A bob is a short to medium haircut where the hair is cut around the head at one main length, usually somewhere between the ears and the shoulders. Here's what sets it apart, who it suits, what to ask your stylist for and how to style it.
Bob haircut at a glance
- Length: Ear to collarbone
- Shape: One main length; blunt, layered or angled
- Maintenance: Medium
- Trim every: 6 to 8 weeks
What makes it different
It's one of the most adaptable haircuts: blunt or layered, with or without bangs, sleek or textured. The length and the line of the cut change the whole effect.
Who it suits
There's a bob for every face shape. Chin length suits oval and heart faces; a longer bob suits round and square faces; a bob with bangs shortens a long face. Fine hair looks thicker in a blunt bob, and thick hair needs layers or internal thinning.
Not sure about your face shape? Find it with the free face shape detector, or read our guide to face shapes.
How to ask your stylist for a bob haircut
- Say exactly where the length should fall: lip, chin, neck or collarbone.
- Say blunt or layered, and level or angled toward the front.
- Say whether you want bangs.
- Bring a photo. Stylists use these names differently, and a picture removes the guesswork.
How to style it
Blow dry smooth with a paddle brush, or add a bend with a flat iron for texture.
Variations
- Blunt bob: one length, no layers.
- French bob: short, at the jaw, usually with bangs.
- Italian bob: a little longer and fuller.
- Lob: a long bob at the collarbone.
- Layered bob: layers for movement and volume.
- Inverted bob: shorter at the back, longer at the front.
- Asymmetrical bob: one side longer.
- Curly bob: shaped for curls.
Try it before you cut
A haircut takes months to grow out. Upload a selfie to the AI hairstyle changer and see a bob haircut on your own face, next to up to three other styles.
Related haircuts
- Blunt bob
- French bob
- Italian bob
- Lob haircut
- Layered bob
- Inverted bob
- Asymmetrical bob
- Curly bob
- All women's haircuts
FAQ
What is a bob haircut?
A bob is a short to medium haircut where the hair is cut around the head at one main length, usually somewhere between the ears and the shoulders.
Who suits a bob haircut?
There's a bob for every face shape. Chin length suits oval and heart faces; a longer bob suits round and square faces; a bob with bangs shortens a long face.
How often does it need a trim?
About every 6 to 8 weeks.
