9 Bob Haircut Ideas for When You’re Ready To Chop Your Hair—See Photos

That effort is especially minimal if you’re starting with straight or slightly wavy hair, and if you ask your stylist for a soft, round shape with subtle internal texturizing (in other words, no visible layers). “A perfect French bob can carry a slightly messy look, but also look polished when it’s styled slick and straight,” says Olya Iudina, a stylist at IGK in New York City.

“Consider adding bangs for an even more striking, editorial feel,” says Cavalcante. “The result is sleek, bold, and undeniably chic.”

‘90s Bob

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Anyone who lived through the ’90s as a teen or 20-something will remember this bob, probably from firsthand experience. (Hello, that would be me!) It’s defined by a center part and curved-under shape with a marriage of smoothness and fullness. Says Giannetos, “This is the ultimate cool-girl bob with its sleek middle part and those perfectly scooped ends that hug the jawline.”

It’s ideal for those who want a polished style with a hint of edge, says Cavalcante, who recommends the look for those with straight or slightly wavy hair. “Ask your stylist for a blunt bob with a subtle stack in the back to create lift and shape, keeping the front slightly longer for balance.”

Stylist Julien Farel, who owns eponymous salons in New York and Palm Beach, Florida, is an especially big fan of Lily Collins’s 2025 take on the ’90s bob. “It gives her a more Gen Z look—trendy, sexy, and not overdone,” he says.

Meanwhile, Santiago, who says the ’90s bob is ideal for rounder faces, appreciates Cate Blanchett’s interpretation: “I love the face-framing pieces that Cate has. It adds some really great movement.”

Layered Bob

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The layered bob takes the classic bob silhouette and zhuzhes it a bit. “If you want volume, versatility, and a little edge, the layered bob is your best friend,” says Giannetos. “It adds bounce and texture that’s perfect for that lived-in, I-woke-up-like-this moment.”

Softer and more dynamic, this look is defined by blended layers, volume, texture, and dimension, which makes it perfect for both fine and thick hair that’s lacking shape. “Ask your stylist for a bob that includes layers tailored to your hair type and face shape, whether you want a subtle lift or a more shag-inspired finish,” says Cavalcante. “The result is effortlessly cool and easy to style.”

A-line Bob

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When you picture the A-line bob, Victoria Beckham’s Y2K haircut—the one she had as Posh Spice—may come to mind. But the pros want you to know that there are many more modern and less severe ways to wear this angular look. “The A-line bob has a noticeable angle that is shorter in the nape and longer toward the face,” says Amy Abramite, creative director and stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. “Layers can be added for movement and volume, or it can be one length. What matters most is the sloping angle forward.” The beauty of this style is how well it works with any length within the bob’s range. Just look at the difference between Claire Danes’s cut and Collins’s 2024 look.