Tempted by bob hairstyles? Although there’s a lot to consider — face shape, whether or not you have thick or thin hair (opens in new tab), styling capabilities, desired style — one thing’s for sure: they’ll never go out of style and that’s pretty much fact. There are so many variations of the cut to choose from that it’s virtually impossible not to find one you’ll suit.
There’s the classic chin skimming bob of course, but also more modern iterations such as the lob – a slightly longer, grown out bob – and the current A-lister favourite, the wob; a tousled, wavy bob with a laid-back, bohemian feel.
And the good news is that if you need a visual representation of these choppy styles, there’s a whole host of A-listers in the celeb-sphere with great bobs to choose from. Whether you’re more of a Chrissy Teigen wavy lob, a Jenna Dewan layered cut or a blunt-edged Rihanna bob, there’s plenty to choose from in our hair archives. The world’s your oyster here.
Now’s as good a time as any to change up your look, so keep reading for the best bob hairstyles this year has to offer. Tempted much?
1. Choppy waved bob
(Image credit: Getty / Steve Granitz / Contributor)
A bob cut above the chin might feel super short, but it looks incredible on so many people. And hey, think of all the time you’ll save drying it.
2. Wispy bob
(Image credit: Getty / Allen Berezovsky / Contributor)
Rihanna’s wispy bob and fringe style might’ve been debuted back in 2016 but we still love just as much to this day.
3. Wavy lob
(Image credit: Getty / Steve Granitz / Contributor)
Probably the go-to hairstyle of the decade is the lob, aka long bob, popularised by many a celebrity over the last few years. Whether you like a curly lob or tousled, mid-length waves, this is probably the most versatile hairstyle you can go for.
4. Braided bob
(Image credit: Getty / Leon Bennett / Stringer)
Marsai Martin gives us a lesson in how to create a middle part blunt braided bob.
5. Lob with side-swept fringe
(Image credit: Getty / Steve Granitz / Contributor)
Even more dramatic than chopping off all your hair is chopping off all your hair AND having a fringe cut in, all at once. Whether you prefer a blunt full fringe or sweeping side bangs, your hairdresser will help you choose the right one to suit your face shape.
6. Blunt asymmetical bob
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Want a dramatic ‘do that makes an impact? A poker straight asymmetric bob ticks all the boxes.
7. Dramatic blunt bob
(Image credit: Getty / Frazer Harrison / Staff)
Allow Kerry Washington to convince you to try a blunt bob with a micro fringe. It’s sure to turn heads and get compliments.
8. Wet-look bob
(Image credit: Getty / Jon Kopaloff / Stringer)
Charlize Theron has tried so many bobs on the red carpet, but this 2021 bob has to be up there with our favourites — tousled and slightly wet look.
9. Coiffed asymmetric lob
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Margot’s coiffed, asymmetric long bob is the epitome of chic.
10. Poker straight bob
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Usually known for her seriously long locks, Naomi Campbell has proved that just about any hairstyle will suit her, including this poker straight lob.
11. Curly bob
(Image credit: Getty / Emma McIntyre / Staff)
Yara Shahidi wore her curly hair with blunt cut ends and a slightly wispy fringe.
12. Half-up bob
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Emilia Clarke’s look is a perfect example of how to style the half-up do with a bob.
13. Messy-chic bob
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Take your cue from the original queen of the bob and go for a centre parting and a subtle side fringing.
14. Side part Hollywood bob
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Jenna Dewan has one of the most iconic bobs of the decade, whether it’s tousled waves or sleek and coiffed as seen here.
15. Vintage-style bob
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She may have grown it out now, but Lily Collins had one of the best bob hairstyles we’ve ever seen. Although she usually styles it wavy, we also love this vintage vibe.
Get the look:
BaByliss 9000 Cordless Hair Straightener
Get a super sleek finish with these BaByliss cordless straighteners that’ll glide through your ends with ease.
JVN Hair Complete Air Dry Cream
If you want an easy lived-in bob hairstyle without the faff of actually trying to style your hair, JVN’s Air Dry Cream does all the work for you whilst your hair dries.
Amika Curl Corps works hard to define curls and add bounce.
Living Proof 5-in-1 Styling Treatment
This all-in-one wonder will condition, smooth and add shine to your mid-lengths and ends.