“A classic bob haircut, where the length falls between the chin and shoulders, can look great on any face shape,” says celebrity hairstylist Jennifer Korab. “A bob can be customized with different lengths and textures to suit your individual style.”
A bob is a very versatile haircut and can look good on just about anyone if styled correctly. Now that being said, there are subtle differences in the style that look better or worse on each age group or people with different facial features.
Whilst many people think that short hair tends to suit all face shapes – this isn't always necessarily true. If you have a round face, then a short bob will only make your face look rounder so instead we'd recommend trying a pixie cut to accentuate your face's features!
Who does a bob haircut suit? As King points out, a bob can be adapted to anyone at any age. "It's the only haircut that can work on a four-year-old and a 94-year-old, and look incredible on all in-between," he says. They key to its flattering effects lies in the shape of the bob, and how it's styled.
A well-cut, layered bob can frame your face beautifully. And draw attention to your eyes. Making you look younger. On the other hand, a poorly executed pixie cut can accentuate wrinkles or harsh facial features.
If you have damaged or brittle hair, or if you have very thick or curly hair, a bob may not be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you have healthy hair and are looking for a low-maintenance haircut, a bob might be the perfect choice.
Neck length, chin width and the ratio between the two are all factors to consider when getting a bob haircut. The most common rule regarding this states that if your chin is less than 2.25 inches from the tip of your earlobe, then short hairstyles are for you.
The Classic Bob: Elegance and Confidence
The classic bob is a timeless haircut that exudes elegance and confidence. Women who choose this style are often seen as sophisticated, poised, and professional. The bob is versatile and can be styled in various ways, from sleek and straight to wavy and tousled.
Generally speaking, “chin-length bobs are not good on rounder faces,” says Moodie, who recommends a longer bob instead. “Those with longer face shapes shouldn't have an all-one-length bob that's a couple of inches longer than their jawline – as it can make the face appear longer,” adds Irwin.
Soft Collarbone Bob
Here's a tip: The collarbone is the most universally flattering point to hit.
A French bob is a haircut shorter than chin-length with a lot of texture and a blunt cut. Bangs that reach a person's brow line typically pair well with this hairstyle.
Diamond. The diamond shaped face is the rarest of face shapes, and is defined by a narrow forehead, wide cheekbones and a narrow chin. Diamond shaped faces are usually narrower at the eye line and jaw line, with high and often dramatic cheekbones.
An Italian bob is a classic and sophisticated short hairstyle that originated in Italy. It is a chin-length, blunt-cut bob that typically features minimal layering. What sets the Italian bob apart from other bob styles is its sleek and polished appearance.
Bob haircuts are a timeless and versatile choice for older women. With various kinds and lengths, a bob haircut can perfectly complement any mature woman's style and boost natural beauty.
The classic bob suits oval or heart-shaped faces, but it can accentuate the jawline of those with round or square faces. The advantage of this style is that it's easy to maintain and can be dressed up or down.
“A good cut depends on your face, your face shape, your body size and height,” stresses celebrity stylist Felix Fischer. “A bob is one of those styles that can make some people look younger—if done right. But when it's done incorrectly or done on the wrong face, it can make you look older.”
"It's got a bouffant crown and it's cut behind the ears. A lot of people with that cut over-style it and that's why it looks like a mom bob. A bob looks chic when it's not over-styled.
Give it Time...
Express your feelings, but go home and live with it for a day or two. Wash your hair and let it dry. Experiment with styling options. Don't underestimate the power of product - hair styling products can completely transform a bad haircut.
The answer is surprisingly simple. There's an easy, and we mean easy, way to decide if short hairstyles are in your future. We call it the 2.25 rule. Practically fool proof, this rule states that if the longest part of your chin is less than 2.25 inches from the tip of your earlobe, then short hairstyles are for you.
The Karen haircut falls under the “bob” classification of hairstyles. It's typically short and angled, with layers at the back that add volume to the look. These layers are usually paired with a longer and asymmetrical front section.
Although many hair trends come and go, there's one look that will never go out of style: a bob haircut. Short hairstyles might be intimidating, but it's a classic for a reason. Going chin-length is immediately attention-grabbing and puts all the focus on your face; plus, it's just way less hair to deal with.
Angled, with bangs, tousled with beach waves, or super sleek and straight, you'd be surprised how many different ways you can style a bob haircut. Its wearability—and the fact that it looks good on every face shape—is likely why it's a hairstyle that's stood the test of time.
Typically, loose messy styles will allow you to achieve a youthful aesthetic. They can help soften your features and create a cool, effortless look. You may want to avoid super tight, pulled-back styles since they can appear severe.
Unlike the tousled, beachy waves we've seen dominate for years, the old money bob is polished and meticulously styled. The cut is blunt or slightly layered, with smooth ends that frame the face and project an image of subtle opulence.