15 Short Bob Ideas That Highlight the Haircut’s Versatility

There’s a reason the short bob keeps coming back again and again, according to experts. “Bobs are one of those hairstyles that are truly timeless,” says hairstylist and salon founder Temur Hamilton. “They never really go out of style. The shorter take feels very chic and fresh right now, especially as we look ahead to warmer spring and summer months.”

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Sassoon Bob

Vidal Sassoon is credited with reinventing the bob in the 1960s, and Lily Collins’s short bob has all the essence of the iconic cut. “Straight hair is perfect for the classic Sassoon bob,” McMahon says. “It gives the illusion of fuller, thicker hair. This bob is cut blunt, without any layers. Short hair used to be scary, but the rise of the influencers and TikTok has massively changed knowledge on how to style shorter haircuts.”

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Air Dry

It doesn’t get any lower-maintenance than air-drying, so ask for a cut like Cara Delevingne’s that works with natural texture. “A perfectly cut bob will look best when left to air dry to allow natural movement,” McMahon says. “Smoothing over top layers or any textured layers around the face will always give a more polished finish.”

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Half-Up

“Short bobs are way more versatile than people think,” Bataille says. “A mini ponytail or half-up bun is a fun way to switch it up.” For one simple yet standout option, try a half-up, half-down look, as Khloé Kardashian does here.

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Sleek and Straight

“Straight hair naturally brings out the best in blunt, angular and geometric bobs, which are all very structured and clean,” Hamilton says. “It complements the sleekness and edginess of these cuts. Someone with flatter straight hair may want to opt for a layered bob to bring some volume and dimension to the style.”

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Italian Bob

“There are so many variations of the bob that are trending right now,” Bataille says. “The Italian bob, which is slightly longer with soft volume, has that effortlessly glamorous, European feel.” The style he created for Stephanie Beatriz, shown above, is a stunning example.

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Wavy Lob

“Wavy hair is going to suit more of a lob with internal texture,” McMahon says. “This has a bit more length, allowing the waves to really show off and shine. These bobs are best air-dried to really show off the cut and bring out the waves. The key to bringing out waves is hydration, as that encourages the curls to style more defined and smooth.”

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Blunt and Flipped

“For straight hair, a blunt bob is the way to go,” Bataille says. “The clean, sharp lines enhance the sleekness of straight strands, creating a super polished and modern look. A chin-length or just-below-the-jaw bob works best for adding definition without losing too much length. To keep it looking smooth and glossy, I recommend using a blow dry cream to fight frizz and keep hair sleek all day.” Add a little kick by flipping the ends like Halle Berry.

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Coily Bob

“For coily textures, a sculpted bob with rounded shaping or an Afro-inspired bob is a beautiful choice,” Bataille says. “The goal is to enhance the natural volume while shaping the silhouette. Coily hair thrives with moisture, so products that lock in hydration and define the shape are key.”

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Personal Touch

When opting for a short bob, it’s crucial to get one that suits you specifically, as Hilary Duff’s does here. “It comes down to face shape and lifestyle, rather than actual hair types,” McMahon says. “Consider how much time you have in the mornings to recreate the look, and make sure you get the perfect length for your features.”

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Touch of Texture

“Wavy hair types can pull off any style of bob well, as the natural texture adds movement and volume to the cut,” Temur says. “I particularly like shaggy, layered and French bobs with wavy hair, as these styles play well with the texture.”

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Deep Side Part

Sorry, Gen-Z: Claire Danes proves side parts can steal the show. “Sleek styles are always a go-to, whether it’s a deep side part tucked behind the ear or a slicked-back look for that high-shine, polished finish,” Bataille says.

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Cut Above

Remember, jaw-length bobs require regular salon visits to maintain the haircut’s shape. “Bobs are a fairly high-maintenance hairstyle in terms of upkeep,” Temur says. “You need to trim it at least every six weeks; otherwise, it will begin to lose its shape and look flat.”

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Pumped-Up Volume

“Someone with flatter, straight hair may want to opt for a layered bob to bring some volume and dimension,” Temur says. Sarah Hyland really pumps up the volume with this style.

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Wavy Bob

Here, Priyanka Chopra shows off stunning lived-in texture. “A tousled, textured bob or a slightly longer lob works beautifully for wavy hair,” Bataille says. “The natural movement of waves adds softness and dimension, making the cut look effortless. Layers help enhance the texture, so it doesn’t feel too heavy. For styling, use mousse to add volume while defining the waves, giving that effortless French girl vibe.”

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Undone Bob

“What makes the short bob timeless is its versatility—whether it’s sleek and structured or soft and textured, there’s always a version of the bob that feels relevant,” Bataille says. To make Mena Suvari’s bob a little edgy, he tousled a few pieces.