7 Stylish Ways To Rock a Bob Haircut This Year

If you’ve always worn your hair long, the idea of springing for a bob haircut can feel a little intimidating. Trading in inches might seem like you’re limiting your options, but in reality, bobs are some of the most versatile and customizable haircuts out there. From sharp, structured silhouettes to soft, layered shapes, there’s a bob haircut that can complement every texture, face shape, and personal style.

What makes the bob so timeless is its ability to strike that balance between chic and effortless. It’s a cut that looks polished with minimal styling, yet it can also be easily transformed with a blowout, waves, or a bit of lived-in texture. In short (pun intended): Less length doesn’t mean fewer possibilities—far from it. To prove it, we’re sharing seven of our favorite contemporary bob hairstyles ahead. Plus, we’ll clue you in on some of our top tips for styling and maintaining your new cropped ‘do.

The Best Bob Hair Trends for Every Aesthetic

Whether you love a vintage look or are on the hunt for a contemporary bob hairstyle that feels fresh and modern, there are plenty of ways to rock a short cut. Keep scrolling for a look at some of our favorite ways to embrace a bob haircut.

1. French bob

If you ask us, the French bob is everything a bob haircut should be: simultaneously unfussy and put-together. The key to this chic look lies in subtle layering that creates texture and volume without making the hair appear too choppy or shaggy. If your hair tends to fall flat by mid-day, you can also pump up the volume by working a lightweight mousse, such as the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse, throughout your hair before air-drying.

2. Shaggy bob

For a slightly edgier take on the classic bob, pair a chin-length crop with shaggy layers and face-framing curtain bangs. The layers add texture for an intentionally undone feel, while the curtain bangs provide a lived-in quality that feels a little bit rock and roll. If your hair is fine or lacks much natural texture, consider adding a texturizing paste to your routine. We love the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Overworked Hair Putty.

3. Blunt bob

The blunt bob is one of the latest bob hairstyles to go viral seemingly overnight, and it’s not hard to see why. The crisp look features straight-across ends and zero visible layering, making for a sleek, understated style that pairs as well with no-makeup makeup as it does a sultry smoky eye. Because the blunt bob is usually worn straight, you may need to enlist the help of a flat iron to achieve a sleek, frizz-free finish (be sure to protect your mane with a heat protectant, like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum, before using your hot tools). Alternatively, slick it back with the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Anti-Frizz Slick Back Hair Styling Cream for an edgy wet hair effect.

4. Curly bob

If you think that all hairstyles for a bob haircut require you to break out the flatiron, think again. Rocking a bob and showing off your natural texture is totally possible—it’s just about choosing the right cut. To ensure your curls look their best (and don’t shrink up to your ears), you’ll want to enlist the help of a seasoned curly hair specialist—they’ll be able to tailor the cut to complement your curls, ringlets, and spirals.

5. Asymmetrical bob

If you’re looking for a unique way to rock shorter hair, try an asymmetrical bob. This playful cut involves cutting the hair on a slight angle, so the pieces in front end up shorter than those in the back. The longer face-framing pieces make the cut feel more like a lob, while the shorter lengths in the back keep things easy and low-maintenance. Styling a bob haircut like this one is also super simple—just smooth your strands with a flat iron and mist your mane with a shine-enhancing leave-in (we love the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic + Gloss High Shine Leave-In Serum) for a sleek, glossy look.

6. Fringed bob

​​

When it comes to bob hair, fashion-forward looks like the fringed bob will never go out of style. Pairing your chin-length cut with bangs adds visual interest, movement, and shape to your cropped cut. Opt for straight-across fringe for a modern, avant-garde look, or try soft curtain bangs if you’d like something a little bit more laid-back.

7. Wavy bob

While the 2010s favored the lob, current bob hairstyle trends tend to be a bit shorter—think chin-length to a few inches above the collarbones. While it may seem that rocking such a short cut would mean giving up on texture, that’s definitely not the case. In fact, a mid-length bob pairs perfectly with soft, lived-in waves, as seen here. To keep your waves looking sleek, prep your hair with a nourishing leave-in treatment, such as the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture 21-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner. Then, once your hair is dry, wrap one-inch sections around a curling iron, alternating the direction to create loose, natural-looking waves. If you need help getting your style to hold, lightly mist your mane with the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray before heading out for the day.

How To Choose the Right Bob Haircut for You

It goes without saying that you should always feel free to wear your hair however you like. With that being said, selecting your hairstyle based on your hair type, face shape, and maintenance preferences can help ensure you find your perfect match.

1. Consider your hair type and texture

Generally speaking, blunt bobs are best for those with thinner hair, as the straight-across cut can create the illusion of density and thickness. If your hair is on the thicker or more textured side, you may want to consider getting a layered bob—the layers can help prevent your hair from looking too bulky. Layered bobs are also a great option for those with waves or curls, as the layers can help accentuate your natural texture. If you’re unsure whether you’d benefit more from a blunt bob haircut or a layered style, ask your stylist—they should be able to steer you in the right direction.

2. Assess your face shape

There aren’t any hard-and-fast rules when it comes to choosing the right hairstyle for your face shape, but there are some helpful tips you may want to consider. Typically, you’ll want to select a hairstyle that harmonizes with your natural features. If you have a round face, for example, longer bobs that draw the eye downward can help create a more balanced silhouette. Those with angular faces tend to look great with rounded bobs, as the curved edges help soften sharper features. Fringe—be it blunt or side-swept—is a particularly flattering option for those with longer faces. Again, if you’re not sure which style is right for you, consult your stylist.

3. Maintenance preferences

While bobs are relatively low-maintenance on a daily basis, they do require regular upkeep to maintain their shape and short length. Blunt bobs tend to be the most high-maintenance, requiring trims every couple of weeks to maintain their precise, defined shape. If you’re not willing to hit the salon that frequently, opt for a longer layered bob instead. The layers allow for a more effortless grow-out from a short cut to a longer lob.

How To Style a Bob: Tips, Tricks, and Must-Have Products

As you can likely guess, how you’ll style your bob depends heavily on what type of bob haircut you decide on—some are suitable for wash-and-go looks, while others require a little extra help in the styling department. That said, there are a few essential hair products for bob hairstyles that we’d recommend keeping on hand.

A quality heat protectant is a must if you plan on heat-styling your hair, as it can help shield your strands from unnecessary dryness and damage. We also recommend arming yourself with a texturizing spray and hairspray to keep voluminous styles intact. And don’t forget dry shampoo—a quick misting at the roots can help disguise oiliness and give your hair a volume boost on busy mornings. As for tools, it’s a good idea to keep a flat iron and a curling wand on hand. You can use the former to straighten your hair and create sleek, glossy looks, while the latter can be used to add texture and volume to flat strands.

If you find yourself in a hurry and don’t have time to style your hair, don’t stress—there are plenty of simple hairstyles for bob haircuts that you can turn to on busy mornings. The classic half-up pony is a great option if you want to keep your hair off your face, and it works well with shorter cuts. Want something even more low-maintenance? Try pinning your hair back with a couple of bedazzled barettes for a chic, low-effort look.

Next Up: 51 Lob Haircuts and Hairstyle Ideas for 2025

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris