If you’ve avoided short bob haircuts like the plague for fear of limiting your styling options, we’d argue that’s almost the exact opposite of the truth. As spring and summer events loom (prom! festivals! graduations! weddings!), now may be as good a time as ever to reconsider going for the big chop. Sure, bobs can keep your neck and shoulders cool, but there’s also *so much* you can do with a short hairstyle. From embellishing them with playful hair accessories to trying out new ways to flip your ends, find out why a bob haircut is practically begging to be your plus one for all your upcoming events.
What is the most popular bob haircut?
You may think there’s not a lot of room to experiment with bob haircuts, but the truth is that bobs come in many different forms. Depending on who you ask, there will be different opinions on which bob is the trendiest cut, but each one lends itself to various versatile styling options. There are pixie bob haircuts, modern razor cuts, layered lobs, bottleneck bobs, retro-inspired chops, and so much more—it’s up to you to decide which bob haircut will land a place in your short hair era.
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Does a bob make you look younger or older?
Age is just a mindset! Any haircut that allows you to be your most authentic and confident self is the key to exuding vibrant, youthful energy. However, with that said, there are some anti-aging benefits of short bob haircuts that can’t be overlooked.
Cropping your ‘do into a bob can eliminate straggly, thinned-out ends, which can otherwise cause your mane to appear fine and limp. Cutting your hair eliminates this dead weight, creating clean lines that will make your hair appear thicker while also adding movement and fullness. Certain styles, such as layered bob haircuts and calligraphy haircuts, can be especially effective in giving your bob lasting volume. Chat with your stylist to see what style and haircutting method will work best for you and your hair goals.
Depending on your face shape, a bob haircut can emphasize your jawline or cheekbones, creating the illusion of sharp, youthful, and lifted features. And did we mention how easy bob haircuts are to style? What’s not to love?
Good hair day by @sal_mc_hair
What face shape is best for a bob haircut?
Any face shape can pull off a bob—it’s all about your features, hair type, and the style and length you’re interested in. An experienced stylist will consider all of these factors before getting to work on your new look.
We’ve rounded up 20 of our favorite looks for any occasion if you need inspiration before hitting the salon.
20 of Our Favorite Ways to Elevate Your Bob Haircut
Good hair day by @nextsalon1992
In-and-Out Ends
No time to get the recommended four-to-six-week trim? Using a flat iron to flip your ends toward and away from your face can help you fake the look of shorter hair while disguising split ends. To keep your ends as healthy as possible in between cuts, we recommend using a heat protectant and a steam-powered flat iron like L’Oréal Professionnel Steampod Hair Straightener + Curling Iron to cut down on further damage.
S-Waves
These days, there’s not much a straightener can’t do. Case in point: These S-waves are created with the twists and turns of a flat iron, a look that every celebrity in the world seems to be sporting right now. No need to have FOMO just yet—get up to speed using our S-wave tutorial.
Zig-Zag Part
The ‘90s called, and they want their zig-zag part back. All you need is the end of a fine-tooth comb to zig and zag your part line into nostalgic perfection. Bonus points if you braid some strands into accent “highlights.”
Flipped-Out Ends
Isn’t it funny how a simple hair flip can transport you right into a different decade? Soak up all the retro vibes by learning how to flip your ends out like a pro.
Video credit: @avreyovard
Fluffy
Short fluffy haircuts are trending this year, and we love how they look when styled with hot rollers. Peep the video above for the how-to from Avery Ovard, and follow her lead by using Matrix’s Styling Fixer Hairspray and Builder Wax for more defined and textured curls.
Good hair day by @lamajbackwards
Knotted Headband
We may have popped on a headband for a quick pick-me-up during the pandemic, but it looks like the hair accessory isn’t going anywhere any time soon. Use a knotted headband to push back your short hair from your face and allow your edges to take center stage. Mizani Artful Edges Edge Gel will be just what you need to sculpt your delicate baby hairs into place.
Video credit: @luis_alvarez_images
Dimensional Waves
With a pro-worthy curling iron technique and a little bit of Biolage Professional’s Thermal Active Spray, these old Hollywood waves could be all yours for your next spring soiree.
Good hair day by @luis_alvarez_images
Shaggy Pixie
Sure, a pixie bob haircut is as low maintenance as it gets, but you can still have some fun with it by amping up its tousled texture.
credit: @pati.rodrigzCurly Side-Parted Bob
Sometimes a new look is as easy as switching up where your part falls. This curly bob haircut is also topped with floral barrettes to take it from average to party-ready. If you need a quick ringlet refresh before heading out the door, spray a bit of Mizani’s Style Shifter Society Coco Dew Pre-styling & Restyling Spray onto dry curls and use your fingers or a curl pick to reshape them to your liking.
Good hair day by @kirsty_masterblow
Pink
Styling changes aren’t the only way to make your bob haircut stand out this spring. Why not dye it a fashion color like peach to make a statement? Keep it from fading fast with a formula like Pureology’s Style + Protect Shine Bright Taming Serum. This serum helps protect the vibrancy and shine of your salon color while protecting it from the damaging effects of UV rays.
Video credit: @marjthestylist
Curly Faux Hawk
Hesitant to chop your bob haircut into a full-blown mohawk pixie? That doesn’t mean you can’t temporarily experiment with the alternative cut in the meantime. A faux-hawk is fun, edgy, and completely commitment-free.
Good hair day by @messy_tresses
Curly Wolf Cut Bob
It doesn’t get better than the wolf cut to help style a bob haircut with bangs. A cross between the shag and mullet haircut, this ‘do ensures you’re the trendiest one at the party. Play up how your curls naturally dry into this style with a little help from Shu Uemura Art of Hair’s Shiki Worker Air Dry Blow Dry Primer.
Good hair day by @nakawunde
Triple Bun Cornrows
This showstopping half-up look lets you flaunt your natural texture and helps keep your hair out of your face.
Half-Up Scrunchie Ponytail
Love a half-up, half-down look but can’t be bothered with the labor of an extravagant style? Wrapping a half-slicked-back ponytail up in a scrunchie will have you ready and out the door in 60 seconds flat. Keep every last hair slicked into place using Mizani’s True Textures Sleek Holding Gel.
Good hair day by @mr_alexandrycosta
Ultra Sleek
If your signature look is a curly bob haircut, shake things up and show up to your special event with pin-straight locks! Sounds straightforward enough, but the change of pace will surely turn heads. A mask like Shu Uemura Art of Hair’s Izumi Tonic Strengthening Treatment can prep your mane to help it achieve the ultimate sleekness and shine.
Good hair day by @mr_alexandrycosta
Lob with Rope Braid
It may look simple from the front, but an accent braid adds instant intrigue to the back of a long bob haircut without requiring too much effort.
Good hair day by @livedinhairbysue
Teased Bouffant
The 2000s are officially back, and we can’t get enough of how this bumped-up bouffant adds major volume at the crown of the head. To recreate this look at home with minimal damage, check out our expert guide on how to tease hair.
Good hair day by @philipwolffhair.
Parted Pixie Bob
Inspired by the ‘90s male heartthrobs, you can style a boy band haircut in so many ways. One of our favorites is sleek and parted down the middle, reminiscent of the way hair effortlessly flops into the face after a night of dancing on stage. Even if you’re not moving and grooving, a generous dose of Matrix Miss Mess Dry Texturizing Spray can make it appear like you, too, just stepped off the world stage.
Slicked Double Puffs
If you’re working with a natural curly bob haircut, try this adorable slicked-back, double puff look on for size.
Video credit: @danielle.keasling
Faux Bob
We get it—taking the plunge into a bob haircut can be intimidating, especially if princess-length strands have long been your go-to. Fake it ‘til you make it with this genius faux bob tutorial from celebrity hairstylist Danielle Keasling. It’ll give you the look of a short bob haircut, even if only for the night.
Find more pro-approved hairstyles and products on Hair.com, and watch the magic come to life on our HDCTV Live channel!