20 Must-Try Bob Haircuts That Are Always On Trend
Thinking of getting a fresh, new cut for the season? One thing’s for sure: a bob is a major vibe. There are loads of trendy hairstyles out there that have withstood the test of time (natural curls, long choppy layers, “The Rachel” ), but few have as much staying power as the bob. A bob cut just matches every mood. It can be playful, business-like, dramatic, glamorous, sexy, serious, down to party (we can go on and on). And it’s no secret that the bob is a beloved go-to for stylists helping their clients revamp their look. “I love bobs. I think they can be super versatile and you can go from effortlessly chic to polished and sophisticated with the same cut,” says stylist and colorist Meri Kate O’Connor.
About the Expert:
Meri Kate O’Connor a celebrity hair stylist and colorist at Cooper West Hollywood
With warmer weather on the horizon, it might be time to scratch that itch to give your long haired winter look a refresh. So when the bob haircut starts to beckon, don’t hesitate to answer its call. The best thing about it? There are endless variations in styles and lengths of a bob cut that you can go with, so if you’re antsy about going short, it’s a foolproof way to ease into the change.
Think you’re ready to make the chop? We’ve got 20 celeb bobs that’ll give you all the short hair inspiration you need.
1. Slept-In Bob
There’s nothing cutesy about this super short cut that’s perfect for anyone looking for a hair glam slam. Jennifer Lawrence swapped her signature long length for lots of layers and tousled, wispy, wavy texture. Add some thoughtfully placed highlights to take your cut to the next level.
2. Sleek Bob
Stick straight, loaded with shine, a perfect part, and not a strand out of place has Regina King’s pristine bob channeling all the “I’m a queen” vibes. Apply a shine boosting heat protectant like MOROCCANOIL Perfect Defense Heat Protectant. Then, smooth strands with a flat iron to keep flyaways at bay. O’Connor loves a MASON PEARSON brush for creating a smooth, sleek blowout. “If you don’t have one, you can always use your hot tools to get the look as well. IGK HAIR Good Behavior Spirulina Protein Smoothing Blowout Balm is amazing for creating a sleek blowout that will stay, and it makes the hair extra shiny which is always a plus,” O’Connor adds.
3. Hollywood Glam Bob
The deep side part and perfect S-wave of Michelle William’s chin length bob style deserve their own standing ovation. It’s giving Marilyn Monroe bombshell, and to say we’re obsessed is an understatement. Have fine hair? We got you. “Adding layers to a bob can help give you volume, as well as using a volumizing product when blow drying,” O’Connor tells us.
4. Girl Next Door Bob
Lucy Boynton’s flirty fringe ups the fun factor of this textured, choppy, shag cut. Secure your hair in a half-up, half-down style and flaunt piecey curtain bangs for a playful twist.
5. Shoulder Skimming Bob
Not quite ready to go super short? A shoulder length bob (like this one on Jessica Alba) is an easy teaser. “I always say start with cutting your hair to your collarbone if you have long hair, and then go shorter as you learn to love it and work with it,” says O’Connor. Once you're comfy with a hiked up length, rock your cut with confidence.
6. Blunt Bob
This sleek, blunt cut is one of those magical looks that works for any and every occasion (dressed up like Selena Gomez, dressed down, or lounging around) and almost every hair type and face shape. We particularly love this look on a heart shaped or round face. Keep your ends looking healthy and hydrated by treating them to a nourishing leave-in mask, like FOXYBAE 12-in-1 Magic Daily Leave-In Hair Mask, once or twice a week. And stick to a strict trim schedule to get rid of split, damaged ends.
7. Cheekbone Sculpting Bob
Fact: Kerry Washington is a 24/7 babe. And this cheekbone skimming bob pretty much says the same. The key to loving this look is communication. Chat with your stylist for advice on what length works with your face shape and hair texture. “It’s a conversation that’s had with the client about how short they want to go, as well as how they style their hair,” says O’Connor. “Then, we look at the shape of their face and see what works with them.” The best part about this cut? It’s surprisingly low maintenance and grows out beautifully.
8. Slicked-Back Bob
Demi Lovati (seen here), Khloé Kardashian, Gigi Hadid, Kristen Stewart, Hailey Bieber…the combed back, wet hair look is more popular than ever. Starting with a wide tooth comb and damp hair, comb your part straight back so it disappears and let your hair naturally fall to the side. Finish with a light hold gel for a slick, just hopped out of the shower look. Trust us, it’s a vibe.
9. A-Line Bob
Got gorgeous, naturally thick strands like Beyoncé? Don’t ever let anyone tell you that a short bob is a no-go. Take a note from Queen B, and rock a cropped cut that has all the angles. “An A-line bob with more graduation in the back will help curly hair not look too puffy and triangular,” says O’Connor.
10. Flipped-Out Bob
This look is a mood (and we 100 percent feel it). Pair this swingy, medium length cut with a deep onyx hair color like Billie Eilish at the 2022 Oscars and prepare to own the show.
11. Braided Bob
Box braids are a beyond gorgeous way to level up any look. Exhibit A: Amandla Stenberg. If you’ve got naturally dark hair, add a pop of color to yours to brighten them up for the season. Have your stylist work your braids inwards, for a face framing shape.
12. Beachy Bob
Dua Lipa is no stranger to a bold bob cut, and the textured look here is one of our all-time faves. Keep your cut at a shoulder grazing length and your part dead center. Then style with a curling wand for added wavy texture.
13. Shaggy Bob
Hailey Bieber’s ultra piecey, shaggy crop takes bedhead to a whole new level. Long piecey bangs that start mid scalp and a mix of root shadowing with bright, buttery blonde color make this look cool and one of a kind.
14. Angular Bob
Want to add some class and sass to your cut? An angular Bob like Nina Dobrev’s is the key. Go short and tapered in length in the back and longer towards the front, sloping downwards. Add in some blunt bangs with longer ends that blend into your hair for an extra edge.
15. Curly Bob
For an edgy, modern take on a bob haircut, opt for the same length all around. Blunt ends and defined curls give the look a playful vibe, like Yara Shahidi above,, while a deep side part adds volume—and makes for amazing hair flips. Bring your curls onto your forehead for wispy looking bangs, and you’ll turn heads wherever you go.
16. Faux Bob
It’s no secret that we social media stalk the faux bob. It’s a red carpet staple (seen here on Emma Watson) and an easy way to fake it till you make it if you want to switch up your look for one night only. Here’s a quick how-to: “Create a low ponytail, flip it under and pin it so you can’t see the tail,” says O’Connor.
17. The Lob
We’re obsessed with pretty much anything Margot Robbie does and this long, polished lob (aka long bob) is absolutely one of them. What’s great about this look is its styling versatility—long enough to toss your hair up in a pony, braid it, bun it, or style it curly.
18. French Bob
Taylor LaShae’s French bob most certainly has that je ne sais quoi. It’s a true classic that can be fine-tuned to flatter all. Wear it at a cheekbone-skimming length with a deep side part and polished waves, or play with natural air-dried texture for a minimalistic look that’s oh so French.
19. Dip Dyed Bob
Major heart eye emojis for this look. Charli XCX showed off her blunt cut bangs and neon dipped tips at the 2019 Met Gala and our jaws hit the floor. The fun part? Dip dyed ends give you the opportunity to switch out your color more often, without having to wait for your hair to grow out.
20. Laid Back ‘90s Bob
Rowan Blanchard’s tucked behind the ears with a straight-as-an-arrow part and effortless texture has this look giving us all the ‘90s Clueless nostalgia.
Want more celeb-inspired hair trends? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.
Like this article? Share it with your friends by clicking the icons below!
