Bob Hairstyles

The bob should end where you want to draw attention. Chin-length highlights your jawline; collarbone-length emphasizes your neck and shoulders. For round faces, keep the bob below the cheekbones since ending at the widest point can make the face look rounder. An angled bob — shorter in back, longer in front — is the safest choice for almost every face shape.

Thick wavy hair is actually ideal for bobs because you get natural volume and texture without effort. The key is having your stylist thin out the interior bulk with texturizing shears while keeping the perimeter blunt. Without thinning, thick hair in a bob can look triangular: narrow at the top, wide at the bottom. A lob works better than a very short bob for thick hair because the extra length adds weight that controls the volume. Avoid too many short layers, which amplify the puffiness.

Every 5-7 weeks is the standard recommendation. Bobs lose their shape faster than long hair because even a half-inch of growth changes the proportions visibly. The back of a stacked bob grows out especially fast and starts looking mullet-ish around week 6. If you are stretching between cuts, the back is where to focus a quick cleanup trim. Some salons offer a discounted bob maintenance trim between full appointments.

Yes, the key is getting the right cut for air-drying. A textured, slightly messy bob air-dries well, especially with a sea salt spray or texturizing cream scrunched in while damp. A sleek, polished bob like Anna Wintour's signature look requires a blow-dry every time. Tell your stylist you want a wash-and-go bob and they will adjust the layering and texture accordingly. Overnight tip: sleep in a loose low bun secured with a silk scrunchie, then shake out in the morning for instant volume.