It’s no secret that long hairstyles and pixie haircuts get a lot of love in the hair industry. Sometimes, it can feel like chin-length hair is the forgotten middle child. However, we’re here to tell you don’t need super long hair to have an array of styling options, and you don’t need a short pixie to slay a statement style.
Whether you’re a short hair lover or considering going shorter for the first time, we put together 42 looks bound to inspire you for your next salon appointment. Keep reading for everything you need to know about chin-length haircuts and styles.
What is a bob haircut style?
A bob haircut is a short chop that lies right around the jawline, above the shoulders. It’s the epitome of a timeless style as it’s been popular since flappers re-invented beauty standards during the 1920s. Believe us when we say—it shows no signs of slowing down.
Who can wear a chin-length bob?
If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I pull off chin-length hair?” we’re here to deliver some good news—the bob is a versatile and customizable style for everyone these days, so long as you visit a seasoned stylist to tailor it to your hair type and face shape.
You can ask your salon pro for a blunt bob, which will have your strands all the same length. Or you can go for a different approach and get an angled bob, an asymmetrical variation to this look.
Regardless of your hair type or texture, a chin-length bob proves to be a haircut that embodies confidence, individuality, and elegance.
What hairstyles can you do with chin-length hair?
There is no denying that short hair is having a moment right now. Every corner we turn, another confident woman is rocking some variation of a chin-length ‘do. Having shorter strands doesn’t mean you can’t create everyone’s favorite tousled look. Add some beachy waves to your cut if you’re looking to sport a hairstyle that’s a little more on-trend. Simply grab a texturizing spray like Redken’s Dry Texture Finishing Spray, apply it all over your locks, scrunch, and go.
For ladies who love to make an entrance, a blunt bob with pin-straight strands is all the rage. It’s a strong statement haircut that can’t help but attract all the right attention. If you’re using a flat iron to achieve a sleek look, use a heat protectant like L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Fluidifier Blow Dry Cream.
If you’re someone who values their sleep as much as we do, you’ll be happy to hear that we see low-effort hairstyles on the rise—and nothing says low-maintenance chin-length haircuts more than embracing your natural texture. Whether you have tightly coiled ringlets or pin-straight hair, rocking your natural hair texture is beautiful in its own right, plus it allows you to get some extra sleep in the morning. Try a post-wash treatment like Redken’s All Soft Moisture Restore Leave-In formulated with hyaluronic acid for immediate shine, conditioning, and hydration benefits that last up to 72 hours to get your natural look in check with minimal effort.
What hairstyle looks good on a round face?
A long bob or angled-chin length bob is a flattering cut for round faces. We understand the struggles of cherub-like cheeks and a soft jawline: it undeniably makes you look more youthful, but sometimes you simply want to look and feel your age. That’s why these styles are perfect for those who want to ooze sophistication and class. These asymmetrical haircuts help to elongate your face by creating an illusion of a defined jawline. Adding dimension to your face is key if you want to make it appear a little less round.
How do I keep chin-length hair off my face?
If you’re going from super long hair to a chin-length ‘do, there’s one thing you might be wondering—how are you going to keep your strands off your face when ponytails aren’t an option? Luckily, that’s what hair accessories are for! Whether you opt for hair barrettes, a knotted headband, or standard bobby pins, there are so many on-trend ways to keep your strands away from your face throughout the day.
If you have a middle part, try stacking barrettes or bobby pins parallel to each other above your ear on each side of your hairline. This easy, throwback look is one of the trendiest ways to wear hair accessories in 2023.
Ready to try a chin-length hairstyle for yourself? Scroll on for 42 of the ones to try this year.
The 42 Best Chin-Length Hairstyles to Try
Subtly Flipped Out Ends
Flipped out ends are one of the year's biggest trends, and lucky for you, you have the perfect hair length to wear the throwback style. Give your flippy lengths added definition by pinching together small sections of your ends with Pureology’s Style + Protect Mess It Up Texture Paste.
Vintage
Speaking of throwback hairstyles we adore—if you’re inspired by all things vintage, give this voluminous-flapper-esque style a try.
Platinum
It’s no secret that you look to platinum when you want to make a statement with your blonde hair color. While we love the ashy, nearly white hue on longer strands, it packs an even stronger punch on chin-length hair.
Ensure platinum hair stays bright, not brassy, with a purple color-correcting mask like Kérastase Blond Absolu Masque Ultra-Violet Purple Hair Mask.
French Girl Bob
Beauty lovers around the globe have their eyes on French girl hair, and we can understand why! Parisian-inspired hair is one of the best low-maintenance chin-length haircuts. If you’re looking for chin-length hairstyles with a French-girl twist, ask your stylist for a classic French bob with choppy layers and full bangs.
Embellished
Between hair clips, barrettes, and bedazzled bobby pins, you can’t go wrong no matter what hair accessory you choose for dressing up your chin-length haircut.
Deep Side Part
Some of the smallest hair changes can make the biggest difference to your overall look. Case in point: the deep side part. Switching to a deep side part is a quick and easy way to give your mane instant volume. If you have fine hair that’s known to fall flat, this simple change is perfect for you.
Ginger
We’ve never met a shade of red hair we didn’t love. However, ginger would take the cake if we had to choose our favorite. Though this orangey-red shade looks stunning on any hair length, it’s absolute magic paired with an on-trend, chin-length bob.
If you decide to try a ginger hair color, you should know that red shades are super high-maintenance, so be sure to amp up your routine with color-enhancing products like Pureology’s Color Fanatic Top Coat + Tone Copper.
Layered Colors
Do you love trying new things when it comes to beauty and fashion? If so, ask your stylist to layer your hair with bold colors. This unique technique is guaranteed to turn heads everywhere you go.
Dyeing your hair in such bold colors will require your stylist to use bleach. It’s important to note that bleach does damage hair, but a professional stylist will ensure you leave the chair with hair that looks and feels as healthy as possible. The way you care for it at home will also make a difference, which is why we recommend arming yourself with a bond-strengthening and repairing system like Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Bundle and Intensive Treatment.
Lavender-Kissed
Barely-there notes of lavender look so gorgeously captivating that you certainly don’t need long lengths to pull it off.
Do you have fine, color-treated chin-length hair? Pureology’s Hydrate Sheer Shampoo and Conditioner moisturize strands without weighing them down, leaving hair soft, shiny, and nourished.
Peacock Highlights
The majestic bird you know for its colorful feathers has become the latest inspiration for hair everywhere. Peacock hair is trending and, although beautiful, requires near-constant upkeep. If you want to take part in this look without committing to maintenance, try adding subtle jewel-toned highlights to your mane.
Angled Bob
Getting a short haircut can be intimidating, especially if it’s your first time. We recommend an angled bob if you want to slay a chin-length style without getting rid of all of your length. The cut allows you to keep some length in the front, offering the familiar comfort of long locks while remaining short enough to be considered a bob.
Hot Pink
This electric shade of pink is the definition of a stunner. If you’re looking to gain some sweet attention, you need to try this look. The bright hue looks amazing on all skin tones and is the perfect way to add that “wow” factor to your cropped cut.
If you opt for hot pink hair, invest in a shampoo and conditioner formulated for high-maintenance hair colors like Matrix Total Results Keep Me Vivid Shampoo and Conditioner.
Peekaboo Color
If you’re not ready for fantasy hair color, don’t worry! You don’t have to sacrifice your natural hue—that’s what peekaboo hair color is for! Your colorist will apply your chosen shade to the strands under the top layer of your hair for a pop of color that subtly peeks through. Take this look, for example: When you flip your hair over to the side, you get a hit of brown peekaboo color beneath your blonde that’s unexpected yet very intentional.
Romantic Afro
If you have textured hair that’s not giving you the confidence you’re looking for, cut it off! Get a chin-length, face-framing afro for a level of fierceness you’ve never had.
Showcase your new chin-length haircut in all its beauty by washing and conditioning your mane as normal, then using a few spritzes of Mizani’s 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Treatment to add definition to your curls.
Beachy Waves
Do you shy away from short hair because you fear it’ll lack volume? If so, we’re here to reassure you that the best waves are the ones on a chin-length ‘do. They’re cute, dainty, and way easier to achieve than down-to-there hair. To recreate the perfect beachy bend, use a sugar spray like Pureology’s Style + Protect Beach Waves Sugar Spray for an effortless, gently tousled look.
Bangs
Bangs are one of the most intensely debated topics in the hair industry. Are they hot or not? We say swipe right on this undeniably chic style. Adding a face-framing fringe to your chin-length hair makes for a stunning halo effect.
Balayage
Usually, when we think of a balayage, we think of long hair. However, don’t fret! This technique is equally stunning on short hair. Ask your stylist to blend beautiful shades of blonde throughout your mane seamlessly. Take some snapshots of your new look, and we promise your new Instagram photos will fulfill all of your aesthetic needs.
Modern ‘20s Bob
In 2023, our beauty standards have become quite simple: the more natural-looking and effortless, the better. If you’re all about this vibe, try a revamped version of flapper-inspired hair. Adding layers to chin-length hairstyles creates a modern, textured look without any extra products.
Blunt Cut
Getting a traditional haircut reminds us of gathering with our family during the holidays. It’s comforting and familiar. That’s why we love this classic, chin-length blunt cut. Like our family traditions, it’s a staple that will never get old.
Glass Hair
Have you taken the plunge and chopped off your hair but found it lacks a healthy-looking luster? Try the glass hair trend. This look adds a modern twist to your favorite ‘90s-inspired bob by giving it a shiny, reflective finish.
Be sure to maintain your glossy locks using frizz-fighting products like Redken’s Frizz Dismiss Shampoo and Conditioner.
Silver
Say so long to the days of seeing that first gray hair and immediately wanting to book an appointment with a colorist because we’re fully embracing grays. Silver hair is super flattering and so chic on a short haircut that it makes us question why we didn’t love gray hair all along.
Cotton Candy Purple
Nothing says edgy quite like a bold color on a short haircut like this bright purple look. Dyeing your hair such a bright color will require your stylist to use bleach. Add a weekly deep conditioning treatment like the L’Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Resurfacing Golden Masque to your hair care routine to help your hair look and feel its best.
Pastel Rainbow
Can’t decide which hair color will complement your trimmed style? Why not choose them all? This pastel version of rainbow hair is such a delicate and dreamy way to experiment with ROYGBIV. The soft hues allow for a striking but not overwhelming look.
Topped with a Hat
Even on the worst hair days, there’s nothing a stylish hat can’t fix. On those mornings when you’re in a rush, hair accessories are the perfect way to hide your bedhead while remaining fashionable.
Long Lob
Cutting off your hair is like deciding to end a bad relationship. You know you need to do it, but you can’t fully commit because it’s been your security blanket for so long. Unlike a relationship, however, you can ease your way into a chin-length style with a long lob. To achieve the perfect long lob, ask your stylist to cut your hair shorter at the back of your head and gradually increase the length as you reach the front of your face. It’s a gorgeous cut that will help give you the nudge you need to go shorter.
Rosé
Even when it isn’t summer, your hair can be a wonderful reminder of rosé season. This beautiful shade of blonde reminds us of a refreshing glass of the pink wine on a hot summer day. It’s not too overbearing, and it’s deliciously sweet.
Natural Curls
Natural curls are beautiful, no matter the length. We love how they twist and turn to the beat of their own drum, making it seemingly impossible to replicate. That’s why doing a chin-length style when you have naturally defined ringlets makes for a lovely look that’s unique.
L’Oréal Professionnel’s Serie Expert Curl Expression Curls Reviver Spray is an excellent addition to your curly hair care routine to refresh your pattern between wash days.
Lemonade Ombré
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind hairstyle, try this citrus blend of blonde and saturated yellow to remind you of all things summer. Top it off with a cute braid, and get ready to be everyone's #hairgoals.
Micro Bangs
We love chin-length hair with micro bangs. It creates the illusion of a crown in an utterly charming way, and what’s a queen without her crown?
Highlights
If you’re looking to try something new but don’t want to dye your hair a completely different color, try adding highlights to your look. It’s a timeless technique that can enhance your short hair by adding dimension and movement. You’ll be sure to stand out from any crowd—no bright colors necessary.
Pageboy
Anyone who thinks the pageboy is an outdated chin-length hairstyle has another thing coming. When paired with a dramatic accent color and neat texture, the pageboy cut of 2023 is modern, flattering, and edgy.
Short Curly Layers
Here’s proof that layers aren’t just for those with long and straight tresses! Layers are also suited for anyone with thin curly hair because they create the illusion of a fuller mane without extra work. Have super thick hair? Layers are a go-to for removing unwanted bulk.
Icy White With a Middle Part
A chin-length bob is already such a classy look, and a middle part adds yet another element of sophistication to your cut.
Wedge
Wedge cuts feature various lengths built into them and are an ideal option for those seeking extra volume. The classic version of this cut hits about ear to chin-length with a neat nape. Make this style your own by going super short or for an elongated look with longer face-framing strands. For extra volume at the root, try Matrix Total Results High Amplify Wonder Boost Root Lifter.
Mini Buns
Have you become nostalgic for a messy bun ever since cutting off your locks? Don’t be! Switch up the messy bun (or even the space buns hairstyle) by quadrupling your knots. Simply divide your hair into four even sections and use each section to craft mini buns at the nape of your neck.
Choppy Asymmetrical
You’ll need an equally unique hairstyle if you like to live out of the box. This choppy asymmetrical bob combines some of the most outrageous and artistic hairstyles into a purposefully lopsided look that’s not for wallflowers.
Triangle Cut
A triangle cut will give your mane volume in all the right places and satisfy your urge for a chin-length haircut. You’ll want to keep Mizani’s Curl Define Pudding on hand to ensure your geometrically-cut coils look their best.
Dual Texture Pigtails
Show off your natural texture while keeping your chin-length strands away from your face with these adorable slicked-back curly pigtails. Use a strong-hold gel like Redken’s Max Sculpting Gel to lock your slicked-down part line into place.
Choppy A-Line Bob
A-line bobs have inherent movement, but opting for a choppy A-line bob will take the look to the next level. The haphazard ends will add more texture and movement than you ever imagined, giving your run-of-the-mill bob a dramatic edge.
Mushroom Cut
The hallmark rounded shape of the mushroom cut (also known as the ‘80s bowl cut) can help elongate your neck while beautifully framing your features.
Amp up the shine of your mushroom crop by running a bit of Shu Uemura Art of Hair’s Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Hair Oil through the mid-lengths to ends of hair.
Twist-Out Faux Hawk
The secret to rocking this faux hawk is to focus the bulk of the volume at the top of the head while keeping the sides chin-length. This gives you enough length to experiment with fun styles (see: twist-outs!) while still going for a bolder chop.
Inverted Layered Bob
Layers upon layers sliced into an inverted bob will help your hair appear thicker and fuller while giving it constant natural movement.
Looking for more styling inspiration and professional products? Find everything you need on Hair.com.