This cut never goes out of fashion.
Trends come and go, but there’s always something to be said for the short bob. Dress it up with fringe, texturize it with layers, or streamline it with blunt ends. It’s a classic hairstyle with a lot of wiggle room. Whether you’re currently rocking a long bob or waist-long locks, these short bob haircuts will freshen your look by taking it up a few or more inches.
Read on for the best short bob hairstyles that cover every hair whim, from angled to shaggy, and have us fully ready to make the big chop . Bring in these inspirational shots and your stylist won’t think you’re crazy for asking.
Table of Contents

Soft Shaggy Bob

Bored? That’s nothing a little fringe can’t fix. This shaggy bob by Nova Arts Salon owner, Sal Salcedo , is a softer, modern rendition of a classic cool-girl cut.
Big Southern Bob

We like our hair pumped up to the sky—and a short-length haircut that’s packed with layers will definitely do the trick. A dramatic side part gives this style more flair.
Rounded Bob

Frame the face in the most flattering way with a chin-length bob that curves ever so slightly under. Use a round brush to curl the ends.
Face-Framing Flip

There’s nothing boring about this bob. The cut, courtesy Texas-based stylist Chris Jones , is all about texture and letting those flippy ends run wild.
To achieve a beachy, undone look, use a 1 1/4-inch flat iron and alternate the direction of your curls, making sure to leave your ends out.
Blunt Collarbone Bob

If you’re scared to go all the way up to the chin, ask for a flattering cut that lands just above the collarbone. Blunt ends make it ultra-chic.
Vintage Wave Bob

You won’t find a more classy dip into the bob pool than this retro-inspired chin bob by stylist Natalie Anne . This look transitions seamlessly from daytime to a dressy evening.
Angled Bob

Why go all one length when you can make it even more exciting with an angled cut? Ask for shorter length in the back and longer in the front—without stacking the back layers too much.
Glass Hair

Glass hair, the trend that never goes out of style, is all about razor-sharp edges and insane shine. It skims those cheekbones like nobody’s business.
Blunt Ombré Bob

Thick hair can make an even bigger statement with a blunt cut that hits just below the chin. Feel free to add face-framing layers.
Curtain Bang Bob

Curtain bangs are the retro trend we’ll never get tired of. This shaggy short bob is so stylish with the addition of razored curtain bangs.
Razor Sharp Bob

We can’t get enough of this super sleek, glassy bob that hits just below the chin. This cut works well for those with naturally straight hair.
Curly Bob

Let the curls do the talking. This side-swept layered bob is perfect for tossing those ringlets to and fro.
Fringed Chin Bob

Even if you’re already rocking a bob haircut, you can make it feel brand-new with a cool pair of wispy bangs. Restlessness cured!
Curtain Fringed Bob

Fringe is forever . These cheekbone-grazing bangs wane in and out of fashion, but never fail to give a stylish twist to any cut.
Soft Retro Bob

Go back a few decades (or more than a few) with this 1920s-inspired bob that has us ready to go to the speakeasy.
Layered Curly Bob

A short length really lets curls live their best life, hm? Ask for all the layers to give your bob some lift.
Subtle A-Line

If this cut could talk, it would say something short and sassy. The layered bob is slightly shorter in the back, giving it the perfect subtle twist on a classic bob length.
Textured Bob

Maybe it’s the cool platinum color, maybe it’s those trendy bangs. This texture-packed bob by stylist Buddy Porter is definitely speaking to us.
Slightly Stacked Bob

To get extra volume on the backside of your hair, ask for slightly stacked layers. It transforms any super flat bob instantly.
Graduated Curly Bob

This bob feels like a subtle walk on the wild side. The graduated layers really amp up the volume and movement, giving wavy locks room to shine, courtesy stylist Anh Co Tran .
Subtly Stacked Bob

You can get more body and volume with a stacked cut, but if you’re unsure if you want to fully commit, you can ask for ever-so-slightly stacked layers to start.
Deep Side Chin Bob

This might be the sassiest bob of the year. Get all the texture and volume with a super deep side part and beach waves.
No-Fuss Bob

Sometimes it’s best to just keep things simple with a classic above-shoulder bob you can wash and wear without any hassle.
Chin-Grazing Bob

It’s slightly graduated in the back, fully flattering around the face. This chin-length bob is anything but blunt, going with some layered face-framing instead.
Ultra-Layered Soft Bob

Layers on layers is the name of the game when it comes to cutting a short curly haircut. Add some piecey bangs for added oomph.
Modern Bob

This bob looks like it has Miranda Priestley on speed dial. Stylist Sal Salcedo dubbed it his “Sci-Fi” bob, but to us that easily translates to “urban-chic.”
Wispy Fringed Bob

These coils were ready and waiting on wispy bangs, and the bounce and face-framing appeal doesn’t disappoint.
Angled Transition

If you’re on the fence about making the big chop, this angled approach gives you the best of both worlds with its short, stacked backside and longer face-framing front.
Layered Fringed Curls

Make sure to add layers to a curly short bob, and you’re set up for success. You can go even further with bangs, from wispy to blunt.
Blunt Below-Chin Bob

Blunt is the new black. This short bob hits all the right notes: thick blunt ends, flippy texture, and a flattering below-chin length.
Retro Curtained Bob

This short bob is practically begging for a set of hot rollers to master big, voluminous curls. Ask for slightly shorter layers around the face.
Relaxed Layered Bob

For those who prefer a low-maintenance cut, this textured chin bob is easy to style and wear. Ask for face-framing layers and highlights for a flattering finish.
Ear-Length Bob

An ear-length bob has an extra lift that’s cool in summer and gorgeous year-round. Your favorite jewelry and accessories will utterly shine with this short cut.
Side-Swept Bob

A sweeping side part adds even more volume to a bob. It’s also very flattering on round and heart-shaped faces .
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are bobs still in style? Yes, bob haircuts are still very popular today. They are versatile, allowing for styles that are blunt, angled, stacked, textured, or sleek, and they tap into our love for retro hairstyles.
- What is a cropped bob? A cropped bob is a chin-length cut that’s intentionally imperfect. It’s often left at one length but can include bangs for a fun twist.
- What is a short choppy bob? A short choppy bob falls between ear length and just below the chin. It features slightly shaggy, uneven layers, giving it an edgy look. More on short choppy bob .
- Will a bob make you look younger? Yes, a bob can lend a self-assured and youthful appearance. It enhances your best features and can add volume, especially to thinner hair.
- Should a bob have layers? Yes, adding layers is key to shaping and lightening a bob, especially if you have thick hair or want more volume.
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