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The Bob Haircut Is Timeless-Here Are 13 Styles to Prove It

Published 1 day ago10 minute read

The bob haircut is a classic Hollywood staple for a reason. The cut works for virtually any hair texture and face shape as there isn't just one way to do a bob. In fact, there are multiple takes on the cut, from a blunt chin-length bob to a textured bob with bangs, and all of them are customizable. So, whether you've been influenced to go short after seeing all of your favorite celebrities make the chop or you simply want to switch up your existing bob, there's a style out there for you.

Keep scrolling for a complete guide to bob haircuts with expert styling tips to boot.

Selena Gomez in a selfie wearing a black plunging top with bows and sleek bob.

@selenagomez/Instagram

"It's a bob that goes from shorter in the back and gradually gets longer towards the front of the haircut," Redway explains. The stylist calls out Rihanna's hair in the "Umbrella" music video because the style skyrocketed in popularity after its release. And the A-line bob is still going strong—take Selena Gomez's wavy take on it, for example.

Redway says those with straighter hair types fare better with this cut as its angles won't be as prominent on curlier textures.

Dry your hair with a flat brush, like Tangle Teezer's Blow Styling Smoothing Tool, for the best results. "Blow dry laying the hairs flat to your head from one side to the next, and alternate directions so the cut falls symmetrically once it's dry," Redway suggests.

Ayo Edebiri is seen leaving GMA at ABC Times Square Studios in NYC in June 2024.

Gilbert Carrasquillo / GC Images / Getty Images

"This cut could be a variety of lengths, depending on hair texture and preference, but a curly bob is all about embracing your curls and the volume of your hair," says Earnshaw.

Anyone with curls can get a bob, but you'll want to adapt it to your hair texture. Those with fine curly hair may opt for a shorter-length bob to boost volume, while those with thick curly hair may keep it longer. "You could try having a slightly longer length at the front [and] shorter at the back to remove some of the weight in your hair," Earnshaw adds.

To enhance your curls, use a combination of curl creams for definition. The stylist recommends using a curl cream or gel on wet, freshly washed hair to minimize frizz. "You can air-dry your hair, but I prefer to use a diffuser to get maximum volume into the hair," he says. "The best way to do this is to not touch your hair at all and let the diffuser do all the work. Once the hair is completely dry, use a wide-tooth comb to expand the volume and shape."

Lucy Boynton at a Chloé show during Paris Fashion Week. Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

When you picture a bob, this classic take on the cut probably comes to mind. "The blunt bob is a classic, super straight and strong look that is all the same length all the way around," says Earnshaw. "Classically, with no layers, it is just one length of hair cut straight."

The beauty of the blunt bob is that it can work across a number of hair textures. For fine hair, Earnshaw suggests a shorter-length bob to fake the illusion of thicker hair. For thick or curly hair, the stylist suggests adding a few layers to remove some weight.

If you're styling your blunt bob sleek or enhancing your waves or curls, Earnshaw recommends prepping hair with a frizz-fighting heat protectant before using any hot tools.

Amandla Stenberg at the 10th Annual AAFCA Awards. Rich Fury/Getty Images

This protective style is a great way to switch up your go-to braids for the summer. Bonus: Add in statement plaits in any color as Amandla Stenberg did with her icy blue braids.

The beauty of this style is that it works with any type of braid—the choice is yours.

You can style a braided bob pretty much the same way you can any other bob: with a side part, middle part, half-up. half-down, or in a slicked-back ponytail. Make sure to add a bit of oil to your scalp and strands to keep them moisturized.

To extend the life of your braids, Earnshaw recommends wrapping your braids before going to bed. You can also opt for a bonnet as a time-saving hack, since no wrapping is required.

Kaia Gerber poses for a selfie with her hair in a layered bob.

@kaiagerber/Instagram

If your ideal cut is one that'll make your hair appear thicker and fuller, look no further than the layered bob, as seen on Kaia Gerber. "Layered bobs have a variety of lengths," says Redway. "If you are looking to create shape, volume, and movement, this version of a bob haircut is great for you."

Redway says a layered bob is ideal for both curly hair and finer hair types. The key is working with the shape of your hair and tailoring the cut to your strands.

To best show off the layers in your bob, Redway suggests prepping hair with a blow-dry balm, like the Nexxus Weightless Style Smooth & Full Blow Dry Balm, then rough-drying the hair upside down to get the most volume.

Taraji P. Henson at the Time 100 Gala in NYC in April 2024.

Kambouris/Getty Images for TIME

The asymmetrical bob has one side of the hair that's longer than the other, Earnshaw says. "Usually, one side will be jaw length and one side will be down toward your collarbone. This look is definitely making a return with its early '00s vibe."

Anyone looking for a bold cut that's versatile can sport the style. The possibilities are endless with an asymmetrical bob, but it works especially well with square face shapes because it can help soften angles, which may be something you're interested in.

A few options include a subtle side part with a little extra length on one side or extreme lengths on both sides. "I like to see it tucked on the one side with more length on the other for a chic vibe," Earnshaw shares.

"You can wear an asymmetrical bob as sleek, messy, or wavy," Earnshaw adds. "I like to see this look with texture, so I would recommend styling it with a soft wave, then tilt your head upside down and spritz with [a texturizing spray] to create cool-girl texture."

Kerry Washington attends the 2024 Disney Upfront at Javits Center in NYC in May 2024.

Taylor Hill / WireImage / Getty Images

"A sliced bob creates internal movement by taking the weight out," Co Tran previously told InStyle. "It's great for clients with thick, bulky, and coarse hair. It also helps keep the shape and prolong the cut."

Anyone with thick or coarse hair who loves the look of a blunt bob, but doesn't want their cut to look clunky.

Like the blunt bob, the sliced bob can be styled in myriad ways. If you're going for a beachy, lived-in texture, Co Tran recommends using a curling iron and spritzing a dry texturizing spray like Milbon Dry Texturizing Spray from roots to ends to break up the waves.

Zazie Beetz attends the Chanel Womenswear F/W show during Paris Fashion Week in March 2024.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

The French bob is an icon."It's a chin-length bob, which I think is so flattering for angular face shapes," Redway says of one of her favorite haircuts. "It's usually texturized, so you see plenty of movement as you style."

While all bobs are versatile, this one takes the cake. Redway says it can be tweaked to suit your face shape. "The adjustments can be in the weight left in the haircut, she shares. "For rounder face shapes, keep the weight heavy around your face and a strong weight line at the bottom of the haircut. For more angular face shapes, texturize around the face."

This cut is all about enhancing your natural texture. If you do use heat tools while styling, Redway suggests using a product that's a heat protectant and detangler—like Moroccanoil Protect and Prevent Spray.

Gabrielle Union at the 56th NAACP Image Awards in L.A. in February 2025.

Unique Nicole/WireImage

Because the bob is so iconic, there are reinventions of the reinventions. The butterfly bob, seen on Gabrielle Union here, is essentially the French bob, but it's just a little shorter.

People with fine hair could use this cut to make their hair appear fuller. Also, as the name indicates, the ends of the hair stop right around your cheekbones. If that's a facial feature that you want to accent, this is an excellent cut for you.

The bounce and vibrancy of Union's style is a labor of love. You'll need a blow dryer, a big round brush, and a half hour to an hour of styling time (depending on the density of your hair). Finish off with a hair oil, like Bomba Curls Dominican Forbidden Oil.

Jennifer Lopez at the 'Hustlers' premiere during the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Whatever you want to call it, the lob or long bob is perfect for anyone who wants to go short but not too short. "A long bob is anything that touches your shoulder and neck area," Redway says of the cut sported by Jennifer Lopez above. "Anything chin length and above is what I consider a short bob."

Unsurprisingly, this cut is pretty universal too. Redway says it works well on most hair textures. And if you have a round face shape, a lob can work to elongate and create facial balance.

While styling products are important for achieving your desired look, a good hair day starts in the shower. Redway recommends washing hair with Nexxus' Ultralight Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner for lobs (and bobs).

Raye at the Chanel Womenswear Fall/Winter 2025-2026 show during Paris Fashion Week in 2025.

Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images

This bouncy Italian bob is characterized by its blunt ends and chin-length drop. The bangs are a nice face-framing addition that (for the most part) seamlessly transition into the rest of the curly tresses.

Folks with naturally curly or wavy textures are best suited by this style. If you have pin-straight hair, it may be difficult to get this volume and pattern.

You can't get this level of volume without a good blow dryer, especially if you have thinner curls. Use a good curl cream and start by diffusing the top of your hair. When it's about 80 percent dry, flip your hair upside down and shake it around as you finish blow-drying.

Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images

Like the French bob and butterfly bob, the micro bob is a teeny tiny haircut. It usually doesn't go past the nape of your neck. Some, like the one Ciara dons here, are even shorter. Sport some bangs for added interest.

Almost anyone is a good candidate for a micro bob because it suits a wide range of hair textures and densities. That said, this cut is best for people with oval- and heart-shaped faces since it creates angles in the face.

To get a look similar to Ciara's, you'll need a handy-dandy hair straightener and a bit of hairspray. For flipped-in ends, rotate the straightener toward your face.

Jung Ho-yeon attends the 74th Primetime Emmys at Microsoft Theater in L.A.

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

Any type of bangs will instantly transform an existing cut, including all styles of bobs.

Bangs, like a bob, can be customized to suit your hair type and face shape. You can add blunt bangs to a blunt bob for an even bolder look or a wispy fringe to a retro bob for a little something extra.

Cowlicks are a common struggle for those with bangs. To get unruly hair in the direction you want it to go, try using a clean mascara wand while blow-drying your bangs.

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