Short Bob Hairstyles – Chic, Dazzling and Fresh

by John Griffith
Advertisement

Good news for everyone who likes bob hairstyles – they are coming back in a big way! Very short or mid-length, straight or curly – bobs will be everywhere you look this year. Their many variations make them a hit with ladies of all ages, and they look great in every color. In this article, we will show you a selection of the most popular styles at the moment. Our suggestions range from the elegant, vintage and romantic, to the bohemian and rebellious, so you are sure to find your perfect look here!

But before we get started, let’s answer an important question: what exactly are bob hairstyles?

In the past, women were expected to have lush flowing tresses and short hairstyles were considered unfeminine and distasteful. This changed in the first years of 1900 when a number of brave young women began cutting their hair in order to rebel against society’s rigid gender roles. Gradually, this small act of defiance grew into a global trend, and the bob mania was born. Short hair was much lighter and easier to care for, and quickly became a symbol of modernity and freedom. Traditionally, bobs are cut at jaw level, however, in some cases, they can reach chin or shoulder length.

This romantic, wavy look is one of our favorite bob hairstyles.

bob hairstyles, brunette woman with short wavy hair, white semi-sheer top, and natural-looking make up

What are some important things to consider before getting your hair bobbed?

Think carefully before making the decision! Although it’s true that hair grows back, some people end up regretting cutting off their long locks. Remember that shorter styles are less taxing to your scalp and help your hair get stronger and healthier!

Once you are absolutely sure that you’d like to get your hair bobbed, it’s time to decide what style to choose. Luckily, there are suitable bobs for every face shape. Shoulder-length styles with gentle waves look great on round faces, especially when parted in the middle. Ladies with longer faces can opt for a bob with bangs, while those who have a square-shaped visage will look great with short, asymmetrical hair. Blunt bob hairstyles are great for both heart-shaped and oval faces, as are voluminous cuts with a side parting, featuring waves or curls.

Beautiful and feminine, side-parted bob hairstyles with curls are timeless and chic

lily collins with chin-length wavy brunette hair, white sweater with black print, bob hairstyles

What kinds of bobs are there?

Bob hairstyles have numerous varieties. The asymmetrical style is particularly popular at the moment. It can be spotted on trend-setting celebrities like Rihanna and features hair that is slightly longer on one side, or longer at the front and shorter at the back. This look is perfect for ladies who want to underline their rebellious streak. Those who want to look professional, on the other hand, should opt for a blunt bob. Straight and sharply cropped, this style embodies strength and precision and can be worn with or without bangs. Curly bobs are ideal for romantic souls inspired by vintage beauty. Whimsical and sweet, they are the perfect embodiment of feminine charm with a playful, flirty twist.

Emma Watson looks dazzling in a retro-inspired, voluminous bob

smiling emma watson, in black and white photo, with short voluminous hair, bob hairstyles, wearing black strappy top

Once you choose a bob that’s right for you, it’s time to think whether you’d like to add a splash of color. Short styles make dying your hair a lot easier, so you can experiment with some bold and refreshing hues! Platinum blonde, pink, grey, white and teal and violet are currently very popular. The more adventurous can even opt for a multicolored do, with highlights or an ombre effect.

A gorgeous example of a side-swept asymmetrical bob with blond highlights

brunette woman with short, asymetrical wavy hair, longer on one side, with blond highlights, wearing pale denim shirt, bob hairstyles

Don’t be afraid to experiment and add a bold splash of color

close up of woman, with dark short hair and pale pink highlights,bob hairstyles, bright red lipstick and bangs

Glamorous layered style with a bohemian twist

woman with shaggy bob and bangs, wearing black dress with beads, bob hairstyles, strong black mascara, and pale pink lipstick

Smooth straight bob with perfectly cropped bangs. Why not?

dark smooth and straight hair, with even bangs, worn by woman with hazel eyes, and vivid red lipstick

Shaggy bobs look natural and cute on any face shape

mischa barton with dark blond, wavy middle-parted bob haircut, wearing light grey, cable knit sweater

This platinum blonde bob and its bold, thick fringe will get you noticed

bob haircut on platinum blonde hair, with long thick bangs, worn by woman in grey top

We love this sweet, voluminous style

black sleeveless top, dark denim jeans, worn by young woman, with dark brunette, side-parted voluminous bob haircut

short hair colored in pink and pale orange, bob haircut, worn by woman in black strappy top

short side-parted hair, with blonde strands and dark roots, bob haircut worn by woman in black tank top

Alexa Chung looks great with a dynamic, layered bob

alexa chung wearing black shirt, with golden palms pattern, hair styled in messy bob haircut, with wavy ends

brunette woman with short bob haircut, wearing black midi dress, and beige sandals, and sitting on a bench

Straight, sharp and choppy – Hayden Panettiere’s bob perfectly frames her delicate features

hayden panettiere with chopped blonde hair, strapless top and bright red lipstick, short bob haircuts

short bob haircuts, slim woman in white tank top, wearing messy dark hair with shaggy bangs

Paramore’s Hayley Williams loves to experiment with her hair. Here she’s rocking a gorgeous, asymmetrical platinum blonde bob

wayley williams sporting short platinum blond hair, with side parting, short bob haircuts, dark orange cable knit cardigan, and stripy top

messy and wavy dark brunette hair, with dark blond highlights, short bob haircuts, worn by woman in striped top

blonde woman with wavy hair, short bob haircuts, bold black eye make up, dark pink lipstick

How cool is this salt-and-pepper colored style and its messy bun?

cropped dark hair, partially dyed white, top section tied in messy bun, short bob haircuts, worn by smiling woman, in dark blue sweater

messy curly hair, dark blonde with lighter highlights, short bob haircuts, worn by woman in white tank top

short bob, partially tied in a small bun at the back, worn by smiling young woman, wearing black t-shirt

kaley cuoco with a super short bob, side-parted and dyed blonde, with dark roots, wearing white tank top

The graceful and stylish Keira Knightley sports a short wavy bob, which gently softens her features

keira knightley with dark brunette, wavy short bob, and side parting, wearing nude-colored lace shirt

karlie kloss with curly, copper colored short bob, and side bangs, wearing white meshy top

kirsten dunst with blonde, wavy short bob, wearing black sleeveless glittery top

lea seydoux with white cable knit sweater, vivid red lipstick, and wavy blonde short bob, parted in the middle

Lily Allen has always favored hairstyles that make her stand out from the crowd. We adore this striking pastel pink bob!

lily allen sporting pastel pink, short bob with bangs, in a dark denim shirt and shorts

short bob hairstyles, brunette woman with side-parted cropped hair, one strand tucked behind her ear

black layered hair, worn by woman with dark red lipstick, short bob hairstyles

Wavy asymmetrical bob with side bangs – a great choice for any face shape

asymmetrical wavy hair, dyed platinum blonde, longer on one side, with side bangs and dark roots, worn by smiling woman, in pale green jacket, short bob hairstyles

marion cotillard, in black open back dress, looking over her shoulder, with curly side-parted brunette hair, short bob hairstyles

layered hairstyle on dark brunette hair, with blonde strands, worn by woman in white top, with large earrings, short bob hairstyles, seen from four different angles

Victoria Beckham with her iconic cropped bob

victoria beckham wearing white sleeveless top, with chopped straight hair, longer at the front and shorter at the back, short bob hairstyles

smiling willa holland, wearing white halter neck top, and red lipstick, side parted wavy hair, short bob hairstyles

woman with red lipstick and big smile, wearing a black shirt with polka dots, and several pieces of jewelry, black side parted pageboy haircut

Looking for an eye-catching look with a punk rock vibe? Why not opt for bright neon highlights?

woman in black shirt, wearing purple lipstick and nail polish, with blonde bobbed hair, decorated with two neon yellow strands

smiling reese witherspoon, wearing striped top, nude lipstick and dark mascara, with blonde shoulder length bob and bangs

smiling brunette woman, wearing dark grey top, side parted hair, shaped in pageboy haircut

Beyonce’s curly bob is on fleek

shoulder length bob, with blonde curly tips, and dark roots, worn by beyonce, smiling in a white lace dress

salt-and-pepper dyed hair, shaped in a shoulder length bob, worn by woman with bold black mascara, in grey sleeveless top

woman with pink pageboy haircut with bangs, wearing a pale grey sweater, and high-waisted retro jeans, hiding her face with one hand

Voluminous, colorful, fun – the perfect bob!

dark brunette hair, with orange colored hghlights, worn by woman in dark green top, pageboy haircut

smiling woman with nude colored lipstick, and black eyeliner and mascara, wearing side-swept blond bob, with dark roots

taylor swift wearing a pageboy haircut with bangs, coral red strapless top, bright red lipstick, collar necklace encrusted with gems

emma stone with a copper colored shaggy bob, and side bangs, wearing a top with green straps

Rihanna’s hair always looks amazing, but this slick asymmetrical bob is truly unforgettable!

black and straight, asymmetrical shoulder length bob, worn by rihanna, in a white sleeveless top, with red and purple details

black and white photo of sienna miller, sitting on a table, wearing white pants with black stripes, black lace short-sleeved shirt, and a side parted, blonde wavy bob

brunette woman with shoulder length bob, dark brunette hair with hazel highlights, brown eyes with black smokey make up

smooth and straight bob, slightly asymmetrical and with a side parting, worn by brunette actress, in a multicolored top

Cara Delevingne sporting a gorgeous side-braided platinum blonde bob 

cara delevigne with platinum blonde, shoulder length bob, side-parted and braided on one side, wearing a black and white striped blazer, and black top

nicole gale anderson, wearing white top, decorated with silver stones and a cutout detail, with brunette and dark blond, ombre-effect pageboy haircut

scarlett johansson in dark red sleeveless lace top, with blonde curly, shoulder length bob, seen from two angles

pageboy haircut with side-parting, worn by smiling blonde woman, dressed in white cardigan

John Griffith

John Griffith is a young, passionate journalist. Writing has been John’s hobby ever since he was a boy. He has worked in some of the UK’s most successful news portals over the course of his professional career but found his forever home at Archzine.