Unlike the regular bob, an inverted bob is short in the back and long in the front. You get to choose the length when it comes to an inverted bob, which makes it ideal for pretty much anyone. Plus, the types of products you use can completely transform the look of the style. Victoria Beckham looks posh as ever with her inverted bob.
If you're not comfortable parting with all of your long locks just yet, you could even go with the chic lob (long bob). Not all inverted bobs have to graze the nape of your neck, and inverted lobs are actually more desirable than the traditional short style because it flatters practically every face shape.
The blunt bob is a classic for a reason. It debuted with movie stars of Hollywood’s Golden Era and reappeared recently thanks to celebs—shoutout to the beautiful Kristen Bell, pictured here! A blunt bob can also make your hair look healthier, stronger, and thicker thanks to its sleek appearance and capacity to be transformed at a moment's notice.
Because blunt bobs aren't defined by any sort of special layering technique or asymmetric lengths, it's easy to pull up your hair on hot days or leave it down in the summer. And whenever you do need to pull up your hair, it's not going to stick out at odd angles because it's all one length.
The pixie bob uses the pixie hairstyle as inspiration but makes it a tad longer. We love this haircut because it’s short and easily manageable but still gives you a little length to play with on those days when you have extra time for styling. Plus, if you have thin hair, this style is especially accommodating. Just look at how perfectly Anne Hathaway pulls off this 'do!
Because the pixie cut is defined by short layers, the bob version is equally light while making your hair look a little thicker than if your hair reached your shoulders or beyond. While it's a myth that short hairstyles don't require maintenance like long hair, it does take significantly less time to style in the morning. Tousle in some mousse and you're good to go!
If you’re going with a sleek, blunt bob, you have a couple of options: with or without bangs. The provided image is what a sleek bob with blunt bangs looks like, and it’s absolutely beautiful. It frames the face perfectly, so it’s great for women that have thinner faces and want to round out their shape.
However, it's a pretty bold look in the current age of beachy waves and wispy bangs, so it takes a particularly confident soul to tackle this style. There's a reason why celebrities who rock the bob-and-bangs duo on red carpets usually end up on the best-dressed lists: it's just so chic!
Just as the name suggests, the asymmetrical bob isn’t the same length on both sides. It’s a funky twist on a classic style that helps draw attention to your face. It doesn’t matter which side you choose for the long hair or the short hair, but we do suggest this for women that love a side part.
Rihanna is one of the most popular wearers of this style, and she absolutely rocks it! Of course, we can't all be Rihanna, but we can be inspired enough by her to branch out from our day-to-day hair for something a little more interesting. Who knows, the asymmetrical look might be the hairstyle you've been looking for!
We admit it: curly haired women don't get enough attention when it comes to hairstyle inclusivity. To be honest, their hair type is a lot more demanding and takes a practiced hand to cut in the "right" way without completely screwing up the curl pattern. But nothing's impossible when it comes to the bob!
Just because you have curly hair doesn’t mean you can’t get a bob! A curly bob is totally unique and a beautiful take on the classic look. This style works great whether you have a side or center part, although we do suggest leaving your hair a little longer for those particularly scrunchy days.
This hairstyle is vastly different than the rest, but equally snazzy. Instead of using sheer cut scissors to achieve the perfect bob, this cut uses a straight-edge razor blade. This technique results in strands that are wispier and thinner at the ends, which gives more volume on the top of the head than the bottom.
If your face shape is defined bulk around the cheekbones or jaw region, then the razor cut bob can work wonders in balancing out your face. Also, incorporating some swooping side bangs helps to draw attention to the center of your face rather than the areas that looked imbalanced before.
A blunt bob doesn’t need blunt bangs, despite what the name implies. Wispy bangs are ideal for someone that wants to try bangs but don’t have a lot of hair to fill out the “blunt” style. It's also great for someone new to bangs and may be hesitant to take the full plunge. Either way, you'll look great.
Wispy locks are one of the top hair trends at the moment! Maintaining wispy bangs is incredibly low-cost and low-effort. Most women end up giving themselves free haircuts because the style's so forgiving. Plus, wispy bangs have a tendency to grow out much cleaner than any other type of bangs because they don't demand a lot of space or attention. Chrissy Teigen definitely knows how to rock this look!
Longer bobs have a lot of options. You can curl it, leave it in waves, or let it air dry to show off your natural curl pattern. These unique twists can give your hair a dressed-up feel but are cute when paired with a casual outfit. All you need is a curling wand, and a little bit of time, and you’re good to go!
If you're wanting to let your natural hair shine -- especially on those busy mornings -- we recommend investing in a couple of products to help you along, including sea salt spray and some thickening mousse. These products add texture to your hair, so it's easier to style with just a few sprits and scrunches.
That's right, curly girls! Your bobs can totally have bangs – your hair just needs to be a little shorter. The curls make soft waves, and the bangs help frame your face. The best thing about this style is that you don’t need to get a trim every month because your bangs grow out to be the perfect length.
Short curly bangs aren't quite the same as baby bangs, but it's pretty much the same idea. You can get your curls sheared as short as you want, but we all love seeing someone's natural curls shine through. Also, topping off your curly bob with equally adorable bangs helps to prevent the dreaded pyramid shape that sometimes occurs with inexperienced stylists.
Unlike the stacked bob, the layered bob is typically longer to account for the different hair lengths and features softer lines than both the razor cut and asymmetrical bobs. The various lengths of hair are flattering on every face shape and look effortlessly chic even when pulled back into a cute ponytail.
Layers not only give your hair some added dimension usually missing from other types of bobs, but it also is a great style if you routinely color your hair. Things like highlights and shadow roots have more room to shine when your hair isn't stuck at just one length.
You’ve probably seen lots of celebrities rocking this hairstyle ever since Kim Kardashian rocked the 2019 Met Gala in her infamous "wet look." Pictured here is Rihanna killing the look in 2017! Bobs are always trendy, but wet and wavy bobs are the newest trend. It’s cute all year round, but is especially perfect for the summer months.
Chris Appleton, Kim K's hairstylist behind the wet look, gave some pointers to The Hollywood Reporter on how he achieved the style without it looking distasteful: “We wanted Kim to look like she was getting out of the water. It’s important to use [anti-humidity hair treatment] on damp hair and apply the product in sections to ensure that the hair is completely saturated. Then blow-dry the hair to create a smooth finish."
Once your bangs grow out, what are you going to do? Hide them under outdated headbands or vigorously pinned back with bobby pins and plastic clips? No! Never fear; side-swept bangs are here! The side-swept bangs are absolutely beautiful and work great for women with thinner hair or an imbalanced face shape.
It's a universal look that everyone can rock, even if you don't have concerns like thinning hair or a wide jaw. The bob style already draws attention to your face, but the addition of side-swept bangs ensures that people are immediately looking at your eye area, which is said to make you instantly more beautiful.
We adore beach waves—just look at Ashley Tisdale!—and mastering the style will make you look like you just got back from a long, relaxing vacation. Goodness knows that we all could use a little beachside alone time right about now. Turns out, the ocean is one of the best ways to achieve effortless waves.
Obviously, most of us don't have access to a shining blue ocean every morning while we get ready for work, so we have to settle for the next best thing. Using texturizing salt spray lifts up the roots a little so that you can lightly scrunch until you get the right look. It may take a little practice, but it’s worth it and far cheaper than flying to Miami.
Bobs look amazing when they’re paired with an ombre style. You can choose almost any of these cuts and get a brown to blonde, blonde to brown, red to blonde, or any other colors you can think of! Our suggestion is that you go with a shorter ombre with dyed roots, so it grows out into a full ombre.
The classic blunt bob works just as well with ombre looks, but we recommend adding in a few layers to achieve the maximum potential of the color. Ombres aren't cheap, and neither is hair care, so you should get the most bang for your buck with the right combo of color and style! Adrienne Baillon is a total inspiration when it comes to this look.
Short on short on short! We consider a "short" bob as basically anything that’s cut above your jawline. This style works really well for women with thinner faces and who want to round out their shape—just look at how stunning Emma Stone is here! Plus, short bangs are perfect because as they grow out, they don’t curl into your eyes like normal-length bangs.
The downside with short bobs is the lack of versatility, meaning pulling up your hair on hot days, doing any style of braid, or simply getting your hair out of your face takes a lot more bobby pins than you'd anticipate. On the other hand, short bobs with short bangs don't require much styling at all to be considered a "look" like a lot of long hairstyles do.
This one is for all the edgy gals out there. Shaved bobs are becoming increasingly popular because they shake up the norm of what's considered an "appropriate" look. If you haven’t tried it, you should give it a shot! It takes equal parts courage, confidence, and the right group of supportive people surrounding you to pull off, but we know you can rock it.
Keep in mind that this look isn't exactly low maintenance like the other bobs on this list, but even though there's a little upkeep required as the saved portions grow out, it’s totally worth it. This unique style works best for those that are planning to get an inverted bob. You can also choose how much you want to be shaved at any given time, so there's a lot more flexibility than you might realize.
Similar to the side shaved bob, the peekaboo bob isn’t an easy style, so you need a great stylist. The look doesn't require shaved bits, but it's recommended to achieve the right amount of edge. Basically, your stylist will layer a variety of colors in your hair in various sections so that they can all shine through beautifully. It almost looks like a trick of the light when looking at it from different angles.
In the style featured in this image of Evan Rachel Wood, brown is used at the bottom, followed by a platinum blonde, and then a honey blonde. Finally, darker roots are used to tie everything together. You don’t need this many colors, but no one would blame you if you wanted this exact look!
If we're trying to push an agenda on you, it'd be this: embrace color! Regardless of your age, you’d be surprised how great hair looks when a small amount of color is added to it. The dynamic look updates any style. You could go pink, blue, or something a little less bright, like maroon or natural shades.
Elle's Sarah Thompson gives many compelling reasons to color your hair. Not only can new hair coloring technologies benefit your hair by sealing down the cuticle for healthier looking hair," color can cover pesky grays, make your locks "appear more full with a fresh colour," help complement out your skin tone, “emphasize texture," and "add luster to bring back your hair’s shine."
The stick-straight bob is one of the chicest ways to wear your hair—just look at Kourtney Kardashian! It’s short, sleek, and—you guessed it—straight. This style is the perfect bob to start with if you’ve never experimented with short hair before because it's one of the easiest to maintain and grow out.
The straight bob isn't quite the same as the traditional blunt bob because it typically incorporates a styling element to make it lay straight. These products range from flat irons to gels to chemical treatments, but there's no need to jump to radically damaging your hair to achieve this look. Spritz with some heat protectant and give it a couple of passes with the straighter, and you're red carpet ready!
One of the biggest complaints from people who routinely rock bobs is the lack of versatility. Sure, it can feel a bit limiting when you don't have those extra inches of hair to play around with, but there are actually lots of ways to change your hairstyle without having to grow out your locks or chop it off even further.
If you already rock a blunt bob, try changing up where you part your hair to help transform your look. The middle part is coming back, but we recommend a deep side part if you really want to feel like you got a fresh haircut without the loss of length. It's always in style!
Another way to shake up your look is to avoid perfection. What does that entail, you ask? It means ignoring all of those hair bloggers on Facebook selling the idea of perfectly coiffed hair, impossibly sleek braids, and incredibly overpriced trips to celebrity salons. In other words, embrace your natural texture!
Embracing your natural hair usually means a limited range of styling products and tools. Try styling with nothing more than water and a bottle of mousse or gel in the morning; you may be surprised by how much you like your new look at little or no cost to you!
Bobs are one of the most flattering hairstyles. They’re also one of the most dynamic because there are tons of ways to change this style when you get the itch for a Hollywood-worthy transformation. An easy way to do this is by allowing your hair to gently frame your face shape, which typically requires a bob or short layers.
Model Kaia Gerber, pictured here, told Vogue UK about her hair journey: "For so long, I felt this pressure to have the long, pretty hair that everyone expects you to have. Then I asked myself who I was doing that for—I could cut my hair if I wanted to cut my hair. And I did.” And look how great she looks with the face-framing look!
We already mentioned sleek bobs with bangs, but we haven’t mentioned sleek bobs with no bangs. This look is a little less uniform and allows your hair to remain all one length, which helps with quick styling and the growing out process so you can skip past the dreaded "awkward phase."
Just look at Selena Gomez, pictured here. She debuted the new 'do last year, swapping her long waves for a short, sleek bob. She took to TikTok to promote a watch party for the finale of "Only Murders in the Building", but fans could hardly concentrate—they were obsessed with her hair! "YOU LOOK SO GOOD WITH SHORT HAIR SELENA", and you can too!
If you haven’t tried the middle part already, now’s the time. Millennials might not approve of styles without side parts, but they don't run the world just yet! The middle part has dominated the beauty world for decades after Cher made it popular in the ‘70s with her lengthy locks, but it’s just as cute with a bob. Thanks to Gen Z, the sleek bob and middle part pairing is coming back with in full force.
The younger generation realizes just how much power the middle part possesses. Not only does it create a really dramatic change to your hair, but it uniquely flatters the face because of how it naturally frames your face. Also, this look is known for its elongating effect that slims the face and draws attention to your T-zone, which makes can make you look like the epitome of glamorous!
Braids are so cute, stylish, and a staple look for many women around the world who want to protect their hair from dehydration and breakage. While braids are typically worn with long hair, they can also be rocked with short hair, given the right stylist and technique. Talk to your stylist about the braided bob—it may just become your favorite new look.
Certain styles like the box braid are popular for both long and short-haired folks because they're easy to maintain but aren't limited to a certain look. Mix it up by parting them into bigger sections, which saves time while braiding time, cuts down on maintenance, and complements middle parted looks spectacularly. Show your stylist this image of Patrisse Cullors as an inspiration photo!
The tilted bob is one of the more unique bob hairstyles despite looking rather simple. The tilted bob is very similar to the asymmetrical bob but not nearly as dramatic. One side of your hair is longer (and usually curled), and the other is shorter (and closer to your jawline).
This style is great for those of us who want to avoid walking out of the salon sporting a "Let me speak to your manager" haircut. You all know what we're talking about. The subtle tilt gives a feeling of youthfulness to an otherwise mature-looking style. You really can't go wrong with this one!
The first rule of quick hair care is to texturize, texturize, texturize! Nothing sucks the life out of your look more than flat, limp hair. Textured hair is all about embracing your natural waves and curls and allowing room for the unpredictable. Textured bobs will never look the same from day to day, but that’s part of the fun.
Textured bobs have a mind of their own, which is also a reason why they work so well on a variety of face shapes and hair types. As long as you (or your stylist) have a firm grasp on how your hair type behaves, then you'll be able to texturize to your heart's content without looking like a frizz ball.
If you’ve never heard of the lob, let us introduce you. We doubt you're completely unaware of this wildfire style, but if you are, don't worry. It’s just like a bob haircut, only longer—hence the name. It usually falls right at the shoulders and is ideal for someone new to short hair.
The reason why so many women hopped aboard the lob train in recent years is because of how forgiving the style is. It's long enough that it won't drastically alter your face shape, but instead makes your hair look healthier all around. Demi Lovato, pictured here, can be seen sporting this glam look at the Kids' Choice Awards in 2017.
The so-called castle bob is a 1920s-style cut part of the social rebellion of women against the status quo. Flappers chopped their hair off into more boyish styles and looked SO good while flaunting around in their fringe dresses and boas. This adorable cut features minimal layers and a blunt cut that tapers off at the nape of the neck. Vanessa Hudgens certainly pulls off this "rebellious" look.
Smithsonian Magazine states that the bob style "made its first foray into public consciousness in 1915 when the fashion-forward ballroom dancer Irene Castle cut her hair short as a matter of convenience, into what was then referred to as the Castle bob." Apparently, many hair stylists refused to cut women's hair so short, so the flappers opted for the barbershop instead. Aren't you glad we're a century past that?
The stacked bob, also known as the graduated bob, gives this hairstyle a completely new look. Precisely cut layers create a rounded, fuller look while looking more intentional than the simple textured bob. If you like a lot of volume, this may be the bob for you, but it'll take a lot more upkeep than lobs.
In 2017, Lucy Hale dramatically switched up her hair, opting for a look shorter than she's ever gone before. "I have hair ADD and frequently switch it up." We love the boldness! The actress went from a lob to a bob, with several other celebrities following the trend. It's never the wrong time to try a stacked bob.
While bobs are adorable in virtually every hair color, one of the newest trends is to dye your hair platinum blonde. Recently, lots of celebrities, including the Kardashian-Jenner clan, Cara Delevigne, and a slew of beauty influencers, have frequented the salon so they can rock this twist on a classic style.
"Today blond women are the new brunettes, and they have Hillary Clinton to thank for that," Franco Della Grazia, an NYC stylist, told Elle. "She's a powerful woman, telling it like it is, sitting down with heads of state from all over the world. I don't know how much fun she's having, but she's being taken seriously."
If we haven't made it clear enough, there are countless ways to style your short hair. And if you’re looking for a look that’s a little more reckless than the traditional straight-and-narrow approach, try the choppy bob. This cut has lots of different layers and lengths, which will give your hair added movement and definition.
As you can see, actress Zendaya blew the choppy bob look out of the water, as she does with any hairstyle she chooses. Here, she opted for bangs to round out the look, but a similarly successful look is possible without the additional bangs.
In contrast to the name, you don’t have to be of school age to rock this bob. This is a popular hairstyle for anyone wanting a shorter cut because it’s styled in a delicate and feminine way so that the hair frames the face while shaving away years from your appearance.
French hairdresser Jean Louise David offers some advice on his website regarding this look: "This version [of the bob] allows you to keep lots of thickness and offers a bit of character. Our street style [model] of the day generally wears her hair in a side parting... But the bob also works with a centre parting for an even sweeter effect and a neater style. Ask your hairdresser for advice on how to define your bob."
This hairstyle applies to all bobbed cuts but looks especially good with straight middle-part bobs. All you have to do is add decorative bobby pins to your hair, and you suddenly have an all-new edgy look. Whether you wear the pins on both sides of your head or just one, you’ll look adorable!
Chunky accessories are all the rage right now, so it's the perfect excuse to experiment with your hair without actually cutting anything off. For instance, if you have shaggy hair, you can pin up one side to mimic a side shave or asymmetrical look. Have some hairspray or styling gel on hand to help keep things in place. We know how fickle bobby pins can be!
The precise bob is very similar to the blunt bob but requires a little more expertise than a simple straight-across look. When getting a precision haircut, your stylist will carefully cut your hair, so everything is the exact same length. Needless to say, this style is not for those who prefer layers and volume.
Some women want this red carpet look without spending time in the salon or drastically chopping their locks. Thus, they pull a Kylie Jenner and invest in a nice wig! Wigs aren't exactly comfortable or cheap, but they'll maintain their cut and color much, much longer than your natural hair. Something to consider!
If you’re wanting a timeless hairstyle, try the retro bob. It’s the perfect combination of past and present and a glamorous way to hide your bangs by strategically slicking them into Hollywood-inspired structured curls. All you need to do is chop your hair and purchase a good quality curling iron to achieve this look.
Women are drawn to this look because it feels classic and vintage while simultaneously modern and trendy, which is the perfect balance, we'd say! And unlike jaw-dropping victory rolls or beehives, the subdued glamour of the retro bob is beautiful without drawing too much attention away from your face.
There are so many ways to cut your hair to create different bob hairstyles, but there are also many ways to style your hair to vamp up the bob you already have. Use hot tools like curling irons, hot rollers, straighteners, and hair dryers to your benefit to create added style. Curling short hair seems like it'd be easier than long hair, but the variety of hair lengths featured in most bobs makes the need for precise sectioning essential.
Byrdie gives a few tips for making the best bouncy curls. "The smaller the barrel, the tighter the wave or curl," says stylist Giovanni Vaccaro. "Use a .75-inch barrel if you want to curl and use a one-inch barrel if you want a looser wave... [alternate] between curling away from your face and toward your face for a more natural finish." Margot Robbie seems to have the loose wave down.
We may have already discussed the lob, but the long bob is a little different. It’s even longer than the lob and a more accessible look for women who aren't quite ready to sacrifice all of their length for a trend. While some consider this not even to be a bob, many do. It falls just past the shoulders and is usually cut bluntly.
The Seattle Times interviewed a slew of stylists who commented on the cultural presence of the bob. “There’s a bob for everyone,” stylist Yves Durif said, with Parisian stylist Wendy Iles adding, “You see an older woman walk into a room wearing a short, chopped, graphic bob — already she’s won your confidence."
We put this style at the end of this list because it’s the least popular bob but arguably the boldest of the bunch. The bowl-cut bob is exactly what it sounds like. It’s extremely blunt, extremely short, and extremely disliked. This controversial look is definitely not for everyone, probably because it reminds them of many unfortunate childhood photos.
The bowl cut is becoming more popular among men because it's incredibly low-maintenance, but only the bravest women among us have the courage to take the leap and risk getting a cut that completely drowns her face shape. Zendaya is the queen of pulling off any look she wears, but even she was on the cusp of getting lost in the papal style.
