layers and loose bended waves.

Layered and Curly

Tracee Ellis Ross's curly layered bob is the perfect cut for curly girls.

"This bob is very layered, giving it the round shape and enhancing her curls with volume in all the right places," said Spino. "The look is soft but trendy."

Half-Up, Half-Down

As Sarah Paulson demonstrated, a half-up, half-down hairstyle on a bob draws even more attention to your jawline and the cut's mod bluntness.

Side-Swept

So blunt bangs aren't your thing? Go for a side-swept version that blends into the layers of your hair, similar to America Ferrera.

Retro

Julianne Hough's bob is just like the shag but much shorter. She paired her textured chop with piece-y, wispy bangs.

Lob

Kelly Rowland is picture-perfect proof that you can't go wrong with a wide-brim hat and a bob.

Deep Side-Part

A deep side-part like Gabrielle Union rocked here creates the illusion of side-swept fringe, in case you're not ready to fully commit.

Afro

Taraji P. Henson showed off her bob in its gorgeous natural curly texture.

Angled Cut

A prime example of an updated angled bob, Jenna Dewan's bob is slightly longer in the front than the back.

Short and Sweet

Amandla Stenberg wore her wavy bob with the cutest set of wavy baby bangs.

Brushed Back

Changing up the standard side-part, Emilia Clarke brushed the other section of her bob back, creating volume at the crown.

Loose Waves

The key to acing Naomi Watts's tousled bob is using a curling iron and a dry texturizing spray. Just don't forget to separate the curls before spritzing in your product!

S-Waves

Even as your bob starts to grow, bangs will continue to be the ultimate accessory. Case in point: Mila Kunis and her S-waves.

Old Hollywood Glam

Watts' bob proves that you can never go wrong with a classic smooth and voluminous blowout.

Curtain Bangs

Beyoncé's box bob with mini curtain bangs is a throwback to the '90s.

"This cut typically has no layers and sits right around the jaw," said Spino. "I love using natural textures to enhance the [box] bob. It can be an easy wash-and-wear cut."

Blunt and Wet

Jennifer Lopez's wet-looking bob has the perfect blunt ends — and the money pieces perfectly elevate this look.

Asymmetrical Waves

Flipping your hair over to one side can create a different gradation in length. One example? Jane Krakowski and her wavy, full-looking bob.

Sleek with Flipped Ends

Ayo Edebiri stunned in this classy side-part bob. The fact that it's so sleek and the ends are playfully flipped? Iconic.

Center Part and Waves

Volume, waves, and a center part? It's an all-around win, Jourdan Dunn.