Bob hairstyles are back. The style became the world's most popular haircut in 2020, with a whopping 222,580 average internet searches a month — which also makes it the most popular look in an impressive 52 countries, including the US and the UK.
Now the bold look is back again for 2021, and all our favorite celebs are jumping on the trend.
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So if you’re thinking about rocking the #1 hair trend, we’ve got all the inspo you need.
From Holly Willoughby and her fine waves, to supermodel Duckie Thot’s blunt ends – there are plenty of different variations to suit every face shape. Whether you’re looking for a bob hairstyle with a fringe, or one with layers, we’ve got you covered.
But because there’s so many styles, it makes sense that we hunted around the internet for the best old and new bob hairstyles to give you fresh new haircut ideas in seconds. So, whether you want to update your short locks, or go for the chop, we’ve got plenty of ideas to help, before you take the plunge.
Plus, every hair type is different. You might want to browse through specifically bob hairstyles with bangs — or have a gander at the best bob hairstyles for thin hair or the best bob hairstyles for thick hair. Well luckily for you, we think we’ve pretty much found them all.
What face shape suits a bob haircut?
Different bob hairstyles suit different face shapes for various reasons.
According to L’Oréal Paris celebrity hair stylist Jonathan Colombini, long bobs are great for those with a round face shape. Speaking to Byrdie, Colombini explained that this is because the style elongates round face shapes, drawing the eye longer.
Similarly, Sam Burnett, Founder and Creative Director at salon HARE&BONE told FEMAIL that a blunt chin-length bob is perfect for anyone with a diamond-shaped face — like Jennifer Lopez — as it will “add width, whilst layers to tuck behind your ears will frame your jawline and highlight cheekbones.”
How to look after a bob hairstyle
There are a couple of golden rules when it comes to maintaining your bob hairstyle.
A regular trim
Kerry Cape, hair care and colour expert at Naturtint says it is important to “have a trim every 3-6 weeks,” whilst also explaining how helpful styling mousse can be for perfecting a bob look, in an interview with Prima.
No brushing
Sapphire Lewis from Bleach London also told Stylist that avoiding a traditional hair brush and using your fingers to detangle your hair is always best. "Short hair is less likely to tangle than long hair. Brushing it through with fingers is generally enough to shape and style it a bit." But if you prefer using a brush, make sure it’s a bristle brush.
So with no further ado, whether it’s Gemma Chan’s voluminous wavy bob, or Khloe Kardashian’s shiny ‘do‘ that you’re after, get screenshotting and take one of these celeb hairstyles into your hair appointment.
Bob hairstyles: the best chic looks to inspire you
1. Kaia Gerber
2. Bella Hadid
3. Naomi Campbell
4. Allison Janney
5. Serena Williams
6. Myleene Klass
7. Patrica Bright
8. Holly Willoughby
9. Emily Atack
10. Adut Akech
11. Perrie Edwards
12. Jordyn Woods
13. Kate Middleton
14. Duckie Thot
15. Taylor Hill
16. Gemma Chan
17. Ashley Benson
18. Cardi B
19. Saoirse Ronan
20. Emma Roberts
21. Jackie Aina
22. Lucy Liu
23. Penelope Cruz
24. Fearne Cotton
25. Ciara
26. Rosamund Pike
27. Khloe Kardashian
28. Selena Gomez
Selena turns out to be a huge fan of the look, getting her hair cut again for the fall season but this time into a blunt cut bob.
@selenagomez Only Murders in the Building watch party 10/19 6:00pm PST!
♬ original sound - Selena Gomez
29. Taylor LaShae
Can you think of a bob hairstyle without thinking of Taylor? No? Us either, babe. On countless bob mood boards, Taylor's is choppy and the perfect length.
30. Ariana Grande
OMG ARIANA GRANDE pic.twitter.com/xfDCNvCcZfNovember 1, 2021
Though this was just for Halloween, Ariana made a serious case for the 60s style, blown-out bob with face-framing bangs—and doesn't she just look amazing as a blonde?
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