How to Style a Bob: 5 Types of Bob Haircuts

A bob haircut is a short style that frames your face and ends near your jawline. This versatile hairstyle suits different hair types, including straight, wavy, and curly hair. A bob creates a sleek look for thin hair and helps tame thicker tresses. Different variations of the bob incorporate fringe, layers, and face-framing angles to add movement and shape.

Bob haircuts complement different face shapes and styles. Hairstylists cut long and short hair into the following bob variations:

1. 1. A-line bob: This chic hairstyle features an angled cut. Shorter in the back and longer in the front, the A-line bob adds volume with its gradual slope. Consider opting for an A-line bob if you have a square face.
2. 2. Classic bob: Also known as a blunt bob, this short hairstyle is a simple cut that remains the same length around the base of the hair. The blunt cut gives the face a round look, balancing the appearance of long face shapes.
3. 3. Lob: Also known as a “long bob,” a lob is a longer version of the classic bob. Lobs end around shoulder-length and suit all face shapes. You can use a middle part to create a modern look or style your long bob with a deep side part to add volume. Lobs are a great option if you have long hair and want to try a short haircut while still keeping some length.
   
4. 4. Layered bob: This short bob style uses choppy layers to add body and movement to the cut. If you have straight, fine hair, a layered bob gives the illusion of voluminous, thick hair.
5. 5. Shaggy bob: Known for its razor cut, the shaggy bob is a bouncy, textured bob that features rough layers. Wispy fringe or side bangs are other common elements of shaggy bobs. This tousled, messy bob style is a low-maintenance look.

While most bobs are too short to tie into an updo, there are many other styling techniques you can use to enhance the look of your bob haircut. Here are styling tips for different hair types:

1. 1. Curly hair: Maintaining a curly bob involves preventing frizz and enhancing your natural hair texture. Apply a dime-size amount of styling cream to damp hair, gently scrunching the product into your curls. This application method defines your curls and helps prevent frizz. Avoid brushing your hair, as this crimps curls and causes flyaways. If you need to detangle your curls before styling them, use a wide-tooth comb and remove knots gently when your hair is wet. Finish the look with hair clips or a headband.
2. 2. Straight hair: Unlike curly hair, which has natural volume, straight hair can appear flat. To enhance the look of your straight bob, apply a texturizing spray, dry shampoo, or mousse to your hair to add volume, or use a round brush when blow-drying your hair. Start with the bottom sections, gently curling the layers as you blow-dry, and apply a lightweight hairspray to make your blowout last throughout the day.
3. 3. Wavy hair: For wavy hair types, play with your hair’s natural texture to create the tousled look of beachy waves. Add a spritz of sea salt spray to your hair, scrunching your wavy bob to accentuate your hair. You can also use a curling iron to touch up your beach waves—just apply a heat protectant spray to prep your hair.

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