50+ bob hairstyles and ideas to inspire your next cut

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 perfect happy medium hairdo, so it's no surprise that the bob has been tipped as 2023's hottest hairstyle.

For a short hairstyle the bob has a surprising number of variations, so the key to picking the right one is ensuring your look suits your lifestyle. That could mean a low-maintenance bob or one with lots of options for intricate styling - whatever you prefer. "The bob never really goes out of fashion," agrees Joel Goncalves, artistic director at Nicola Clarke at John Frieda Salons. "Whether you create a sharp square bob or something a little more chunky, every single person can have an individual bob catered to them."   

We've seen the box bob and chopped bob trending already, but what other cuts can we expect as hair trends 2023? "Bobs are now slightly below the chin, a lot more relaxed, but with a structure," says Goncalves. A-list stylist and trend expert Zoë Irwin agrees that a well-maintained throwback look is where it's at. "We are going a lot blunter," explains Irwin. "in the '90s it was more about haircuts, and with the weight from having your hair cut regularly, you get that swing." And as Goncalves agrees, "there's nothing more beautiful than a bob with swing!"

How to pick flattering bob hairstyles 

Bobs look good on anyone with the right cut, but equally, there are many bob mistakes to be made if you get it wrong. "There is a bob for every face," agrees Ava Holland, Artistic Director at Gielly Green Salon. Consider the following:

• Face shape: This is where most people go wrong (and end up wondering how to fix a bad bob haircut "If you have a round face, then something lighter and layered is more flattering,” says Irwin, “if you have an oval face, long layers work well to lift, especially with a fringe." For square face shapes, legendary stylist Adam Reed recommends long bobs with soft layers, and for heart face shapes, “keep the front section longer to highlight the jawline.”
• Hair type: "The best cut to make fine hair look thicker will maintain weight at the ends - think a strong, blunt Alexa Chung bob,” says Reed. The trending slob haircut could also be a great shout for fine, straight hair. The experts agree that the best short hairstyle for thick hair or for curly hairstyles is often a longer bob length that is more manageable. 
• Trends: It doesn't matter if you're a cutting-edge fashion follower or simply looking for flattering short hairstyles for women over 50, a nod to what's modern is always a good idea. "The Italian 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,” says Siobhan Jones of L’Oréal Professionnel. For a low-maintenance look, Reed recommends the new wave bob - "it feels light, airy and looks as if you’ve just woken up from a French-chic film."

50 fresh bob hairstyles to inspire 

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 four to six weeks to keep those ends looking fresh. "It's so important because when you cut regularly you get this amazing weight," advises Irwin. It's worth noting that shorter bob hairstyles can also make some of the most flattering short hairstyles for women over 50, as they look particularly chic on gray hair.

1. Blunt bob

Hair type: fine to medium

A sleek and classy style that is smoothly blow-dried for maximum impact. Extra trims are recommended to keep the ends staying sharp.

2. Layered bob

Hair type: medium to thick

A classic short bob style, featuring face-framing layers to give an easily styled look. Try using your best hair dryer brushes to achieve a rounded effect at the ends.

3. Feathered bob

Hair type: fine to medium

A more relaxed style of short bob. Ask your stylist for face-skimming sections and lots of shape in the back to give a fuller look.

4. Sleek bob

Hair type: fine

A jaw-length look that needs minimal upkeep to achieve maximum impact by utilizing a strong middle parting. Use hair shine spray once styled to complete this glossy and smooth cut.

5. Slick wavy bob

Hair type: fine to medium

A flattering cut with feathery ends and a side parting. Use a wider flat iron, such as the ghd Max hair straightener to achieve this modern take on a 1920's look.

6. Shag bob

Hair type: medium to thick

A thick and choppy bob that can work with or without bangs. The key to this look is to get movement and shape throughout by having plenty of layers added.

7. Blowout bob

Hair type: thick

This side parted bob can be achieved by using round vented brushes during your bouncy blow dry to add volume and shape, achieving a rounded result.

8. 1960s bob

A retro style that makes the ends of your bob the main focus. Use a strong-hold hairspray after styling to maintain the bouncy flicks.

9. Wavy cropped bob

Hair type: medium to thick

A side-swept bob with plenty of layers. Use a wide barrel curler to achieve effortless curls that frame the face and give a lift to the hair.

10. Side-part cropped bob

Hair type: fine to medium

Featuring a deep side parting, this short bob is classy and low-maintenance. A bouncy blow dry finished with soft curls is key to achieving this look.

11. Beach wave choppy bob

Hair type: fine

Tousled beach hair waves make this a great bob for beginners. Ask your stylist for blunt ends to make your bob look healthy and thick.

12. Blunt slick bob

Hair type: fine

A bold style that makes the most of fine hair. A brighter shade of blonde is the statement in this look, complete with salt spray to add a touch of texture.

13. Short box bob

Hair type: medium to thick

A classic short bob that exudes class and elegance. Ask your stylist for fewer layers to recreate this smooth look easily at home. The finish is best achieved using round vented brushes or a heated dryer brush to taper the ends.

14. French bob with bangs

Hair type: fine to medium

Blunt French bobs like this are sophisticated and timeless. Eye-skimming bangs with graduated ends add a touch of chic to this look. When styling, run a flat iron over your completed blow dry to complete this glossy look.

Long bob hairstyles

A longer, grown-out style doesn’t require such frequent trips to the salon 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. Long bobs are also versatile, and can easily be styled into wavy hairstyles or popped up in a messy bun. 

15. Wavy long bob

Hair type: fine to medium

This lob has enough length to be easily styled up or down. A soft-hold hairspray can be used at the end to keep loose and soft waves in place.

16. Tousled lob

Hair type: fine to medium

This long bob can be styled for all ages and still gives an effortless look. Ask for plenty of layers throughout, this will allow you to achieve a tousled look with ease.

17. 'Clavicle cut' bob

Hair type: medium

Ombre hair adds dimension to this bob without taking too much away from its relaxed 'clavicut' style. Try blow drying upside down and using a waving wand if you don't have this texture naturally.

18. Long layered lob

Hair type: fine to medium

This look makes the most of long layers and can look great with beachy highlights or a natural style of balayage hair. A good choice of bob for those who don't have a lot of time for maintenance.

19. Feathered shoulder-skimming bob

Hair type: fine to medium

This shoulder-length wavy long bob is great for beginners who don't want anything too severe. Make sure to ask your stylist for lots of layers and curtain bangs to give the style movement.

20. Beachy deep side swep

Hair type: fine

This long bob is sleek and offers a touch of drama. The asymmetric bob look can be accessorized with clips to keep the hair back, or simply styled into place using hair wax.

21. Middle part lob

Hair type: fine

This lob is another style that's easy to maintain. A middle parting gives this choice of bob a youthful feel, keeping the face open and not closed in by shorter layers.

22. Rounded long bob

Hair type: fine

This long bob has plenty of movement but tapers the hair inwards towards the shoulders to make it more rounded. To add and maintain a natural texture, the best hair styling product for this look would be a salt spray.

23. Tousled relaxed lob

Hair type: fine to medium

A relaxed long bob, that doesn't feature too many layers. This makes it easy to style up or down, and can be accessorized with anything from one of the best headbands for short hair, to a messy low bun.

24. Sleek layered lob

Hair type: medium

The queen of 90's hairstyles, this long bob is super stylish and makes the most of face-framing layers. Ask your hairstylist to create lots of shape through layering to achieve this healthy look.

25. 'S wave' long bob

Hair type: fine to medium

This cool wavy look is always on-trend. It can be achieved at home by using a waver tool or wide barrel curler to create 's-waves' that sit nicely around the face.

26. Bouncy blow dried lob

Hair type: fine to medium

This long bob is perhaps the most relaxed style in this section. A touch of wave can be added through a semi-bouncy blow dry, making it one of the best bobs for styling however you want.

27. Curly curtain bang bob

Hair type: medium

This look uses ringlet-style curls to give lots of bounce and a piecey finish. Swept-over curtain bangs give this look a cool feel that can be kept in place by using styling wax.

28. Curly long textured bob

Hair type: thick

Another ringlet long bob, which this time has a less-separated texture and instead focuses on a bold copper color to make it a statement. If you don't have natural curls try using a waver tool to create this smooth look.

29. Pinned-back longer bob

Hair type: medium to thick

This look creates flattering volume behind the face by creating height at the roots that's then styled outward. Styling wax is a great way to go to keep the top sections slicked-back.

30. Sleek blunt bob

Hair type: fine to medium

A longer, less harsh version of the classic short bob. No layering and a middle parting allow you to keep this look sleek and straight. Ask your stylist for blunt ends to give the illusion of thicker hair.

31. Long layered lob

Hair type: medium

This style is flattering and will suit any face shape. Shape is created through long layers and can be given this beachy look by using a waving tool ( our beauty ed rates the Babyliss Wave Secret Air and texturizing spray during styling.

32. Side-part layered lob

Hair type: medium to thick

A long bob with a side parting creates a natural shape by using layers on one side to hug the face. A flat iron can be used to recreate the loose waves.

33. Thick wavy lob

Hair type: medium to thick

An easily achieved bob that uses minimal styling rather than layers to achieve its everyday look. Loose curls can be added throughout, then run through your fingers through lengths to make them even more relaxed.

34. Beachy balayage lob

Hair type: fine to medium

This look is great for those who might want to make the most out of their balayage or ombre. Defined by its loose waves and a few face-framing layers at the front, it lets your color take center stage.

35. Swingy '60s bob

Hair type: medium

This long bob uses striking tapered ends to give it a chic finish. It does wonders for those who want to make their hair appear thicker and uses minimal heat to achieve the tapered look.

Curly bob hairstyles

"A curly bob and a textured bob is the dream!" says Holland. "I personally love a short jawline curly bob, it looks really cool and doesn’t take long to dry. Curly hair is big in 2023 and I think whatever length people have, they will want it to be curly." 

36. Vintage short bob

Hair type: natural, thick

An eye-catching, chin-length curly bob that uses the same length throughout to make the most of its natural shape. Weekly treatments with the best hair masks will keep this curled bob soft and looking fluffy.

37. Curly graduated bob

Hair type: thick, coily

This look makes the most of natural ringlets and frames the face without hiding it. Natural frizz can enhance this look by using texturizing spray once dried with a diffuser.

38. Curly long bob

Hair type: thick, coily

This curly bob features a strong middle parting and has plenty of volume from the root before being curled. Shine spray can be added at the end to finish this glossy, bouncy look.

39. Coily rounded short bob

Hair type: thick, coily

A short curly bob makes a statement, especially for those with coily hair. This look has been taken one step further and features piecey bangs that can be styled both on and away from the face.

40. Natural tapered bob

Hair type: thick, coily, natural

A gorgeous natural bob that is simple but makes a lot of impact. When recreating at home, have fun with this style and add a small braid or clips throughout to add a touch of femininity.

Bobs with bangs

Whether you opt for soft curtain bangs or full bangs, a fringe can really elevate your bob hairstyle of choice or add a little something to a style. The number one thing to remember? Let your expert stylist advise you - think about the commitment bangs come with and the time they take to grow back.

41. Graduated texture bob

Hair type: medium to thick

A bob with bangs can easily elevate your look. Here, bangs are graduated to hug the face, with wispy waves here and throughout the hair to give it amazing movement.

42. Long bob with curtain bangs

Hair type: medium to thick

Soft curtain bangs define this longer bob style, giving off a relaxed yet put-together vibe. Your stylist should aim for plenty of layers all over, and finish off with a bouncy blow dry and shine spray to complete this sophisticated look.

43. Half up bob with curtain bangs

A lob with curtain bangs that flow into loose waves to give you incredible shape and movement throughout. This style in particular features a cute half up half down hairstyle that is usually secured with bobby pins, but can also be fixed into a knot for a more boho look.

44. Short 'bixie' bob

Hair type: medium to thick

A shorter, almost pixie-style bob that has lots of body in the bangs and graduation in the back. When recreating this look at home, try using a heated dryer brush or round vented brushes in alternating directions with sections of hair to create a sweeping and bouncy effect.

45. Shaggy tapered bob with bangs

Hair type: fine to medium

A daring bob that has elements of a mullet complemented by shorter curtain bangs. Visit a stylist you trust for this look as when executed well, it gives dramatic yet stylish results!

46. Sleek classic bob with bangs

Hair type: fine to medium

An all-rounder bob hairstyle for anyone who wants to give bangs a go without cutting off a lot of the rest of the hair. Blow dry smoothly at home and finish off styling the bangs with your best hair straightener to make your hair shine.

47. Layered long bob with bangs

Hair type: medium to thick

A longer bob that focuses on wispy bangs that graduate into long layers, making your hair appear fuller and full of body. This style would also look amazing up in a loose bun, with strands pulled out for a chic yet relaxed finish.

48. Side part choppy bob with bangs

Hair type: medium to thick

A choppy style of side bang lets those that want to make a statement with their bob do so. The rest of the hair features plenty of loose layers and can be styled at home using round vented brushes when drying.

49. Sleek tucked curtain bangs

Hair type: medium

Soft curtain bangs are the perfect feature to flatter the face. The hair is smooth at the top with rounded flicks out at the ends to create shape and movement that is easy to recreate at home.

50. Choppy bob with bangs

Hair type: fine to medium

A lob that uses eye-skimming bangs and choppy layers on the rest of the hair to give a cool, grungy look. Texture or salt spray is a great and easy way to achieve this look in minutes, although regular trims will be required to keep the bangs the perfect length.

51. '70s long bob with bangs

Hair type: medium

This center-part bob has graduated bangs that give a boho and relaxed '70s vibe while still offering shape. Ask your stylist for plenty of smooth, long layers that can be textured with spray or wax to give you this sweet look.

With thanks to Chloé Williamson for picture research

How to style every type of bob haircut

Short bob
"This is for those who are feeling brave as it is a drastic length change, you need to be sure you want to do it and that it will suit your lifestyle," explains expert stylist Peter Russell. "This look needs to be styled with lots of sea salt spray to give it texture. And it’s important to use hair protection cream to keep it looking healthy and nourished." 

Our beauty editor recommends...

Sachajuan Ocean Mist  |  RRP: $26/£18
This manages quite a rare thing for a salt spray, which is providing texture and grit without being too crunchy or sticking the hair together. It looks and smells lovely too.

Long bob
This is one of the most versatile bob hairstyles and looks beautiful styled into loose, beachy waves. "Tong sections of your hair with a medium to small wand, or use a mermaid waver. Make sure not to separate the waves too much so that they keep their defined shape" says Willis. 

Our beauty editor recommends...

Beauty Works Waver | RRP: £70 (UK only)

The ultimate lazy person's hair tool. Press large sections between the barrel-shaped wavers (the less uniform the better) and out pops a cool-girl textured wave.

Curly bob
As any curly girl knows, styling a perfectly textured bob is all in the drying technique. "Avoid rough drying your hair if it’s curly as it will go frizzy," explains A-List stylist and Shark ambassador Aaron Carlo. "Make sure you have the correct kind of curl cream for your hair texture and comb it through with a wide-tooth comb. To really maximize those curls, a diffuser is key. This is because it diffuses the airflow speed which prevents curls being disturbed whilst drying, and therefore stops frizz."

Our beauty editor recommends...

Babyliss Universal Diffuser | RRP: $13.99/£7.15
This clever adjustable diffuser can be attached to a variety of hair dryers to help gently dry, separate, and define curls. 

Layered Bob
Many of this year's coolest bob styles are choppy and layered, but they can also be the most tricky to style. The secret is to enhance layers by going for lots of soft lines and lots of volume with plenty of volume spray. Then use a big, round brush on the root to add lift and extra volume. 

Our beauty editor recommends...

Hair by Sam McKnight Modern Hairspray | RRP: $30/£22

Not your average hairspray. This ultra-fine mist from hair guru McKnight offers unsticky hold and a hit of volume that's perfect for creating choppy layered bob looks. 

Bob with bangs
The trick to easy fringe styling is realizing you don't need to do your whole head in the process. "Dry shampoo is now your best friend," explains Hannah Munford, Advanced Stylist at Mayfive Hair. "As your fringe falls forward onto your face it has a tendency to get oily quicker and you’ll be tempted to touch it a lot. You can also pin your hair back and wash your bangs separately. Restyle to look as good as new."

Our beauty editor recommends...

Klorane Organic Dry Shampoo with Flax | RRP: $17/£9.50
A brilliant everyday dry shampoo that makes bangs feel fresh but won't weigh hair down or make it feel powdery.