We love a good short haircut, but sometimes your run-of-the-mill bob ends up looking more matronly than magnificent. If you’re looking to go short this year but aren’t sure which cut is perfect for you, look no further than these stacked bobs. Stacked bob haircuts are sharp, versatile, and can even make thin hair appear fuller.
Want to try a stacked bob hair cut for yourself? We’re breaking down everything you need to know about the bold, layered cut, including how to maintain it and 23 stacked bob ideas you can try.
What is a stacked bob?
A stacked bob is a chin-length haircut that is angled so that it's shorter in the back and longer in the front.
What is the difference between a layered bob and a stacked bob?
Layered and stacked bobs are both characterized by one thing: Lots of layers. A stacked bob, however, features angled layers that create a graduated, sharper look. A layered bob is a straight cut with long, short, or choppy layers.
How do you style a stacked layered bob?
There are so many ways to style stacked bob haircuts. You can wear it sleek and straight, wavy, or even curled. If you want to style your hair without heat, you can embrace your natural texture with the help of texturizing spray like Redken Triple Dry 15 Dry Texture Finishing Spray. A few spritzes of this medium-hold hairspray can give your ‘do added texture without stiffness. If you’re working with natural ringlets, shape your curls with a formula like Kérastase Curl Manifesto Gelee Curl Contour Gel-Cream. This curl-enhancing, defining styler provides hold and frizz control without crunch—all while keeping your curls hydrated.
To create a pin-straight stacked bob look, you’ll need a flat iron like L'Oréal Professionnel Steampod. This flat iron straightens or waves any hair type two times faster and two times smoother* with 91 percent less breakage over time**. Before styling, be sure to use a heat protectant like L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Fluidifier Blow Dry Cream.
*Compared to Steampod without steam and comb (heating plates only)
**After 15 uses with steam and integrated comb vs. Steampod heating plates alone.
How do you maintain a stacked bob?
When most people think about low maintenance haircuts, short styles immediately come to mind. Just because you have less hair doesn’t mean it’s easier to care for, however. Styling your stacked bob may be a breeze, but you should get used to spending a lot of time at the hair salon.
While we typically recommend heading to the salon every 12 weeks to trim long locks, expect to get a cut every six to eight weeks if you’ve decided to go short.
The American Academy of Dermatology reports that hair grows an average of a half-inch per month, which means it only takes about six weeks from your style to go from sleek stacked bob to overgrown shaggy lob. Maintaining a consistent trim schedule is key if you want your stacked bob to look flawless at all times.
Ready to try a stacked bob? From short stacked bobs to stacked bobs for fine hair, we’re sharing 23 of the trendiest ways to try the cut.
Stacked Bob Ideas To Try Now
Classic Stacked Bob
As the saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” If you’ve been slaying a stacked bob for as long as you can remember and know it’s the best look for you, don’t bother looking for a new haircut. Instead, refresh your look with a chic fantasy hair color.
Curly Stacked Bob
When searching for photos of stacked bobs, you’re often inundated with photos of women with stick-straight hair. It leaves many curly girls wondering if stacked bob cuts just aren’t for them.
Well, we’re here to remind you that curly ladies can not only slay literally any cut, but also make the stacked bobs look amazing. Whether you have tightly coiled curls or loose waves, a stacked bob is perfect for anyone who loves a structured cut with tons of volume.
Inverted Stacked Bob
An inverted bob isn’t for the faint of heart. This cut features longer length in the front and shorter, graduated layers towards the back. While this cut may take a bit more upkeep to maintain than a regular stacked bob, the style is totally worth it!
Shaggy Stacked Bob
Shag cuts are one of the biggest trends of the year. Why not combine them with a classic cut that you already know slays?
Shag cuts are all about texture and killer bangs. To add this retro flare to your stacked bob, ask your stylist to cut thick bangs that graze your eyebrows with some longer pieces around the face. Your stylist will likely use a razor to add texture and movement to the rest of your hair.
Long Stacked Bob
A bob haircut is typically long enough to graze your ears, but never falls past your shoulders. If you love the look of a stacked bob but aren’t ready to get rid of your precious length, consider a long stacked bob.
Ask your stylist to keep the hair in the front long enough to just brush your shoulders and the back cropped to about the middle of your neck.
Stacked Bob With Full Bangs
Stacked bobs are traditionally styled with side-swept bangs, but just because it’s the traditional style doesn’t mean it’s the only option. If side-swept bangs aren’t really your taste, ask your stylist to cut full bangs straight across your forehead. They should just graze your eyebrows.
Stacked Bob With Curtain Bangs
Searching for more on-trend fringe ideas to go with your stacked bob? Opt for ‘70s-inspired curtain bangs.
Pixie Stacked Bob
A stacked bob is a fairly short haircut, but you can get it even shorter. Have your stylist use clippers to cut your hair in the back very short (like a pixie) and keep the hair in the front just long enough to reach your ears.
Spiked Pixie Stacked Bob
Add edge to your pixie stacked bob by creating a spiked look using a hair paste like Pureology Style + Protect Mess It Up Texture Paste.
Stacked Bob With Short Layers
Just because you’ve decided to go short doesn’t mean you have to part with your beloved layers. Short layers are a great way to bring movement and body to your stacked bob.
Rainbow Stacked Bob
If you love your style but are searching for a jaw-dropping color, we’ve got just the color for you. Why choose one color when you can have them all? Rainbow hair is a perfect way to bring new life to your go-to cut.
Keep your rainbow hair bright and vibrant between color touch-ups with a shampoo and conditioner like Biolage Colorlast Shampoo and Conditioner. This paraben-free system gently cleanses and conditions without stripping color to keep your hue saturated.
Extra Short Stacked Bob
Go even shorter with your cut by asking for an ear-length stacked bob.
Stacked Bob With Deep Side Part
If you’re looking to create volume in a hurry, try a deep side part. Once your hair is parted, fluff each side for maximum height and spray with a volume-boosting spray like Redken Volume Maximizer Thickening Spray.
Center Part Stacked Bob
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to change up your look, consider swapping out your go-to side part for a center part. Parting your bangs down the middle instead of sweeping them to the side creates the perfect face-framing layers.
Wavy Stacked Bob
Stacked bobs may be part of the short hair family, but they still leave plenty of length to create gorgeous hairstyles. We love the way these beach waves beautifully complement the stacked bob style.
Embellished Stacked Bob
Give your stacked haircut a simple and quick style by pinning one side back with a bedazzled hair clip.
Subtly Stacked
For those with fine or thin hair, a traditional stacked bob may be too dramatic. That’s why a bob haircut with subtly stacked layers is a great alternative.
Mushroom Stacked Bob
This mushroom stacked bob is non-traditional and out-of-the-box, two things you’ll love if you’re looking to make a statement with your haircut.
Sleek Stacked Bob
Glass hair has been one of the biggest trends over the past few years, and we’re still in love. A stacked bob is the perfect cut to showcase this polished style.
Stacked Pixie With Feathered Bangs
If you have a classic stacked bob with side-swept bangs, you probably have a love-hate relationship with your fringe. On the one hand, side-swept bangs have this uncanny ability to make you appear put together; on the other hand—your bangs are always in your face! If you’re looking for another stylish way to style your bangs, this blast from the past is the perfect inspiration. To achieve this look, flat iron your fringe up and away from your face.
Asymmetrical Stacked Bob
An asymmetrical cut merges the gap between edgy and trendy. To achieve this look, your stylist will create a cut that’s slightly longer on one side of your head. While this sounds pretty out-there, it’s actually super wearable!
Bubblegum Stacked Bob
Pink hair is one of the hottest colors around and for a good reason—it looks good on everyone! Whether you decide on a candy-inspired hue or a subtle rose gold, a stacked bob looks spectacular in pink! You can even test out the hue temporarily with a color-depositing mask like Redken’s Color Extend Blondage Color-Depositing Rose Blonde Mask.
Stacked Bob With Sideswept Bangs
Stacked bobs and bangs go together like peanut butter and jelly. Simply sweeping your fringe to one side of your head beautifully frames your face and makes your eyes pop!
Platinum Stacked Bob
Before going platinum blonde, many stylists warn their clients that they should expect to lose an inch or two of length. We say—why stop at an inch? Embrace the change and opt for a stacked bob to show off your dazzling new hue.
Mermaid Stacked Bob
When you hear the term “mermaid hair,” waist-length locks usually come to mind.That’s not the only way to channel your sea goddess! This vibrant blend of turquoise, blue, and subtle hints of purple will make you feel like you just stepped out of the ocean.
Sunset Stacked Bob
Your hair may be short in length, but it’s not short on creativity. This sunset-inspired dye job is bound to bring in the compliments.
Ready to try a stacked bob? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.