My hair has recently reached that awkward in-between length: It’s no longer the mid-length lob that I visited the hairdressers for last year, but it can’t quite be considered a long hairstyle yet. Instead, it’s sitting rather uninspiringly on my shoulders causing me to seriously consider going for the chop. I’ve experimented with shorter hairstyles over the years but have never taken the plunge into a full-on bob.
However, with my Instagram Saved folder full of some of this year’s biggest hair trends, I have to admit that I’m seriously tempted to forgo my lengths in favour of something shorter, choppier and infinitely cooler. And a quick look online confirmed so many celebrities, from Kourtney Kardashian to Lily James, have undergone major short-hair transformations over the last couple of years, and their styles look seriously amazing.
So much so that the idea of going for a bob has never been more appealing. If you’re unsure what style of bob might suit you best, Adam Reed, hairstylist and ambassador for L’Oréal Professionnel explains, “When styling for round face shapes, we will normally look to elongate the face by adding in side-swept bangs, volume at the crown or even changing the parting to ensure there are clear angles in the look. Square face shapes, on the other hand, should avoid a sharp or blunt bob and instead look to soft layers that will elongate the face shape.” Whatever your face shape, there’s a bob style out there for you.
To prove it, we’ve rounded up 43 celebrities and fashion people who are stepping out in the best bob hairstyles right now. Trust me—these are the looks to copy if you’re considering going for the chop.
1. Italian Bob
(Image credit: GETTY)
When Zendaya stepped out with this Italian Bob cut, we immediately took notice. The longer length is ideal if you want to keep some length and volume.
2. Short Bob
Grece Ghanem has opted for a jaw-skimming bob that perfectly complements her beautiful silver shade.
3. Choppy Bob
Hailey Bieber’s iconic bob has a choppy edge which adds a sense of movement and keeps it looking fresh.
4. Wavy Bob
Aïda has got the cool-girl summer wave down to a T. Just add a white dress and straw hat.
5. Side-Part Bob
Ambrosia is giving us all the summer bob vibes with her stunning chop and dramatic side part.
6. Blunt Bob
Lily James’s blunt blonde bob is one of my favourite celebrity hair transformations of all time.
7. Sleek Bob
Miss Enocha makes a very good case for a ’20s-style bob plus sleek styling.
8. Fringed Bob
Carey is serving up a triple dose of hair inspiration here with her perfect-length bob, that choppy fringe and her beachy waves.
9. Retro Bob
For a retro finish, make like Chloe Miles and add a fringe to your bob hairstyle.
10. Beehive Bob
It’s not just the fashion that it’s worth looking to the ‘60s for; it’s the beauty, too. Laura Harrier’s beehive-inspired bob is created by adding plenty of volume at the back of the style and keeping things sleek at the front.
11. Loose Wavy Bob
A wavy bob in a vibrant shade of creamy blonde is never a bad idea.
12. French Bob
Kaia Gerber’s side parting and tousled waves lend her bob hairstyle some serious French-girl vibes.
13. Textured Bob
I think that Fearne’s new short hair looks amazing. Use a texture spray through the ends to give your cut a similarly choppy feel.
14. Micro Bob
Lily Allen’s micro-bob makes every outfit look like that little bit cooler thanks to how chic it is.
15. Classic Bob
(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)
The queen of the bob, Anna Wintour has a classic chin-length hairstyle that is totally timeless. Pair it with a blunt, full fringe for extra power points.
16. Long Bob
(Image credit: Getty Images)
It’s not just Rachel Stevens’s style that we’ve unexpectedly found ourselves wanting to copy; it’s her hair, too. Stevens opts for tonged curls to style her long bob for a polished finish.
17. Curly Bob
Headband + natural curls = the cutest combination, as worn by Sade.
18. Chic Bob
Supermodel Bella looks great with this chic retro-inspired bob as her hairstyle of choice.
19. Off-Duty Bob
If I could achieve even a fraction of the shine coming off Dua Lipa’s off-duty bob, then I’d be one happy beauty editor.
20. Feathered Micro Bob
María’s micro bob isn’t for the fainthearted, but it looks so damn amazing with her feathered fringe.
21. Low-Maintenance Bob
Take a low-maintenance approach to bobs by leaving yours to air-dry as Tanya Burr did with her blonde one.
22. Paprika Bob
Freddie’s paprika-hued bob (it’s going to be one of this season’s hottest hair colours, FYI) is perfect for a hair refresh.
23. Elegant Bob
Hair clips + side parting = the most elegant bob I ever did see. Thanks for the inspo, Kerry.
24. Angled Bob
I’m totally obsessed with Jourdan’s chin-length, angled ‘do. She might have persuaded me to wave goodbye to my trademark bangs.
25. Shoulder-Length Bob
Think of ASOS Lotte’s long bob as the perfect entry point to the hairstyle.
26. Sharp Bob
Tessa Thompson’s razor-sharp ends are so cool.
27. Glossy Bob
Not only do I love the cut of Charlize’s style here, but I’m head over heels for that glossy, chocolate-brown colour.
28. Grown-Out Bob
Lizzy Hadfield’s bob is proof that even when you decide to grow out your short hair, it can still look chic.
29. Tucked-Back Bob
Stylists advise using a hair straightener to re-create the cool, relaxed L.A. waves that Emma Roberts is modelling here with her tucked-back bob.
30. Wet-Look Bob
Ciara’s wet-look, side-swept bob demonstrates the perfect way to give a standard blunt bob an edgier finish.
31. Glamorous Bob
A dramatic side sweep and retro waves deliver red carpet glamour in abundance for Lucy Boynton.
32. Side-Swept Bob
Let’s be honest: Margot Robbie‘s hair always looks amazing, but I have a soft spot for this sharp, side-swept bob that she wore to the Oscars last year.
33. Braided Bob
Long, waist-length braids might be totally dreamy, but this bobbed style is serving serious inspo, too.
34. A-Line Bob
If I were going to take the plunge for any bob, then it would most likely be a low-maintenance wavy style like Alyssa’s A-line bob.
35. Voluminous Bob
Kim’s tucked-under, voluminous bob gives off some serious retro vibes, and we’re kind of in love.
36. Crimped Bob
Jodie Turner-Smith’s hair game never fails to floor us, but this cropped bob styled into wavy crimps is one of our all-time favourites.
37. Shaggy Bob
If you ask us, Amy has one of the best bobs on Instagram. It’s a cropped, French style with a shaggy fringe that oozes laid-back cool.
38. Cropped Bob
Franny’s thick, cropped bob complete with a cropped fringe is the perfect formula for French-girl chic.
39. Noughties Bob
You didn’t think we’d have a bob roundup without this iconic style, did you? Alexa Chung’s shoulder-length, tousled bob has become one of the most famous around (and for good reason).
40. Layered Bob
The Kardashians are pretty synonymous with ultra-long hair, but I’m totally obsessed with Kourtney’s choppier, layered bob.
41. Elegant Bob
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Kiera’s heart-shaped face is an ideal match for this elegant bob style.
42. Relaxed Bob
We just love Estée’s shoulder-length bob and middle-parting. Relaxed, cool and effortlessly chic!
43. Copper Bob
The copper hair trend isn’t going anywhere and Jazmine Rogers proves that this vibrant colour looks so cool with a curly bob cut.
Shop Our Favourite Products for Bob Maintenance:
Hair by Sam McKnight
Cool Girl Barely There Texture Mist
An essential if you want to add a bit of texture to your look.
Fable & Mane
Smooth & Shine Hair Oirl
Run through your lengths for a gorgeous shine.
Davines
This Is a Medium Hold Hairspray
Davines hairspray is one of my favourites.
Color Wow
One Minute Transformation
The avocado oil and omega-3 hydrate and nourish the hair.
Dyson
Supersonic Hair Dryer With Complimentary Gift Case, Blue Blush
The perfect way to add volume and shape to your hair.
Christophe Robin
Purifying Mask With Thermal Mud
To keep lift in your roots (and prevent product buildup), exfoliate your scalp once a week.
Larry King
Flyaway With Me Kit
I always finish my look off by taming any flyaways.
If you prefer a low-maintenance approach to styling then this air-dry foam will enhance your natural texture while conditioning strands for an effortlessly chic bob.
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.