The bob haircut has been a staple hairstyle for decades, transitioning from a daring 1920s statement to a classic, stylish choice for women of all ages. With so many variations of the bob and ways to customize it to your face shape and hair texture, it can be overwhelming to figure out if a bob is right for you. This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to find the most flattering bob cut, tips for styling and maintaining your new short ‘do, and answers to frequently asked questions. Armed with these bob haircut tips, you’ll be ready to make the chopped change!
The Best 4 Bob Haircuts for Any Face Shape
The versatility of the bob is that there are so many options to suit different face shapes, hair textures, and styles. Let’s explore the top 4 bob cuts and how to choose the most flattering option.
Classic Bob
The classic bob falls somewhere between the jawline and collarbone and is cut with precision to achieve a blunt, one-length shape. This sleek style works well for heart-shaped faces, balancing a wider forehead and narrow chin. The blunt ends of the classic bob also give fine, thin hair the appearance of thickness. This modern bob pairs well with bangs for a graphic, bold look. Style it sleek and straight or add waves for versatility.
Lob (Long Bob)
For those who want bob length with a bit more versatility, the lob is longer than a traditional bob while maintaining the precision cut shape. Lobs work well for oval face shapes. Play with a center or side part and enjoy the extra length for pulling hair back. Lobs can be worn tousled and wavy or be smoothed into a sleek shape. For square or diamond face shapes, an angled or asymmetrical lob adds dimension.
Asymmetrical Bob
An asymmetrical cut with differing lengths adds modern edge to the classic bob shape. Longer on one side and above the shoulder on the other, the angled shape is flattering for heart, oval, and diamond face shapes. Especially chic for those with thick, straight hair, the layered asymmetrical bob can have piecey, eye-grabbing texture.
Inverted Bob
For volume at the roots and sleek, flipped ends, the inverted bob is tapered short at the neck and angles longer towards the front. This graduated shape works well with thick hair. The inverted bob elongates round faces and brings movement and body to flat, straight hair. Backcombing the roots boosts lift even more. This edgy bob rocks a mussed texture.
In summary, balance a wider forehead with a blunt classic or asymmetrical bob. Soften the angles of a square or diamond face shape with a layered, angled lob. Give fine hair fullness with a blunt classic bob. Add volume and movement to flat hair with an inverted bob.
How to Style Your Bob Haircut
One of the best aspects of the bob? It’s versatile to style while taking minimal time. Here are tips for styling your bob into polished perfection or tousled chicness.
A blowdryer is the MVP for lifting roots and directing ends under or out. Begin drying hair flipped over to build volume at the roots. Use a round brush at the ends to smooth and shape as desired. Alternate between flipping hair from side to side and drying downwards to create movement.
Rollers are perfect for enhancing a curl or bend at the ends of the bob. Velcro rollers add bounce and wave especially well to shorter bob lengths. After blowdrying, set hair in 1-2 inch rollers briefly. Allow to cool before unrolling for soft curls.
Use a round brush while blowdrying to create a smooth bend under or flipped ends. With the blowdryer angled down, wrap sections of the bob hair around a round ceramic brush. Roll brush under, maintaining tension, to bend ends in towards the face. For lift away from the face, angle hair over the round brush and roll ends outwards as you dry.
Bobs are made for easy updos like messy buns and ponytails on busy days. Gather hair at the nape of the neck and twist into a low bun, leaving tendrils out to frame the face. A center or side ponytail works with longer bob lengths. Backcomb the ponytail for volume.
Add texture and waves overnight by braiding damp hair. Create two braids along the hairline and secure ends with elastic. For tousled beach waves, mist hair with sea salt spray before braiding. Gently shake out braids in the morning.
Bobs get extra style mileage with the addition of bangs. Blunt bangs reinforce the graphic, strong lines of a classic bob. Side-swept bangs soften the look. Wispy curled bangs pair well with shaggy, layered bob styles.
Play up your bob cut with styling products for your hair texture. Add touchable texture to thick hair with texturizing spray or dry shampoo. Amp up volume in fine, straight hair with mousse at the roots. Define curls in a curly bob with gel or curl cream.
Bob Haircut Maintenance Tips
One perk of a short bob? It requires fairly low maintenance compared to long locks. Here are tips for keeping your bob in tip-top shape:
Schedule trims every 6-8 weeks to maintain the precision shape. Let your stylist know if you plan to grow out your bob so they can trim accordingly.
In between salon visits, dust split ends yourself by twisting 1 inch sections of hair and snipping the very ends. Be conservative at first!
When growing out a bob, embrace imperfections like the mullet stage. Use bobby pins to pin back awkward lengths until they blend together.
Treat color-treated bobs with bond-building and hydrating masks to keep color bright and hair healthy. Olaplex No. 3 is great for repairing bonds broken by bleach and dye.
Protect bob lengths from heat styling damage with a thermal protectant spray. Limit use of hot tools to maintain integrity.
Nourish moisture into hair with weekly masks. Bobs look best with hair that’s hydrated and not dried out at the ends. Massage oils like coconut, argan, and jojoba oil into hair as a hydrating treatment.
Texturizing spray, sea salt spray, and dry shampoo boost texture and volume between washes. Go longer between shampoos to build grit and hold.
FAQs About Bob Haircuts
Do bobs look good on older women?
Absolutely! A bob frames the face beautifully on women of all ages. Go for a chin-length bob with bangs to shave years off or a sleek, silver lob for sophisticated elegance. Add layers for volume around thinning hair.
Is a bob easier to manage than long hair?
Yes! Shorter hair is less maintenance. Bobs are quick to wash, comb, and style. You’ll save time and arm strength not having to blowdry yards of hair. Touch-ups are needed less frequently.
How long do bobs take to grow out?
Expect a bob to take 6-12 months to grow out to shoulder length. Getting regular trims will help the grow-out look neat. Use accessories like headbands to mask awkward stages.
Should I get bangs with a bob?
It’s up to personal preference! Blunt bangs create a bold look on classic bob shapes. Side-swept bangs soften the jawline. Bangs can be flattering with rounder face shapes. Those wanting less fuss can skip bangs altogether.
Do bobs work for thick or curly hair?
Absolutely! Layering helps remove bulk from thick hair. Curly bobs look fabulous when embracing natural texture and volume. Avoid tightly curling with hot tools which can overstyle.
How short can I go with a bob?
A chin-length bob is the shortest recommended length for most. Very short pixie bobs work best on those with delicate bone structure in the jaw and cheek area. Consult your stylist.
Do I need to style my bob every day?
Not necessarily! Bobs look chic worn naturally wavy or air dried straight. Quick styling like five-minute ponytails or buns transforms them too. Only heat style as desired.
Will a bob look good if I have a round face?
Yes! If roundness in the cheeks and jaw is a concern, choose an angled bob to add dimension. Blunt bangs minimize a rounded hairline. Contouring makeup helps sculpt facial features as well.
Is a bob easier to style than long hair?
Far easier! Long hair takes more time and effort to blow out straight and smooth. Bobs air dry quickly and require less arm strain. Short layers also hold curls better than long hair.
Do bobs work for thin hair?
Absolutely! A blunt cut with precise ends gives fine hair the look of fullness. Avoid excessive layers which can look stringy. Backcombing the roots adds volume. Extensions seamlessly blend for added density in a bob.
Conclusion
The bob haircut is back in a big way, with so many options to customize it to your unique hair type, face shape, and sense of style. From polished waves to piecey texture to sleek and straight, a properly cut bob is low maintenance yet high impact. Find your dream bob and enjoy a classic but modern hairstyle that confidently frames the face. Whether you’re looking to go short for the very first time or rediscover this iconic cut, say hello to your new favorite ‘do – the fabulous bob!