Braided bob hairstyles are a perfect look if you need a short break from styling your textured hair. Not only do they help prevent you from pulling, combing, —or otherwise touching—your tresses, they also keep you from using heat on your hair, which helps prevent damage.
While those are all upsides, there are some negative aspects of these bob hairstyles to watch out for. Not only do longer braided styles take more time and require more braiding, they can also weigh down your natural hair, putting pressure on the scalp and the follicles.
Luckily, with shorter braided bobs, such as the French bob or Italian bob, the weight is significantly less and the styles look just as good, making a case for putting down your best hair straighteners in favor of some pretty plaits. More and more women, like Amandla Stenberg and Kiki Layne, are enjoying the versatility of short hairstyles for women incorporating box and crochet braids. Women are opting to wear them down, embellished, in half-updos, with colored extensions, and even with loose ends, creating a myriad of unique looks and textures.
Best braided bob hairstyles—21 looks we love
1. Bob box braids
Face shape: heart | Type: box braids
2. Neck-length braided bob hairstyle
Face shape: round or oval | Type: box braids
3. Crochet bob hairstyle
Face shape: round or heart | Type: crochet box braids
4. Box braids, bob style
Face shape: round or oval | Type: box braids
5. Knotless box braids
Face shape: round or heart | Type: box braids
6. Knotted box braids
Face shape: any | Type: box braids
7. Bejeweled braided bob
Face shape: any | Type: box braids with hair rings and gems
8. Knotted with hair clips
Face shape: oval | Type: box braids with clips
9. Braids with faux locs
Face shape: any | Type: box braids, faux dreadlocs
10. Half-up braided space buns
Face shape: any, but especially round | Type: box braids with gems
11. Beaded braids
Face shape: heart | Type: box braids with beads
12. Shoulder-length bob braids
Face shape: oval | Type: box braids
13. Half braid-out
Face shape: any | Type: box braids with loose ends
14. Crochet lob with clips
Face shape: square or round | Type: crochet box braids with clips
15. Knotted braided lob with hair rings
Face shape: oval or heart | Type: box braids with hair rings
16. Thick braided lob
Face shape: round | Type: box braids
17. Micro braids with loose ends
Face shape: heart or round | Type: box braids with loose ends
18. Curled box braids
Face shape: any | Type: box braids
19. Curved lob with clips
Face shape: round | Type: box braids with hair clips
20. Tree braids
Face shape: round or oval | Type: box braids with loose ends
21. Half-up embellished lob
Face shape: all | Type: box braids with hair gems and headscarf
How to care for your hair before creating braided bob hairstyles
Like with any braided style, pre-care is important—you won’t be able to look after your hair as you normally would while it’s braided away. “Indulge in a strengthening hair mask on your last wash day before your appointment,” says Lorraine Dublin, celebrity hairstylist and co-owner of My Hair Bar. Anything rich in protein will help fortify your strands while they are in a protective style. We love having one of these best hair masks on hand for exactly that purpose.
Scalp care and braided bobs
Scalp care is crucial when donning a protective style like braided bobs. If you're prone to an itchy or flaky scalp, you might find it irritated due to the tightness of the braids at first. Keep your scalp hydrated with a soothing root spray, like Bouclème Root Refresh. These mists are especially great post-workout if your scalp gets particularly sweaty, because washing your hair often when in braids isn’t recommended or it'll run the risk of frizzing and taking apart the braids.
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Choosing the best braided bob hairstyles for you
Just like with any other bob hairstyles, you have to take your head shape into account—but luckily, there's a braided bob style for every face type.
Something you also have to consider is how versatile you need your braided bob to be. If you want to be able to tie your braids up, then a "lob," a.k.a. a long bob, will be your best option.
woman&home thanks Lorraine Dublin of My Hair Bar for her time and expertise.
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