43 of the Best Bob Hairstyles to Inspire Your Next Haircut

Earlier this year, I cut my waist-length hair into one of the biggest hair trends of the season, a jaw-skimming bob. It was the first time I'd gone short in over ten years, prompted by the fact I so rarely wore my hair down, and almost always had it shoved back in a low bun or claw clip style. It made me wonder why I bothered with the upkeep—let's face it, the longer the hair, the more maintenance. I was spending hours every week washing, detangling, drying, and curling or straightening my hair, only to tie it back out of my face anyway.

I've always preferred long hair (or thought I did so), but suddenly the idea of a bob felt oh so appealing. I waited until after my wedding—just in case I decided to wear it down, although of course, I ended up wearing a low bun—then I booked in with my trusted hairdresser and signed up to donate my 12 inches to The Little Princess Trust.

Since first getting the chop back in June, I've not had a single moment of regret. Instead, I've already been back to get a few more inches trimmed off and add in some colour, and have been inundated with compliments for my new, shorter style. In fact, I totally understand why people opt for drastic chops during or after pivotal life moments. I know it sounds cliché, but getting a bob really has made me feel like a whole new person. It's changed everything from the way I dress to the way I do my makeup, the jewellery I wear, and of course, has massively expanded the options for hairstyles I can choose from. With less time spent washing and drying my hair, I have more time to experiment with my styling tools and products.

If you, too, are tempted by the thought (and ease) of a bob, I thought it only right to share the inspo that I've accumulated over the past year—both for my cut, and for the ways I style my new bob. Trust me—these are the looks to copy if you're considering going for the chop.

43 of the Best Bob Hairstyles

1. Italian Bob

When Zendaya stepped out with this Italian Bob cut, I immediately took notice. The longer length is ideal if you want to add lift and volume to the roots.

2. Short Bob

Grece Ghanem always sports a jaw-skimming bob that perfectly complements her beautiful silver shade.

3. Choppy Bob

Okay, this is the exact pic I showed to my hairdresser—Hailey Bieber's iconic bob has a choppy edge, which adds a sense of movement and keeps it looking fresh.

4. Wavy Bob

Elsa has got the cool-girl soft curl hairstyle nailed down to a T with her wavy bob.

5. Side-Part Bob

Although I stuck with a centre-part (for now), this sleek chop and dramatic side part is one I've saved for later.

6. Blunt Bob

A blunt bob is one of my favourite short haircuts of all time.

7. Sleek Bob

Miss Enocha makes a very good case for a modern take on a '20s-style bob with this sleek styling.

8. Fringed Bob

I've learned that a fringe isn't for me, but Franny's chic and elegant styles tempt me every time.

9. Retro Bob

For a retro finish, make like Chloe Miles and add a blocky fringe to your bob hairstyle.

10. Loose Wavy Bob

A wavy bob in a vibrant shade of creamy blonde is never a bad idea.

11. French Bob

Kaia Gerber's side parting and tousled waves lend her bob hairstyle some serious French-girl vibes. I have no doubt that the French bob will be in style for years to come.

12. Textured Bob

Use a texture spray through the lengths of your hair to give your cut a similarly choppy feel to Rochelle's.

13. Micro Bob

A micro-bob like Lily Allen's makes every outfit look that little bit cooler thanks to how chic it is.

14. Classic Bob

This classic chin-length style that is totally timeless.

15. Long Bob

If getting a bob feels like a big and risky decision, opt for a long one which can more easily be grown out and styled back.

16. Curly Bob

Short hair + natural curls = the coolest combination.

17. Rounded Bob

Subtle layers and a pair of straighteners are all you need to replicate this chic, rounded bob.

18. Off-Duty Bob

A carefree, side-swept style and tonnes of shine spray are my failsafe tactics for hiding greasy roots.

19. Feathered Micro Bob

I've loved every iteration of Alyssa's micro bob, but this one is a particular fave.

20. Low-Maintenance Bob

Take a low-maintenance approach with a length that can easily be styled both up and down.

21. Inverted Bob

This '90s-inspired style is super easy to achieve. Just use a pair of hair straighteners to sculpt the ends of your bob inwards.

22. Elegant Bob

A centre-part and a defined silhouette = the most elegant bob I ever did see.

23. Angled Bob

I'm totally obsessed with this chin-length, angled style.

24. Shoulder-Length Bob

Think of Lizzy's long bob as the perfect entry point to the hairstyle.

25. Sharp Bob

Sharp ends will give your bob a strong, defined silhouette.

26. Bowl Cut Bob

Lessons in how to style a bowl cut for the modern world... Loïcka Grâce's micro bob is always cut so sharp and chic.

27. Grown-Out Bob

Sabrina Elba's bob is proof that even when you decide to grow out your short hair, it can still look chic.

28. Tucked-Back Bob

If you wake up later and get ready in a rush, this style is a reliable one to fall back on.

29. Wet-Look Bob

Rochelle's wet-look, side-swept bob demonstrates the perfect way to give a standard blunt bob a dressed-up finish.

30. Glamorous Bob

I've learned that with my trusty Dyson AirWrap and plenty of volumising hairspray, it is possible to recreate this iconic style.

31. Side-Swept Bob

I love my centre-part, but I have a soft spot for this soft, side-swept bob style.

32. Braided Bob

Long, waist-length braids might be totally dreamy, but this bobbed style is serving serious inspo, too.

33. A-Line Bob

An angular A-line shape is perfect for low-maintenance wavy hair.

34. Voluminous Bob

Kim's tucked-under, voluminous bob gives off some serious '90s vibes, and it's so easy to recreate.

35. Crimped Bob

Jodie Turner-Smith's hair game never fails to floor me, but this cropped bob styled into wavy crimps is one of my all-time favourites.

36. Shaggy Bob

In my opinion, Amy has one of the best bobs on Instagram. It's a cropped, layered style with a shaggy fringe that oozes laid-back cool.

37. Cropped Bob

Thinner hair in a cropped style creates loads of movement.

38. Noughties Bob

You didn't think we'd have a bob roundup without this iconic style, did you? Alexa Chung's shoulder-length, tousled bob has become one of the most famous around (and for good reason).

39. Layered Bob

The Kardashians are pretty synonymous with ultra-long hair, but I'm totally obsessed with Kourtney's choppier, layered bob.

40. Elegant Bob

Kiera's heart-shaped face is an ideal match for this elegant retro-inspired bob style.

41. Relaxed Bob

I just love Estée's shoulder-length bob and middle-parting. Relaxed, cool and effortlessly chic!

42. Curly Bob

Proof that a bob works no matter what your hair texture, Jazmine Rogers' vibrant colour looks so cool with a curly bob cut.

43. The Tapered Bob

I love the gradual layers cut into the front of this style to frame and elongate the face.

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This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.