Buzz
Image Credit: People Images/Getty ImagesIt's likely that you've experimented with a bob haircut at some stage (and hopefully avoided the dreaded bowl-cut mishap). Bobs are timeless, low-maintenance, and incredibly versatile. Though many think of bobs as a general term for hair cut above the shoulders, modern bobs come in a variety of styles to suit every preference. Whether you love textured layers or a sleek, straight finish, there are countless ways to customize a bob for unique looks. We consulted leading hairstylists to explore the most sought-after bob styles.
1. Timeless Bob
Getty ImagesThe classic bob is a timeless choice that never fails to impress. According to Frédéric Fekkai, renowned hairstylist and founder of FEKKAI, "A classic bob is typically cut sharply at chin length. The lack of layers allows the hair to flow as a single unit, creating a sleek and glossy appearance."
2. Layered Bob
Getty ImagesFor those hesitant about a blunt cut and seeking more fluidity, consider adding layers to your bob. Suzi Abadjian, owner of Chita Beauty, suggests tailoring the layers to flatter your facial structure. "I prefer enhancing the layers at the back while keeping the front longer to create a slimming and contouring effect. Incorporating a fringe can also add a stylish twist to the classic layered bob."
3. Shattered Bob
This edgy style features 'shattered' ends for a choppy, textured appearance. "Anh Co Tran popularized this haircut, and it quickly became a sensation," says Dani Everson, hairstylist and owner of Clementine's Salon. "It’s essentially a traditional bob with hidden layers that add movement and bounce." However, while the cut itself is simple, maintaining the textured finish requires some styling effort.
4. Shoulder Bob
Getty ImagesFor those with fine or thin hair, or anyone preferring a bit more length, a shoulder-length bob is an excellent choice. "A cut that ends right at the shoulders can give the appearance of thicker hair, particularly when it’s styled without layers and maintained at a uniform length," explains Rena Calhoun, celebrity hairstylist and Virtue ambassador.
5. Straight Above-the-Shoulder Bob
Getty Images"Unlike the shaggy bobs of the past, today’s bobs focus on a sleek, straight cut that sits just above the shoulders," explains
6. Asymmetrical Bob
Getty ImagesA short asymmetrical bob differs from the traditional bob by featuring an uneven perimeter. While one side has longer strands that stay above the shoulders, it doesn’t have to appear overly edgy. With a slightly jagged cut and well-placed layers, this style can exude a chic yet natural elegance.
7. Microbob
Getty ImagesThe microbob is a bold, short haircut where the front strands barely touch the chin and the back reaches the nape of the neck. This style is perfect for highlighting facial features and works well with all hair types. It’s also easy to maintain—simply apply a bit of mousse at the roots for added volume.
8. Textured Bob
Getty ImagesBobs aren’t just for straight hair—curly and textured hair can also rock this look beautifully. "Bobs are ideal for thick, wavy hair," says Michelle Sultan, celebrity hairstylist and Imbue brand ambassador. "The bob maintains a sleek appearance, while the natural texture adds body, preventing it from looking flat."
9. Extremely Wavy Lob
The natural waves in this style bring a fun and lively vibe to certain face shapes. To enhance the waves, use a diffuser or a curling iron for extra texture. When visiting the salon, Matrix celebrity stylist Castillo Bataille suggests requesting a lob that complements your natural wave pattern.
10. Side Part Bob
For this style, request a cut where the back is slightly shorter and angled longer toward the front, creating sharp edges. "This look is polished and sharp with a side part," says Raven Hurtado, a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. "Use a flat iron to achieve a smooth, sleek finish."
11. Straight Lob with Babylights
Babylights can bring brightness and depth to these face shapes. "Maintain a sleek look with a flat iron," advises Bataille. "Ask for a straight bob paired with soft babylights during your salon visit."
12. Lived-In Bob
The lived-in bob is a stylish, easy-to-maintain haircut that falls between the jaw and collarbone, featuring soft layers for natural flow. "For this style, request a textured or blunt cut with subtle layering," recommends Marie Nino, a NYC-based hair stylist and colorist. "Use volumizing mousse or texture spray, then air-dry or create loose waves with a curling iron for a relaxed, tousled effect."
13. Graduated Long Bob
Graduated layers add balance and structure to this style. "To achieve this look, apply mousse to damp hair and blow-dry with a round brush," advises Bataille. "Finish with hairspray for hold and a texture spray for added volume and a light, lasting finish. Curl the ends to enhance the overall volume."
14. Bubble Bob
The bubble bob features layered cuts to create a full, voluminous appearance. "Use a volumizing product and a round brush to achieve the rounded shape," recommends Hurtado.
15. French Bob
The French bob is a chic, Parisian-inspired haircut that typically ends at or slightly above the chin, often complemented by soft or blunt bangs. It blends sophistication with a relaxed, effortless vibe. "For this look, request a short, blunt cut with minimal layering," advises Nino. "Its simplicity and adaptability make it ideal for both straight and wavy hair." To achieve that signature casual elegance, apply texture spray and tousle with your fingers for a natural, low-maintenance finish.
16. Sculpted Wave Bob
"One of my top haircut picks for 2024 is the chin-length blunt bob, which elegantly contours the head's shape," says Rogerio Cavalcante, hair stylist and owner of The Second Floor Salon. "For straight hair, this style only needs leave-in conditioner, salt spray, and a blow dryer. For a sleeker look, add a light pomade and style with your fingers."
17. Boy Bob
The boy bob is a single-length cut with subtle layers, resembling a classic bob. It’s often styled by tucking hair behind one or both ears. "This cut can be heat-styled for rounded edges with a slight bend, or air-dried with flipped ends for a casual look," suggests Hurtado.
18. Wolf Cut
The wolf cut bob combines the classic bob with the edgy, textured wolf cut. It features choppy, uneven layers with dramatic volume at the crown, tapering to shorter, textured ends for a bold, carefree appearance. Nino recommends requesting a heavily layered bob with longer, shaggy layers on top and shorter, textured ends. Use texturizing spray or mousse, then air-dry or diffuse to enhance natural volume and achieve that effortlessly tousled, "just woke up" look.
19. Volume Boost Bob
This style is characterized by multiple layers, with the front slightly longer than the back. "The combination of curls and layers adds volume and movement at the ends, while the bangs are kept long," explains Cavalcante. "To achieve this look, apply mousse before blow-drying, then use a 1-inch or 1¼-inch curling iron for styling."
20. Framed Mini Bob
This mid-neck bob features a blunt cut with delicate, face-framing curtain bangs styled straight, lacking volume and gently curling inward at the ends. "To achieve subtle bangs, avoid cutting a thick section of hair; they should be very fine," advises Cavalcante. "Thicker bangs would add volume, which wouldn’t complement Lily Collins' petite, angular face. Use a hot air brush or flat iron to perfect this style."
