Bob Hairstyles for Women: 40+ Ideas from Short Crops to Lobs

There are so many options when it comes to bob hairstyles, but they all have one thing in common: versatility. This not-too-short and not-too-long cut is the Goldilocks of hairdos, so it's no surprise that the bob been tipped as this year's most popular hairstyle.

Trends come and go but the key to most bob hairstyles is to ensure your look isn't too coiffed or overdone. This is easily achieved with a combination of a great cut and clever styling using the best hair dryer and excellent styling tools, such as the L'Oral Professionnel SteamPod 3.0 or the GHD Platinum straighteners. Bangs are optional, as are layers, a blunt finish, or soft graduation of length. Whatever you prefer, there's a bob out there that will satisfy your hair desires.

'There are two key bob trends set to be big this year', Daniele de Angelis, TONI&GUY's International Artistic Director and London Hairdresser of the Year, tells us. 'First is the layered bob, which incorporates a wide and heavy fringe. The length is shorter here and tends to be around chin level. The second is a mid-length bob, with beautiful and subtle face-framing layers at the front.'

Why are bob hairstyles so popular?

Bob hairstyles are very versatile and varied. From the 'lob', also known as the long bob, which has been especially popular in recent years, to the blunt bob that's currently on-trend, they can be tailored to pretty much any face shape and hair typewhich is part of their charm.

Much like short hairstyles and medium hairstyles, bobs look good on anyone with the right cut and experts agree it's one of the most versatile styles around. Zo Irwin, Creative Director at John Frieda Salons, says your face shape is the most important factor in choosing a bob. 'If you have a round face, then something lighter and layered is more flattering. If you have a longer face, long layers work well to lift and they work well with a fringe.'

With the right cut, they can also make fine hair look thicker. 'A bob with a strong, heavy line is a great way to give the illusion of bulk', says Adam Reed, Editorial Ambassador for L'Oral Professional and founder of Adam Reed Salon London. 'The best cut to make hair look thicker will maintain weight at the ends as much as possiblethink a strong, blunt Alexa Chung bob.'

Siobhan Jones, Headmasters Color Ambassador for L'Oral Professionnel, agrees that bobs can work like a charm for fuller-looking hair. 'The new French girl bob is ideal for giving the illusion of fullness; the edges are cut blunt, which gives the impression of bulk and defines the outline of the haircut. This makes the hair appear more full and weighty.'

The best bob hairstyles for women

Good news: we can pretty much guarantee that there's a bob hairstyle out there to suit you. 'There is a bob for every face', says Ava Holland, Artistic Director at Gielly Green Salon. 'When I help clients choose a bob, you need to look how low the hairline goes on your neck, as that has an impact on bob length.

I think about what the hair type is; can I achieve the look they want on a daily basis? Would it suit your lifestyle? Do you need to be able to tie it up? That will then determine what length bob you go for as well.' Browse our selection of the best bob hairstyles below, choose your favorite, then take it straight to the salon. While we've included some guidance on face shapes and hair types, your hairdresser will always be able to advise on a style and how to tailor it to you. You can find more expert styling tips and tricks in our guide on how to style a bob.

Short bob hairstyles

Short bob hairstyles can be seriously elegant and can be tailored to suit just about any hair type and face shape. The golden rule is to get your hair trimmed every 4-6 weeks to keep those ends looking fresh. The sharp jaw length bob Face shape: round or oval | Hair type: fine to medium The undercut bob Face shape: oval, heart | Hair type: thick The super short bob Face shape: any, particularly heart | Hair type: fine to thick The short curly bob Face shape: any, particularly oval | Hair type: curly, coily The short tousled bob Face shape: oval or heart | Hair type: fine or thick The above-jaw rounded bob Face shape: square or heart | Hair type: thick The short bob with long layers on top Face shape: oval, heart | Hair type: fine

Long bob hairstyles

A longer, grown-out style doesn't require the same frequent trips to the salon for a trim as a shorter cut to keep it looking fresh. A long bob, or 'lob' as it's more commonly known, is another great option if you want to elongate a rounder face.

  • The heavy long bob with side part Face shape: oval or square | Hair type: thick
  • The super sleek long bob Face shape: round or oval | Hair type: medium to thick
  • The long bob with tapered ends Face shape: heart, square | Hair type: medium to thick
  • The classic blunt long bob Face shape: any, particularly oval or heart | Hair type: medium to thick
  • The shoulder length wavy long bob Face shape: any, particularly heart | Hair type: Fine to medium
  • The long bob with layered ends Face shape: any, particularly oval or heart | Hair type: medium to thick
  • The asymmetric long bob Face shape: any, particularly oval | Hair type: fine to medium
Curly bob hairstyles

Curly hairstyles are possibly more popular than ever before. 'A curly bob and a textured bob is the dream!' says Ava. 'I personally love a short jawline curly bob, it looks really cool and doesn't take long to dry. Curly hair is going to be big in 2021 and I think whatever length people have, they will want it to be styled curly.' Stevie adds, 'You need to take into consideration that your hair will spring up into its curls once cut. So less is more.' To get the most out of your natural texture, you could try giving the curly girl method a go and sleep with one of the best silk hair wraps.

  • The long curly bob with centre part Face shape: heart, square | Hair type: wavy, curly
  • The tapered coily bob Face shape: any, particularly heart or square | Hair type: curly, coily
  • The chin-length curly bob with side part Face shape: round, oval | Hair type: curly
  • The curly shoulder-length long bob Face shape: any, particularly oval | Hair type: curly
  • The chin-length bob with loose curls Face shape: any, especially oval to square | Hair type: wavy, curly
  • The curly chin length bob with side part Face shape: any, especially oval | Hair type: curly
  • The short coils Face shape: all, especially oval | Hair type: curly, coily
  • The very loose short curls Face shape: all, particularly oval | Hair type: curly
Bob hairstyles with layers

Layered bobs are still having a major moment in 2021. If you have fine hair, it's best to keep the layers long so as not to remove volume, while thick hair lends itself really well to lots of choppy layers. Rounder face shapes are the perfect match for blunt layered bobs, while square shapes pair well with lots of rounded layers.

  • Thick and choppy layered bob Face shape: all, particularly oval and heart | Hair type: thick
  • The graduated bob with layers Face shape: round, oval, square or heart | Hair type: fine to thick
  • The short bob with subtle layering Face shape: heart, oval or square | Hair type: medium to thick
  • The tousled layered bob Face shape: all, particularly oval or round | Hair type: medium to thick
  • The short layered bob Face shape: any, particularly oval | Hair type: medium to thick
  • The round bob with side part Face shape: any, particularly oval | Hair type: thick
  • The classic bob with layered ends Face shape: any, particularly oval | Hair type: medium to thick
  • The choppy short bob Face shape: any, particularly oval or heart | Hair type: fine to medium
Bob hairstyles with bangs

Whether you opt for soft feathered layers or full bangs, they can really elevate your bob hairstyle of choice or add a little 'something' to a style. The number one thing to remember if you want to get a bangs hairstyle? 'Let the stylist advise youthink about the commitment fringes come with and the time they take to grow back!' says de Angelis.

  • The blunt bob with wispy bangs Face shape: round, oval, heart | Hair type: fine to medium
  • The curly lob with bangs Face shape: any, especially oval or heart | Hair type: curly
  • The jaw-length bob with side bangs Face shape: round, oval | Hair type: fine to medium
  • The coily curls with side bangs Face shape: any, especially oval to square | Hair type: curly, coily
  • The bob with soft curtain bangs Face shape: round, oval | Hair type: fine to medium
  • The French girl bob with bangs Face shape: heart, oval or round | Hair type: fine to medium, wavy
  • The pixie bob with side bangs Face shape: round, oval | Hair type: fine to medium
  • The loose curls with bangs Face shape: all, especially oval | Hair type: curly

With all these brilliant bob hairstyles and expert tips to hand, you'll be well equipped with ideas for your next salon visit. Happy chopping!

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