The iconic short bob hairstyle has a knack for making a comeback, and this summer is no exception. From Demi Lovato’s sleek and shaped chocolate-brown bob to Jemima Khan’s effortless long bob, it seems like everyone is embracing the chop. What makes this style particularly appealing is its versatility – there are countless ways to wear it, and with equally easy methods for growing out your hair if you ever want to try a longer look.
Now may be the perfect time to take the plunge and go for the cut. If you need a little extra motivation, here are 31 stunning short bob hairstyles that will inspire your next style move.
Inverted Bob Cut + Blonde Ombre
While time constraints may limit your options for trying out a new hairstyle, you can still experiment with vibrant colors and subtle shading techniques to add depth and interest to your look. Take inspiration from current trends, such as bob cuts and ombre hairstyles, which continue to evolve and remain popular across different seasons. For instance, the blonde ombre seen on influencer @buddywporter is a great example of how you can create a stylish and modern look even with limited time.
Short A Line Bob + Blonde Balayage Highlights
With a sleek, structured approach, this short A-line bob has been elevated to new heights with expertly applied blonde balayage highlights. The subtle nuances of color and dimension add a level of sophistication to an otherwise straightforward style, imbuing it with a sense of vitality and allure.
As captured by @hairbyjessica_, the trendy balayage/ombre aesthetic is currently dominating the beauty scene, making this look a showstopper for all the right reasons.
The understated elegance and striking visual appeal will undoubtedly turn heads.
Messy Bob Hairstyle
For those who crave flexibility and versatility with their sleek bobs, a messy, edgy hairstyle can be a great way to add some sass. To achieve this look, start by using a curling wand to create loose, effortless ringlets. Gently tease them out with your fingers to add volume and texture. For added dimension at the roots, try using heated rollers. Finish off the look with a light hold hairspray to set everything in place.
One of the best things about this style is that you don’t have the same weight concerns as with longer hair, so curls won’t quickly fall out – it’s all about embracing the undone charm!
Ash Blonde Slicked Back Bob
The 80s are back, baby! And with them, a hairstyle trend that’s making a splash – wet-looked slicked-back hair. This sleek, low-maintenance ‘do is perfect for those who want to make a statement without going overboard. The key to achieving this look is using the right products and some careful combing. Start by applying some wet-look gel to your ash blonde locks, then use a wide-tooth comb or a paddle brush to slick them back away from your face and towards the nape of your neck.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with the comb – you can use it to create some serious volume at the crown or even add some subtle texture around the temples. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can try adding some gel or pomade to really make the style pop. Just remember, this look isn’t for the faint of heart – it takes some guts and a willingness to rock the retro vibe.
Curly, Burgundy Bob Hairstyle
Imagine rocking a hairstyle that’s not only eye-catching but also confidence-boosting. This stunning curly burgundy bob is just that – a showstopper that demands attention. The vibrant red hue, perfectly complemented by the wearer’s makeup skills, adds an extra layer of sophistication to this already-chic look. And let’s not forget those luscious curls, which bring a playful touch to this sleek style, making it perfect for dressing up or down for any occasion.
Asymmetrical Bob
When it comes to short hair, those with round faces often find themselves struggling to find a style that flatters their features. The concern is always there – what if this cut makes my face look even rounder? One way to alleviate these worries is to opt for an asymmetrical hairstyle, which cleverly balances out the roundness of your face. By placing the focal point off-centre, you’re shifting attention away from the centre of your head and creating a more oval silhouette.
This technique is a game-changer for those with round faces looking to add some edge to their look without exacerbating their facial shape.
Textured Short Bob Cut
In times when styling seems like a challenge, incorporating texture can be the game-changer. This notion is beautifully demonstrated by the graduated bob showcased here, where longer locks meet shorter layers at the back. The addition of mousse and waves crafted using a curling wand injects depth and visual interest. A slightly asymmetrical part adds a touch of effortless coolness to this overall look.
For a quick and easy recreation at home, dedicate around ten minutes to perfecting this style. To achieve the coveted volume, try blow-drying your hair upside down for an added boost.
Cute & Wavy Short Bob
When it comes to short bob hairstyles on a square-shaped face, layers can work wonders. Specifically, curls that start around the jaw line and flow beneath it can add a touch of elegance. According to @soraverly, if you have a one-length cut with a square face, you may find that a sharp and sleek bob doesn’t quite suit your features. Instead, opt for a lighter, feathered look to create a softer, more rounded silhouette.
Messy Blunt Bob
This trendy hairstyle bears a striking resemblance to Kim Kardashian’s signature style, and for good reason: the Kardashian sisters have all sported versions of this messy bob at some point, with varying shades of blonde, brown, and even pastel hues, as seen on Kylie Jenner. To achieve this look, opt for a blunt cut that falls just below the chin, and incorporate choppier layers to add texture and volume. When styling, use a textured wax to create a mussed, undone effect.
Blonde Bob with Layers
For women of a certain age, a bold bob can be overwhelming and may not be the most flattering choice. A more gentle approach is often preferred, as it helps to soften facial features rather than accentuate them. One effective way to achieve this look with short bob hairstyles is to opt for a layered style. Specifically, a blonde bob with layers that can easily be grown out into ombre mid-length hair with minimal maintenance.
This versatile hairstyle allows for effortless styling and easy updates.
Bronde Boxed Bob
As the summer season heats up, the bronde trend has taken center stage, offering a captivating blend of brown and blonde hues to create a stunning nude color that’s sure to impress even the most discerning beauty enthusiasts. And what better way to complement your bronzed makeup palette than with a hairstyle that mirrors its warm, sun-kissed tones?
Inspired by the likes of the Kardashians and Jennifer Lopez, who recently rocked the bronde bombshell look, this trendy combination is all about embracing effortless elegance.
Choppy Blunt Bob for Brunettes
For those without blonde locks, another versatile option is a one-length short bob with subtle layering. Take @domdomhair as inspiration. While some soft highlights add depth to the look, it’s easy to imagine this style working well with natural hair color and effortless, sun-kissed highlights, achieved through extended periods of time spent outdoors.
Chin Length Bob Cut
For individuals with an oval-shaped face, a chin-length hairstyle can be a fantastic choice. The added bonus is that you can easily incorporate a center parting, especially when paired with wavy curls that bring out your features. As for this look, subtle highlights towards the hair’s ends have been incorporated to add a touch of elegance and visual interest.
Short & Asymmetrical Style
This short and asymmetrical style exudes confidence and boldness, boasting a sleek and sharp silhouette that turns heads. The simplicity of this look is its greatest strength, allowing for effortless versatility. With just a few strategic curls, the style can be easily lightened and flirted up, or taken to new heights with volume at the roots and slicked-back sides. Imagine a faux-mohawk and you’re on the right track.
Curly, Beige Blonde Bob
For individuals with slim and oval-shaped faces, adopting a side parting can be an effective way to subtly soften facial features. This styling trick can help to create a more rounded appearance, thus providing an alternative to traditional bobs that may not suit the face shape.
The versatility of short hair is further exemplified by this approach, which has gained popularity among celebrities, including Emma Roberts, who recently opted for a chin-length bob with a heavy side parting in a stunning beige blonde hue.
Bob Hairstyle for Black Women
The sleek, sharp texture achieved through deep parting is indeed striking. However, for black women, this style becomes even more accessible due to the natural tendency towards volume, making it easy to recreate. The versatility of hair straighteners allows for both straightening and curling, depending on the desired look. By simply flicking the front sections out as you glide the tool down your hair’s length, you can effortlessly add a few tousled twirls to complete the style.
Voluminous Bob Style
When it comes to styling short bob hairstyles on full-faced individuals, the goal is to soften the overall look. This can be achieved by incorporating wispy ends and light, feathery layers that create a gentle, effortless vibe. According to @salon_sessions, this aesthetic can even be taken up a notch by adding bangs, à la Katharine McPhee’s recent style. To pull off this look, simply trim the bangs so they’re wavy and slightly angled towards one side of the face.
Short Bob Haircut with Bangs
When it comes to styling bangs on short hair, it can be a bit of a challenge. However, there are some key tips that can help you achieve a look that complements your face shape. For individuals with high foreheads, one solution is to cut the bangs so they sit above the eyebrows, giving off a quirky and retro vibe that’s perfect for pairing with sunglasses. To really make this look work, it’s essential to ensure your eyebrows are well-groomed and in proportion to the rest of your face.
Messy, Layered Cut + Balayage Highlights
For a hairstyle that’s just as effortless as it is stylish, consider pairing a messy, layered cut with the subtle nuances of balayage or ombre highlights. The key to making this combination work is finding the perfect harmony between shades and colors. Case in point: the lovely blend of blonde and caramel tones that creates a truly picture-perfect look.
Curly, Short Brunette Bob
This vintage-inspired look exudes a sense of glamour, thanks to its signature features: side-swept curls and bold red lips. Once you’ve mastered the art of curling, achieving this style takes minimal time and effort.
For this look, I recommend using a wand over traditional curling tongs. Start with your hair already styled, featuring a defined side parting. Then, take sections of hair and curl them in varied directions and angles, aiming for uniform waves that are effortlessly tousled.
Straight, A-Line Bob
Inverted Bob Haircut
For individuals with a heart-shaped face, finding a flattering hairstyle can be challenging due to the narrower chin compared to the rest of the facial structure. To combat this issue, consider opting for a slightly longer bob with face-framing layers that extend beneath the chin. This clever styling trick helps to level out the proportions and creates a more balanced look.
Another option is to try an inverted bob, which adds volume at the front and makes it easier to wear short hair without accentuating the narrow chin. This style is not only easy to maintain but also offers a high degree of versatility, making it an excellent choice for those who want to keep their locks short.
Bouncy, Blonde Bob
Renowned actress Charlize Theron recently donned an icy blonde bob that exudes elegance and sophistication. The layered cut adds volume and depth, while subtle highlights create a multi-dimensional look. This style would be particularly flattering for individuals with thin hair, as it provides the illusion of added thickness. To achieve this look, simply use heated rollers and a blow dryer to add bounce and texture, making it a hassle-free hairstyle that’s perfect for everyday wear.
Curly, Layered Bob Cut
If you’re hesitant to go for a drastic haircut, consider a longer version of the classic bob instead. One popular alternative is the lob, which falls just above the shoulders. Not only can this style flatter many women’s features, but it also adds weight and helps tame flyaway strands, making it easier to manage overall.
Perfect Bob Cut for Thin Hair
The Bob’s game-changing impact on thinning locks stems from its ability to create the illusion of thicker hair. By expertly blending layers, length, and subtle highlights, this stylish cut masterfully adds depth and dimension, making it an absolute must-have for those struggling with flyaway strands.
Choppy Cut + Blonde Highlights
While its sleeker counterparts may exude refinement, this edgy choppy bob with blonde highlights boasts an effortlessly cool vibe that’s hard to ignore. The subtle interplay of ash and caramel hues adds visual interest to the overall look, which is already elevated by those textured layers around the edges. The result is a hairstyle that perfectly balances shortness with color-driven flair, making it a standout choice for anyone looking to add some excitement to their style.
The inspiration behind this look comes from @styledbycarolyn, who has mastered the art of blending bold and subtle elements to create something truly unique.
Cute Bob Haircut
To effortlessly style your bob, try simply flipping the front section to one side, just as seen here with this charming haircut. This effortless look can be achieved in mere seconds by using a light hold hairspray to keep everything in place. By doing so, you’ll discover a brand new, incredibly easy way to wear your short bob hairstyles without giving it another thought.
Short & Voluminous Cut
With its striking shortness, this hairstyle showcases the bold spirit of many women who dare to be different. While it may not appear as dramatic due to its volume, make no mistake – this is a fearless and intense haircut that makes a powerful statement. For those seeking a fresh start for their locks, a well-executed cut can work wonders in revitalizing one’s hair. Perhaps it’s time to consult with your stylist and explore the possibility of rocking this captivating look.
Messy, Textured Bob Cut
Transform your asymmetrical bob into a textured masterpiece with ease. Building on the existing cut, focus on adding volume and oomph at the roots. Start by applying mousse to damp hair and blow-drying upside down to achieve the desired lift. Next, use a curling iron to create loose ringlets and gently pull them out with your fingers to add a touch of effortless charm. To further enhance the style, incorporate some strategic backcombing at the roots to maintain volume throughout the day.
With these simple steps, you’ll be sporting a captivating hairstyle that exudes minimal effort.
Textured Blunt Bob
While an asymmetrical cut isn’t necessary to achieve a textured, messy look with short bob hairstyles, there are ways to still get that undone style. To replicate this look, ask your stylist for blunt ends instead of light, feathery ones and incorporate a few choppy layers towards the end. This will give you a solid foundation to work with. Once you have your haircut, use mousse and your fingers to add volume and texture to the hair, mussing it up slightly to complete the look.
Slightly Asymmetrical Bob
If you’re not ready to take the plunge and go for a shorter style, there’s an easy way to achieve the asymmetrical look without actually cutting your hair. By styling your locks with a deep side-parting, the illusion of length on one side can create the desired effect, giving the appearance of a longer hairstyle. Plus, this versatile style suits most people and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for those who want to add some visual interest to their look without going all out.
In the summer months, short hair is a great way to keep your locks under control while enjoying the sunshine. By embracing a shorter ‘do, you’ll have the freedom to rock one of the many fabulous short bob hairstyles that are sure to turn heads.
