Short Hair Still Reigns Supreme—These Are the 11 Defining Bob Trends to Bookmark in 2025 and Beyond

As somebody with outlandishly long hair, I have always been uncharacteristically invested in bob hair trends. Why? Because we always want what we don't have—and this is never truer for me than it is when contemplating new hair trends. You see, despite having had waist-length hair for most of my life, there is a desire that exists deep within me to cut it all off in favour of a very stylish short hairstyle, most notably, a bob.

It is for this reason that I consider myself somewhat of a bob hairstyle connoisseur. I spend hours upon hours scrolling online, analysing bob hair trends that I might one day be brave enough to adopt. Luckily for me, the past few years have provided a lot of food for thought—we have seen micro bobs, blunt bobs, collarbone-length bobs and bronde bobs become defining hair trends of not just their respective years, but the entire decade. And I come bearing good news—now that we are nearing the end of the year, I can firmly confirm that the bob is set to stay as the haircut for 2025 and beyond.

So what is it that keeps us so invested in the mighty bob? Johnathon Eagland, senior stylist at Nicola Clarke Salon, says, "The bob will always remain popular as it's a timeless style. It is so versatile and you can wear it at many different lengths, dressing it up or down. It will always make an impact if it's cut well and the length suits the person."

That being said, 2025 has shaped up to be quite the year for new bob trends—in fact, I think it might just be the bob's biggest year yet. "In 2025, the bob has become even more popular as clients look for low-maintenance yet high-impact styles. People are opting for cuts that grow out beautifully and require less frequent salon visits," predicted Elliot Bute, hair stylist at Hershesons Fitzrovia. "It's compatibility with bold hair colour trends [also] ensures it remains the hairstyle choice for many."

So, as a self-professed bob hairstyle investigator, I have spent the past few weeks speaking with experts and religiously scrolling social media to identify what bob trends are going to reign supreme for the rest of the year. Behold, the 2025 bob hair trends that are so good they might just convince me to chop off my lengths before the year is up.

11 Bob Hair Trends to Know for 2025 and Beyond

1. Kicked Bob

Before compiling any research, I already had a strong feeling the kicked (or flicked-out) bob was going to be a key talking point with most of the experts I planned to speak to—and I was correct. Yes, the kicked bob is set to be the number one defining bob style of 2025.

What is the Kicked Bob? Once deemed "dreaded," that flicked-out end on bobs as they grow longer is now becoming intentional, explains hair stylist and trend forecaster, Tom Smith. The kicked bob is worn sleek with intentionally turned-up ends.

Who suits the Kicked Bob? The best aspect of the kicked bob is that it suits anyone and everyone—its adaptability is all in how you wear it. "If the bob is left loose, it will draw the eye to the lower features like the lips and chin," Smith says. He explains that wearing it tucked behind the ears can widen the appearance of long faces, a middle parting can accentuate symmetrical faces and that a side parting is ideal for those (like me) who have a less symmetrical face.

How to style the Kicked Bob: When it comes to colour, a soft root can really suit the kicked bob. Colourist at Hershesons Belgravia, Hannah Gayle says, "Rooty bobs are perfect for soft drama. It gives a bit more dimension but remains on the bolder side." And this is music to my ears as someone who struggles to keep up with colour appointments.

In terms of day-to-day styling, Smith says heat protection and hydration are key to the kicked bob style. Once your hair is smooth, if you're handy with a hair dryer, you can use a round brush to achieve your kicked-out ends, but a good straightener will come in handy if you're after quick results.

2. Textured Bob

While many of the more niche bob trends in 2025 possess an air of sleekness, you'll be thrilled to hear that texture is dominating across the board.

What is the Textured Bob? A textured bob is exactly what it says on the tin—a more wearable, lived-in, textured cut. And cut is the crucial word here. While texture can be achieved via texturising styling products (like volumising sprays) or is something your hair naturally possesses, the key to a really great textured bob is all in the cut. "The shape appears choppier and more undone," says Smith.

Who suits the Textured Bob? If your hair is naturally textured, now is the time to lean into its form and wear your bob with your hair's natural pattern. If your hair is naturally straight, Smith says you might like to go for a textured bob if you're after more volume and movement.

How to style the Textured Bob: A great textured bob should be cut with weight taken out of the ends, avoiding that blunt finish. Once you have this base covered, it's up to you how you want to style it. A textured bob can be "styled with a shaken-out soft wave, worn loose or with one side tucked behind the ear," says Smith. To really maximise the texture of your cut, look towards lightweight wave sprays and moisturising air-dry creams—this look really lends itself to those who dislike heat styling.

3. Old Hollywood Bob

I have spent more time than I would like to admit staring in awe at Kendall Jenner's Old Hollywood Bob. Frankly, I have been somewhat consumed by it since she debuted it on her Instagram. If I go for a bob this autumn, Kendall is why.

What is the Old Hollywood Bob? "This haircut harks back to the glamorous Golden Age of cinema, when stars like Louise Brooks, and later Elizabeth Taylor, made short styles iconic. Its resurgence aligns with a broader nostalgia for vintage beauty trends," says Bute. In 2025, the look is less polished than the classic, with a little dishevelment. I'm talking mountains of volume and big-barrelled curls with a side-flip optional.

Who suits the Old Hollywood Bob? Bute refers to the Old Hollywood Bob as flattering to a "wide range of people,"—and I'm inclined to agree. My only note here is that it does require some styling time and probably isn't one for lazy girls like me.

How to style the Old Hollywood Bob: When going into the salon for this cut, Bute highly recommends taking image references with you to ensure you get the look you're after. "A chin-length cut will give a dramatic feel, while going longer will make the cut more versatile," he adds.

When it comes to daily styling, Bute lays out the whole routine. "Use a smoothing serum or balm to enhance shine. Blow-dry with a round brush or, if your hair is dry, use a hair straightener for a glossy, pin-straight finish," he says. "Then, use a curling wand to create loose, vintage-inspired waves. Pair the look with a side parting and a touch of hairspray to hold." If you want to lean into the volume this style promises and steer clear of defined waves, a hot brush will do just the trick.

4. Square Bob

When I presented Who What Wear UK's graphic designer, Emily, with this image of Lily Collins' square bob, we ended up in conversation over its perfection for approximately 15 minutes. So, really, it's no wonder it's a dominating bob trend for 2025.

What is a Square Bob? While the blunt bob has long been a leading bob style, the square bob takes bluntness one step further. It has all of the characteristics of a layer-free blunt bob, which Bute outlines as "sharp, even-length and tailored for sleek minimalism," but also possesses a squarer shape. In this, I mean that it is cut, typically, around halfway between the bottom of the ears and the tops of the shoulders.

Who suits a Square Bob? I have seen this style work on a plethora of face shapes. "It is ideal for those with straight or slightly wavy hair, and it frames oval, square and heart-shaped faces beautifully," says Bute. In terms of upkeep, it's a relatively high-maintenance style—but boy, are the results worth the effort.

How to style a Square Bob: "Style this look straight with a glassy, high-shine finish," says Bute. This look can be achieved with a shine-delivering, smoothing serum and a high-quality hair straightener.

5. Lived-in Glass Bob

Proving that not all glass-shine bobs need to be high maintenance, Rochelle Humes' more relaxed, lived-in bob style is also set to make waves this year.

What is the Lived-in Glass Bob? "The polished, high-shine glass hair look is set to make a huge comeback for 2025," reveals hair stylist and key opinion leader for Jerome Russell Bblonde, Jason Collier. And coming from the man who once styled the hair of Victoria Beckham, Eva Longoria and Sienna Miller, I'm convinced he's right. But this doesn't have to mean super-sleek finishes. Notice how Rochelle's finish is glossy, but the ends and lengths show movement? This bob style is about pairing a low-fuss style with high-impact shine.

Who suits the Lived-in Glass Bob? This look is ideal for those who don't have the desire to spend lots of time on heat styling but instead prefer to style out their natural texture with leave-in products. Because the lived-in element of this look means curls, texture and cut are less of a feature, it means everybody can adopt it. "It is perfect for those who prefer a modern, minimalist aesthetic," adds Collier.

How to style the Lived-in Glass Bob: "Get your serums at the ready," says Collier. Yep, to get that glass-like shine, be sure to be religious about applying nourishing, shine-boosting hair oils, and, if you want to supercharge that shine, you can lean on finishing sprays to get the job done.

6. Power Crop

The Power Crop has been having a real moment among celebrities in recent months, and it's only a matter of time before it hits the big time. Taylor Hill's relaxed, slightly grungy take on the trend is my go-to inspiration.

What is the Power Crop? Smith refers to this look as "softly androgynous and power-signalling" in its style. It is, of course, much shorter, more layered and significantly shaped around the face—sitting somewhere between a bob and a pixie cut, making it more of a bixie style.

Who suits the Power Crop? This super-short style, of course, makes somewhat of a statement, so in my case, as somebody with long hair, I'd be inclined to dip my toe into the short-hair life by opting for a longer bob before going in for a Power Crop. However, if you already have a short style and want a softer, face-framing cut, this is the look I would opt for in 2025 if I were in your shoes.

How to style the Power Crop: The Power Crop can be tucked tightly behind the ears, left relatively natural in style, or swept all the way back with volume at the roots. If you want the latter look, Smith says you need a strong foundation of product. He advises that a volumising heat protection spray will help at the blow-dry stage, while a volumising powder will help to give lift and unobvious texture.

7. Fringed Bob

Fringe hair trends are back with a bang for 2025 (pardon the pun, I just couldn't help myself), so combining the two biggest hair trends of the year in the form of a fringed bob just makes sense, right?

What is the Fringed Bob? Again, another pretty self-explanatory one, the Fringed Bob is a bob of any length that incorporates some form of fringe or bangs. This style can be totally adapted to your preferences—whether you want to go for a long bob with wispy bangs or a cropped style with a blunt fringe is totally up to you.

Who suits the Fringed Bob? Like I say, anyone can suit a fringed bob, but you should definitely consult your stylist on what lengths and type of fringe might be best suited to your features. As a general rule, Eagland says, "A round face should go for a square length and maybe some kind of side fringe or curtain fringe. Squarer face shapes should opt for rounded lines."

How to style the Fringed Bob: Most of the styling will depend on your chosen cut, but there are some good tips to follow for daily fringe styling if you're new to bangs. For starters, dry shampoo will likely become your new best friend, absorbing grease and delivering grit and malleability. Secondly, look into multi-stylers that allow you to blow-dry your bob in your desired style and manipulate your fringe into how you best want to wear it.

8. Undone French Bob

A French bob or a French crop have always been high on my bob hit list in terms of styles I would love to opt for one day. My biggest reluctance, however, has been in how high-maintenance the style looks. But for the rest of 2025, we're set to see a more laid-back French bob come through, and I am here for it.

What is the Undone French Bob? "The French bob has always been a classic," says Bute. "2025 will see a slightly undone, casual version that aligns with the ongoing demand for natural, relaxed beauty standards. This makes the style more versatile and less formal, therefore appealing to a broader audience." Consider me the broader audience when it comes to this messier, low-maintenance iteration.

Who suits the Undone French Bob? I think the thing that makes this style so appealing to me is that it really lends itself to my thin hair and long, oval-shaped face. "It is best for those with fine to medium hair and naturally wavy textures, complementing round, oval and heart-shaped faces," says Bute. Beyond that, it is also perfect for those who take a minimal approach to their hair styling.

How to style the Undone French Bob: "The Undone French Bob can air dry naturally and still look styled," says Bute. "Emphasise natural texture with a lightweight mousse or air-dry spray. Then, scrunch and air dry or diffuse for a tousled finish."

9. Slicked Bob

Slicked hair is evolving in 2025. While slicked-back buns and ponytails have reigned supreme in recent years, this year it's all about a slicked-back down 'do, à la Chloë Grace Moretz.

What is the Slicked Bob? The Slicked Bob is a bob trend that exists entirely in the styling category. The cut and texture of your hair don't really come into play. "Slicked-back looks are popular for their versatility," says Laura Elliott, head of education at Neäl & Wølf. In essence, it's about setting your hair back, away from your face, and slicking it effortlessly into place.

Who suits the Slicked Bob? If you are somebody who likes to hide behind their hair somewhat (this is definitely something I do with my super-lengths), a slicked-back style might not be for you. However, the good news is that if the style does appeal to you, it can work for any length of bob. Those with short fringes cut in, however, might struggle to secure the shorter lengths, so this is something to also consider.

How to style the Slicked Bob: True to its versatility, I must admit that this sort of slicked-back look is one I often adopt, even with my long hair, and I have had many years of experience perfecting my method. In fact, with a shorter bob style, I think styling might be even easier.

Ensuring your hair has enough grit to hold its style is imperative for achieving this look—so you can skip wash day for this one. Add some dry shampoo or styling spray to your roots and blow-dry it in, lifting up and away from the face as you work. Then, backcomb your hair into place and lightly brush the exposed hair before securing the style with a soft gel or hairspray.

10. Straight Lob

After years of keeping my hair in a classic chin-length bob, I've started to grow it out—and the lob is where I've landed. Spoiler: I think this is going to be my signature style. It's the kind of haircut that still gives structure and polish, but with a bit more freedom (read: ponytails and lazy buns are still on the table).

What is the Lob? The lob—short for "long bob"—is the perfect in-between length, usually grazing the collarbone or just brushing the shoulders. It's long enough to style in multiple ways but short enough to still feel sharp. "It’s the most universally flattering haircut, and it grows out beautifully," says hairstylist Lauren Bell, who says clients often end up sticking with this length after trying it. It's the sort of understated haircut that always looks intentional.

Who suits the Lob? Honestly? Everyone. That's part of the lob's magic. It works with straight, wavy, or curly textures, and it's a great way to try out a shorter look without fully committing to a crop. For me, the lob gave my grown-out bob some new life—and a fresh silhouette I didn't realise I needed.

How to style the Lob: This cut thrives on versatility. Air-dry it for a natural, tousled look, or use straighteners to create a soft bend through the lengths. When I want it to feel especially "done," I blow-dry it with a round brush to get that smooth, slightly curved-in finish. Styling creams or texture sprays work beautifully to give it some movement without sacrificing shape.

11. Wolf Lob

Jenna Ortega might've put this cut on the map, but in 2025, the Wolf Lob is officially mainstream—and cooler than ever. It's that effortless blend of attitude and softness that makes it feel so now.

What is the Wolf Lob? A mash-up of the longer bob and the viral wolf cut, this style fuses shaggy layers with length. It keeps the lob's manageable base while introducing choppy texture, curtain bangs, and a rocker edge. It's undone but still wearable and definitely one of the most-requested cuts of the year. Think grown-out fringe, layers that do all the work, and a shape that doesn't take itself too seriously.

Who suits the Wolf Lob? If you like a bit of grit in your hair or you're not one for overly polished styles, this one's for you. It's particularly flattering on hair with natural waves or curls, as the layers give it instant volume and shape. If your hair's straighter, it may take a little styling to bring out the best of the cut—but the payoff is worth it.

How to style the Wolf Lob: The Wolf Lob loves texture. Scrunch a lightweight mousse or sea-salt spray into damp hair and either air-dry or diffuse. For more definition, twist random sections around a tong, alternating directions to keep things looking unstructured. The key is not overworking it—this is a haircut that's meant to look like you woke up like this (even if you didn't).

Why Trust Us?

At Who What Wear, we don't just cover hair trends—we track them, test them, and talk to the experts shaping them. Every story we publish is backed by a mix of firsthand experience and insider insight. We regularly speak to top hairstylists, colourists, and trend forecasters to stay ahead of what's next and make sure we're only sharing looks and tips that actually work in the real world. Whether it's a viral cut making the rounds on TikTok or a classic shape making a quiet comeback, we do the work to help you figure out what's worth trying—and how to make it your own. Basically, we take beauty seriously, but never too seriously. Our goal is always to empower, not overwhelm.

What Is a Bob Haircut?

A bob is one of the most iconic, enduring hairstyles for a reason. It's typically a short-to-mid-length cut that falls somewhere between the chin and shoulders—but within that range, there's endless room for creativity. Think sharp and angular, soft and layered, blunt, shaggy, asymmetrical, or waved. There's a bob for practically every hair type and personal style, and its built-in versatility is part of why it's always in rotation. It's the kind of cut that can feel classic and fresh all at once.

Which Bob Haircut Is Best for My Face Shape?

The key to choosing the right bob is all about balance—and a little personalisation. If you have a round face, for example, longer bobs that graze the collarbone can create flattering length and structure. For square face shapes, something with movement—like soft layers or a slightly off-centre part—can help soften strong angles. Oval faces are the most adaptable, so if that's you, you've basically got free rein to try any version. Heart-shaped faces tend to suit styles that add fullness around the jawline, helping balance a broader forehead, while diamond faces benefit from bobs that bring volume to the lower half of the face.

That said, these aren't hard rules—they're starting points. The best bob is the one that works for your hair texture, fits your lifestyle, and most importantly, makes you feel like yourself (on a really good hair day).