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20 Best Bob Haircuts to Try, According to Stylists

 

Stylists break down the most popular types of bobs.

Chances are, you've rocked a bob haircut at one point in your life (hopefully it wasn't a traumatic bowl version). Not only are bobs always in style, a shorter cut is easy to maintain and can be worn in numerous ways. While most people associate a bob as a catch-all term for hair that is cut anywhere above the shoulders, the truth is that it's no longer a one-size-fits-all hairstyle. Whether you're fond of layers or a clean, straight look, there are many different ways to cut and style a bob to achieve totally different effects. We tapped some of the industry's top hairstylists to break down the most popular bob haircut styles.

Classic Bob

Starting with the basics, you can't go wrong with a classic bob haircut. "The classic bob is usually cut sharp at chin length," says Frédéric Fekkai, hairstylist and founder of FEKKAI. "Because of the absence of layers, the hair moves in one block, which makes it look chic and shiny."

Layered Bob

If you're scared of a blunt line and want to keep some movement, ask your stylist to incorporate layers. According to Suzi Abadjian, owner of Chita Beauty, these can be personalized to complement your face shape. "I love to elevate the layers in the back and keep the front long to slim and contour the face shape. Adding a fringe in the front is also a nice option to style the traditional layered bob haircut."

Shattered Bob

This innovative look involves 'shattering' the ends of your hair to create a choppy, textured finish. "Anh Co Tran made this haircut have legs, and boy did it run," says Dani Everson, hairstylist and owner of Clementine's Salon. "It's your traditional bob with internal layers to make it have movement and sway." However, keep in mind that while cutting the style is pretty straightforward, it does require some styling to maintain the textured look.

Shoulder Bob

If you have fine or thin hair (or just want to leave a little more length to your hair), you might want to consider a shoulder-length bob. "Hair cut right at the shoulders can create the illusion of density, especially when it's cut with no layers and kept all one length," says Rena Calhoun, celebrity hairstylist and Virtue ambassador.

Straight Above-the-Shoulder Bob

"Instead of the shaggy version we've seen in bobs of the past, modern bobs are all about a clean, straight line above the shoulder," says L'Oréal Professionnel Global Ambassador Min Kim. Blunt cuts make your hair appear fuller, so it's great if you're trying to achieve more volume. Keep in mind that to maintain the shape of this bob, you'll likely need trims every six to eight weeks.

Asymmetrical Bob

Unlike a classic bob that is cut at one length, a short asymmetrical bob is cut with an uneven perimeter. One side has longer strands that don't go past the shoulders, but don't think that it has to look too edgy. A slightly jagged cut and flattering layers can easily give off a glamorous but natural vibe.

Microbob

A more radical cut, a microbob is a style in which the tips just reach the chin in the front and the nape of the neck in the back. The silhouette is ideal if you're looking to emphasize facial contours. Plus, it can be worn with any hair type and is low-maintenance to style—just add a little mousse at the roots if you want to add volume.

Textured Bob

Bobs aren't restricted to straight hair—curly and textured hair makes for an equally beautiful look. "Bobs are perfect for your hair if it happens to be thick and wavy," says Michelle Sultan, celebrity hairstylist and Imbue brand ambassador. "The bob looks super clean, but the texture adds fullness so it doesn't sit flat on your head."

Extremely Wavy Lob

The waves add a playful touch to these face shapes. Enhance natural waves with a diffuser or use a curling iron for added texture. When at the salon, Matrix celebrity stylist Castillo Bataille recommends asking for a lob that suits your natural wave pattern.

Side Part Bob

To achieve this cut and style, ask for the back to be cut slightly shorter and longer/angled towards the front, so you have sharp corners. “This look is very clean and sharp parted on the side,” says Raven Hurtado, a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. “Use a flat iron to style it smooth and sleek.”

Straight Lob with Babylights

Babylights can add brightness and dimension to these face shapes. “Keep it sleek with a flat iron or straightener,” suggests Bataille. “Request a straight bob with subtle babylights when at the salon.”

Lived-In Bob

The lived-in bob is a chic, low-maintenance cut that sits around the jaw-to-collarbone length with soft layers for natural movement. “To achieve this look, ask for a textured or blunt cut with light layering,” suggests Marie Nino, a NYC-based hair stylist and colorist. “Style with volumizing mousse or texture spray, then air-dry or loosely wave with a curling iron for an effortless, tousled finish.”

Graduated Long Bob

Graduated layers can provide balance and structure. “To nail this look, add mousse to your damp hair and then blowout your hair with a round brush,” suggests Bataille. “Add a hairspray for hold and finishing spray for texture, prolonged volume, and a light hold. Curl the ends for a voluminous look.”

Bubble Bob

The bubble bob cut consists of layers to give a very voluminous look. “You can use a volumizing product along with a round brush to achieve a round style,” suggests Hurtado.

French Bob

The French bob is a stylish, Parisian-inspired cut that typically sits at or just above the chin, often paired with soft or blunt bangs. It combines a polished yet slightly undone look, making it both elegant and carefree. “To achieve this style, ask for a blunt, short cut with minimal layers,” suggests Nino. “Its simplicity and versatility make it perfect for straight or wavy hair.” For an effortlessly chic finish, use a bit of texture spray and tousle with your fingers to create that signature, low-maintenance vibe.

Sculpted Wave Bob

“One of my favorite haircuts of 2024 is the chin-length blunt bob, which beautifully follows the head shape,” says Rogerio Cavalcante, hair stylist and owner of The Second Floor Salon. “For those with straight hair, this look requires just some leave-in conditioner, salt spray, and a blow dryer. For a more polished finish, add a light pomade and style with your fingers.”

Boy Bob

The boy bob is one length with subtle layers. It looks close to a one length bob and is usually tucked behind one ear or both. “You can heat-style this cut and the rounded edges can add some bend, or you can air-dry with flipped ends,” suggests Hurtado.

Wolf Cut

The wolf cut bob is a bold mix of the classic bob and the shaggy, textured wolf cut. It features choppy, uneven layers with lots of volume at the crown, gradually thinning out towards the ends for a wild, carefree look. To get this style, Nino suggests asking your stylist for a heavily layered bob with longer, shaggy layers on top and shorter, textured ends. Style it with a texturizing spray or mousse, and let it air-dry or diffuse to bring out the natural volume and create that effortlessly tousled, "just rolled out of bed" vibe.

Volume Boost Bob

This haircut features a lot of layers—the front is a bit longer than the back. “The curls combined with the layers create volume and movement at the bottom, and the bangs are long, too” explains Cavalcante. “To achieve this look, use a 1-inch or 1¼-inch curling iron and add mousse to your hair before blow-drying and styling.”

Framed Mini Bob

This is a blunt mid-neck bob with subtle, face-framing curtain bangs styled straight with no volume and slightly curved inwards at the bottom. “The key to achieving subtle bangs is to avoid cutting a thick section of hair; they should be very thin,” says Cavalcante. “More hair would create voluminous bangs, which wouldn't suit Lily Collins' small face with sharp angles. You can use either a hot air brush or flat iron to achieve this look.”