No haircut has witnessed a surge in popularity in recent years quite like the bob. Whether we’re talking about long, medium, or short bob hairstyles, the conclusion is the same. We simply can’t get enough of them.
If long locks used to be the primary beauty standard, things couldn’t be more different nowadays. Thanks to the many different chic and messy bob hairstyles, women have now fully embraced this shorter hair alternative, and so we’re here for it.
The bob comes in numerous shapes and sizes. While some women are flattered by angled bob hairstyles, for example, others look better with stacked bob hairstyles. With that aspect in mind, how are you supposed to know which type to go for?
The aim of our guide is to help you in this very process. We’ll be breaking down the bob haircuts and hairstyles available for you. From there, you can make an informed decision that caters to your hair type, face shape, and more. Let’s get to work!
1. Short Bob Hairstyles
If length isn’t a concern, a short bob is always a great option. Depending on the cut, it can sit anywhere from jaw-length to as high as eye level, giving you plenty of flexibility to shape the look to your style.
Short bobs are especially flattering because they draw attention to the face and highlight your best features. When done well, they can suit almost any face shape, which is a big reason they remain so popular.
One important detail is where the ends of the haircut fall. The exact length determines what features stand out most. A bob that stops near the top of the ear will naturally emphasize the cheekbones, while a slightly longer cut can soften and frame the jawline for a more gentle, balanced effect.
2. Medium Bob Hairstyles
Short bobs can sometimes come across as a little more mature. If you want something softer and more youthful, a medium bob is a great alternative.
This well-balanced cut usually falls around mid-neck and adds a light, playful feel to your overall look. It feels fresh and effortless, without trying too hard.
A mid-length bob is also the perfect in-between option. It’s short enough to feel bold and modern, but not so long that it turns into a classic, ultra-polished lob. The result is a style that’s easygoing, flattering, and very wearable for everyday life.
3. Long Bob Hairstyles
Speaking of which, it’s time to talk about one of the most requested haircuts out there: the lob. If the name sounds confusing, don’t worry, it simply stands for “long bob.”
Lob hairstyles are a favorite for women who want to go shorter without committing to a dramatic chop. It’s a safe but stylish step that still feels fresh and modern.
Typically, a long bob falls around the base of the neck, though some versions can extend closer to the shoulders. That flexibility is exactly why lobs are so easy to love. They give you the lightness of a shorter cut while keeping enough length to style, experiment, and feel comfortable.
4. Blunt Bob Cut Hairstyles
Next, let’s explore the cutting techniques that truly define bob hairstyles. We’ll start with one of the cleanest, most striking options: the ultra-sleek blunt bob.
With this cut, the ends are trimmed straight across into a sharp, even line. The finish looks polished, modern, and completely intentional.
This style tends to work best for women with naturally straight hair. If you need to straighten your hair every day just to show off the blunt edge, expect a higher level of upkeep.
To really emphasize the symmetry of a blunt bob, a middle part makes a big difference. It keeps everything balanced and lets that crisp, clean line stand out.
5. Choppy and Messy Bob Hairstyles
Lately, choppy bobs have become a true summer favorite, and it’s easy to see why. This cut is practically made for that effortless, just-back-from-the-beach look.
The uneven layers help create those coveted beach waves everyone loves, giving your hair a relaxed, carefree vibe. It’s the kind of style that feels fun and confident, like you’re riding the trend instead of chasing it.
At the same time, a choppy bob delivers a serious boost in volume. Whether your hair is fine or thick, the textured layers add lift and movement. We especially love this silhouette for women with wavy hair, since it enhances the natural texture and keeps everything feeling light and airy.
6. Stacked Bob Hairstyles
If you think a choppy bob delivers volume, just wait until you see the stacked bob. This style takes fullness to a whole new level.
Yes, it’s usually shorter than its messier counterpart, but that’s exactly why it works so well. The stacked bob is designed to boost volume, especially at the back of the head, creating a lifted, rounded shape that suits fine hair.
In simple terms, this haircut relies on overlapping layers to build height and structure. That’s why it’s considered one of the most effective bob styles for fine hair.
One thing to keep in mind, though, is balance. Because a stacked bob adds noticeable volume, it can make the head appear larger. For that reason, it tends to work best for women with smaller heads or more delicate facial features.
7. Inverted Bob Haircuts
An inverted bob is all about creating angles in the right places. By definition, this cut starts shorter in the back and gradually gets longer toward the front, giving it a sharp, sculpted shape.
While there are a few different variations, they all aim for the same effect. Inverted bobs add structure and definition, helping to sharpen features and contour the face in a really flattering way.
Once you’ve chosen the length that suits you best, it’s easy to make the style your own. Adding heavier layers or texture brings extra movement and personality, turning the cut into something bold instead of basic.
8. A-Line Bob Haircuts
For bold, unapologetic women who want to make a statement, the A-line bob is a standout choice.
As the name suggests, this cut follows the shape of an “A,” starting shorter in the back and extending longer toward the front. The result is sharp, confident, and eye-catching.
What really sets the A-line bob apart from other inverted styles is its dramatic angle. In some versions, the contrast from back to front is truly striking.
That said, the look is still flexible. You can lean into a bold, edgy finish, or keep it more low-key and wearable by softening the angle to match your comfort level.
9. Angled Bob Hairstyles
In short, the angled bob category includes any bob haircut that doesn’t follow a straight, even line. It covers styles like the inverted bob and the A-line bob we just discussed.
Most angled bobs slope forward, with shorter hair in the back and longer pieces framing the face. This creates shape, movement, and a sculpted finish that feels modern and intentional.
That said, you don’t have to stick to the standard version. You can flip the idea and go shorter near the face with more length at the nape for something unexpected. Angled bobs are easy to customize, which is exactly why they’re such a popular choice.
10. Side-Swept Bob Hairstyles with Bangs
Any bob haircut can instantly level up with the right set of bangs. A great fringe adds personality, balance, and a fresh twist to even the simplest cut. Luckily, there are plenty of styles to choose from.
To start, there are the always-popular side-swept bangs. Their decades-long popularity says it all. They’re timeless and not going anywhere anytime soon.
What makes side-swept bangs especially appealing is how versatile they are. They look flattering on women of all ages, and when paired with a bob, they soften the look and add a subtle, girly charm that feels effortless rather than overdone.
11. Straight Bob Hairstyles with Bangs
If you love clean lines and precision, a set of full, straight, blunt bangs might be right up your alley. This look is sharp and polished, making a strong statement. It’s also much easier to pull off if you naturally have straight hair, since the shape really relies on that smooth finish.
That said, blunt bangs aren’t your only option if you prefer straight fringes. There are plenty of variations to play with. Curtain bangs, for example, are making a big comeback thanks to their soft, retro-inspired appeal. They frame the face beautifully while maintaining a structured, intentional look.
12. Layered Bob Hairstyles
For full, rich, voluminous hairstyles, layers are truly essential. When it comes to bob haircuts, they play a major role in adding lift and creating that signature bouncy, lightweight shape.
The great thing is that layers can be worked into a bob in countless ways. But if you’re after noticeable texture and movement, don’t be afraid to go for plenty of layered dimension to really bring the style to life.
By the way, you can also get inspired by our guide for all short layered haircuts too!
13. Asymmetrical Bob Haircuts
Are courage, attitude, and confidence all definitive qualities for you? Then the asymmetrical bob is likely the hairstyle of your dreams as it’s the perfect fit for a cool girl!
It’s one of the most stylish bob hairstyles for women who know what they want and aren’t afraid to show it. You can make the asymmetry as dramatic or subtle as you’d like, knowing the outcome will look gorgeous!
14. Spiky Bob Haircuts
While we’re on the topic of attitude, here’s another bold bob haircut we’re pretty sure you’ll love. Spiky bob hairstyles are made for women with strong personalities who aren’t afraid to show a little edge.
This style is especially popular with women in their 30s and beyond who want to tap into a more youthful, playful side. The hair is typically spiked at the crown and through the back, sometimes extending toward the nape for extra lift and texture.
To complete the look, the rest of the hair is cut into jagged, textured layers that keep everything dynamic and full of movement. In this example, bold-colored highlights were added to accentuate the layers even more, giving the haircut added depth and personality.
15. Curly Bob Hairstyles
Are you tired of dealing with long ringlets that never seem to fall in place the right way? A bob haircut is ideal for any girl with naturally curly hair who longs for a smart change of look.
Still, there is a key point to know about short curly haircuts. Due to the tight and bouncy nature of curls, they will always appear to be shorter than usual.
With that thought in mind, add one or two inches when calculating the final length of your bob if you don’t want to have too short hair.
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16. Wavy Bob Hairstyles
Right next to curls, we have some of the cutest bob styles made especially for women with wavy hair. Wavy bobs are incredibly versatile; whether you wear them short or long, they always look effortless and flattering. That said, medium-length bobs tend to hit that sweet spot where balance really shines.
Even if your hair isn’t naturally very wavy, a bob can help bring out extra movement. The cut itself adds shape, and when you layer it right, the waves start to show up on their own. To really enhance the texture, choppy layers make a big difference.
And if your waves need a little encouragement, a curling wand can help define them without making the style feel overdone. The result is soft, lived-in, and easy to wear.
17. Pob Hairstyles
IIf you didn’t grow up with the Spice Girls, here’s a quick throwback. They were the iconic girl band of the 90s, and their influence on pop culture is still everywhere today.
Beyond fashion, they also left a major mark on beauty trends. One of the most memorable? Posh Spice, now known as Victoria Beckham, and the haircut she helped make famous.
That look became known as the “Pob”, a mix of Posh and bob. It’s a short, sharp, slightly edgy cut that feels playful but polished at the same time.
The pob is especially flattering for women with long, oval, or heart-shaped faces, making it a great choice if you want something chic with a bit of attitude.
So you aren’t perfectly sure what your face shape is? Then be sure to check out our guide on how to determine your face shape too!
18. Pageboy Bob Hairstyles
Let’s rewind even further to the era of the pageboy haircut. Considered a predecessor to the modern bob, the pageboy is a retro style that has worked for both women and men over the years.
While it peaked in popularity during the 1960s, the pageboy still feels like a stylish throwback rather than an outdated cut. Clean, structured, and slightly nostalgic, it brings a timeless charm to short hair.
Just like many classic bob styles, the pageboy looks best on naturally straight hair, where its smooth lines and rounded shape can really shine.
19. Textured Bob Haircuts
There are plenty of ways to add texture to bob hairstyles, and it usually starts with the cut itself. Layering techniques are often used to build in movement and depth right from the beginning.
That said, styling matters just as much. You can easily enhance texture by lightly ruffling your hair and using a small amount of product to define individual strands. This creates that lived-in, effortless finish that makes bobs feel modern and relaxed.
If you naturally have wavy or curly hair, even better. Your natural texture makes it much easier to achieve a fuller, more dynamic look without much extra effort.
20. Feathered Bob Haircuts
Fine hair? Don’t care. A feathered bob haircut turns what feels like a drawback into a real advantage.
This style is all about texture. Feathered cuts use a specific layering technique where the hair is broken into many light, wispy layers instead of a few heavy ones. The result is airy movement and a soft, flowing shape that makes fine hair look fuller and more dynamic.
If you want volume without stiffness, a feathered bob is an easy win.
21. Faux Bob Hairstyles
Not every bob hairstyle has to be a permanent commitment. If you’re not quite ready to cut your hair yet, don’t worry, there’s another option.
The faux bob is one of the oldest and smartest tricks in the book. With a few bobby pins, some hairspray, and a little patience, you can try the look without ever picking up scissors.
The concept is simple: you fold sections of hair inward and pin them underneath to mimic the shape of a bob. For the best results, adding curls or texture beforehand makes a big difference, especially if your hair is naturally straight.
It’s a fun, low-risk way to test-drive a bob before making it official.
22. Vintage Bob Haircuts
We’re long-time fans of vintage hairstyles and everything that oozes the trademark classiness of the first half of the 20th century.
As a result, you can imagine how much we adore the 1920s “Dutch” bob cut rocked by icons like Louise Brooks, Colleen Moore, or Mary Thurman.
The signature bob of the time featured full, blunt bangs cropped just above the eyebrows. As for the main body, the hair typically fell to nose-length, with the edges turned inwards.
23. Mushroom Bob Haircuts
Another retro classic worth mentioning is the mushroom bob haircut. Often compared to the pageboy, this version is noticeably shorter and more rounded, living up to its name with a soft, mushroom-like shape.
Despite its vintage roots, the mushroom bob can feel chic and surprisingly modern when styled the right way. Its minimal length naturally draws attention to the jawline, neck, and collarbone, helping those features stand out beautifully.
It’s a great choice if you want a bold silhouette that still feels playful, polished, and a little bit unique.
24. Braided Bob Hairstyles for Black Women
In addition, we offer a variety of bob hairstyles for black women that cater to natural hair. Braided bob hairstyles, for instance, are a great way to protect afro-textured hair, all in a glamorous manner.
You can choose from multiple braiding techniques for your protective bob. Box braids are just one example, and a highly popular one to boot.
If you want to see what other options you have, check out our complete guide for braid styles.
25. Dreadlocks Bob Haircuts
You can also pair a bob haircut with dreadlocks, or style your dreads into a bob shape. Either way, bob-length dreads can look incredibly striking and versatile.
If you want a more feminine, voluminous effect, try adding soft, curled dreads. Cropping them at a slight angle can add extra definition and give the style a more sculpted, flattering finish.
26. Crochet Bob Hairstyles
On a similar note, crochet braids are stunning when cut into a bob. Another advantage they present is the natural aspect of the curls.
Given the curliness of crochet braids, you can get them cut into layers. For a rounder shape, keep the layers shorter toward the middle and gradually longer toward the base.
27. Twists Bob Haircuts
Any type of twists looks spectacular with a bob haircut. Whether you want Senegalese twists, kinky twists, or something in between, the outcome will blow you away.
With a twisted bob, we recommend a side part as well. Your braids will flow down in a flattering way. Feel free to keep them all the same length, or use an inverted or asymmetrical approach.
28. Faux Locs Bob Haircuts
There’s no denying it, faux locs are fabulous. Whether you stick to one shade or play with a mix of tones, they’re a beautiful way to protect your natural hair while still making a statement.
Wearing faux locs in a bob-length style gives you a low-maintenance, lightweight alternative to long extensions. It’s easier to manage, feels fresher, and still looks just as stylish.
For extra shape and definition, layering the locs slightly toward the bottom works wonders. It keeps the look polished while adding movement and personality without much extra effort.
29. Afro Bob Hairstyles for Black Women
But what if you have already succeeded in getting your natural curls to an impressive length? You can show them off with pride by sporting an afro bob hairstyle.
Owing to the bounciness and natural volume your curls come with, your locks will bob around your head with little to no effort. We recommend working only with a professional experienced in cutting afro-textured hair.
30. Pixie Bob Hairstyles
Pixie Bob’s little sister is a short haircut that we’ve grown to love unconditionally. Of course, we’re referring to the pixie cut.
Although the pixie cut is far shorter than the bob, there is a way you can retain elements from both. For example, you can take the long side bangs associated with most pixie cuts. Add some length to the front and back, and you’ll have a superb pixie bob.
This hybrid haircut is ideal if you previously had a short pixie cut and you want to transition to longer hairstyles.
31. Undercut Bob Hairstyles
Want to take your inner edginess to the max? Spice up your bob hairstyle with an undercut!
Yes, undercuts do come with their fair share of pros and cons. Indeed, they’re a super badass way to show that you don’t want to conform to outdated beauty standards. If you ever want to grow your hair back, the process will be painstakingly long and annoying.
To deal with the downsides of an undercut, you can choose to get yours as a bottom layer for your bob. That way, in case you’ll want your hair to grow back at one point, the transition won’t be as visible.
32. Wedge Bob Haircuts
Like many other bob hairstyles we’ve covered, the wedge haircut has a distinctive retro shine. The style gets its name from the wedge shape it forms at the back of the head.
In essence, a wedge haircut is a bob haircut with its own particular silhouette. About halfway down through the hair, shorter layers are worked in to provide volume at the top.
33. Bowl Cut Bob Hairstyles
Under the same umbrella, we also have the androgynous bowl cut, and yes, it’s nothing like the one we dreaded as kids. The modern version is sharp, intentional, and surprisingly cool.
Today’s bowl cut has been completely reimagined. Clean lines and thoughtful shaping give it a bold, fashion-forward edge that works especially well on fine hair.
One especially creative option is blending a bowl cut with a bob. You keep the classic bob shape in the back, then bring in the cropped bowl style at the front. The contrast feels modern and confident, and it’s a great way to experiment without committing to just one silhouette.
34. Piecey Bob Haircuts
No matter what trends come and go, we always seem to return to layered, textured haircuts, and the piecey bob is no exception.
At its core, it’s still a layered bob. What sets it apart is the way those layers are cut. Instead of softly blending together, they’re shaped into defined, separated pieces that create the style’s signature finish.
That piecey texture adds movement and dimension, making it especially flattering for fine hair. At the same time, it looks just as striking on thicker hair, giving the cut a bold, modern edge without feeling heavy.
35. Razor Bob Hairstyles
Finally, we’ll wrap up our selection of bob hairstyles with a wicked idea for rebellious girls. For years now, shaved hairstyles have been used by both girls and guys to make a statement through their appearance.
If you feel your bob lacks personality, consider shaving one side. We recommend parting your hair to the side and shaving the part that doesn’t contain your bangs.
How to Choose a Specific Bob Haircut
When choosing a specific bob haircut, we recommend keeping the following aspects in mind:
1. Length
How short do you want your hairstyle to be? If you’re anxiously transitioning from super long hair, think about starting off with a lob haircut.
2. Texture
What kind of hair do you have? Curly bob hairstyles, for instance, will always be shorter when they’re dry (as opposed to wet).
3. Thickness
If you struggle with fine hair, choose a layered or textured bob to liven it up. Women with thick locks, on the other hand, need to choose a silhouette that won’t result in exaggerated volume.
4. Features
What facial features do you have? With the right bob, you can sharpen a jawline, highlight your best feature, or conceal a not-so-flattering aspect.
Conclusion
Therefore, it’s easy to understand why bob hairstyles are such a beloved makeover option among women. The haircut is playful, sexy, and flattering for pretty much any gal.
All in all, the bob truly can work wonders for giving you that glow-up you’ve always dreamed of. Take a deep breath, be bold, and start fearlessly cutting. You’ve got this!
Now that you know them, do tell us: which of these bob hairstyles is YOUR favorite?
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Thelma Ewart started painting and drawing as a hobby when she was young. She pursued arts which eventually lead her to the fashion industry. She is now a hairstyle artist that considers all of her projects as a work of art. Pursuing creativity is what drives her to become the best in what she does.
