35 Classy Short Bob Hairstyles for Bold Women to Shine in 2023

Blunt, inverted, stacked, wavy, straight, polished, tousled, asymmetrical and even shaved… Have we forgotten any short bob? Though rather limited in their length to about the chin level (or shorter), these crops are really versatile to suit any personal features. We can’t wait to delve into the newest short bob hair trends. Let’s roll!

Killer Short Bob Haircuts for Different Hair Types

“The thinner your hair, the shorter your bob should be,” says Matt Fugate, who styles Lana Condor, Katherine McNamara and Judith Light, to Allure. Well, does it mean that only thin-haired girls stand to gain from going for short bob styles? No way!

On the one hand, both thin and fine tresses look great when cut short because they gain density and volume when damaged ends are removed and hair is shaped flatteringly. But, on other hand, the bob coupled with under-cutting or layering does a nice job for thick manes too, making them lighter, more touchable and manageable.

So, you can get a short bob that’s cut exactly as your hair texture requires to downplay its weaker points while enhancing its natural beauty. Look through our illustrations and find what works best for each hair texture.

via @claudia_nunez_vargas

Curly hair gets both shape and pots of bounce when it’s molded into a bob with an undercut at the nape and slightly longer front ringlets.

via @chrisjones_hair

This wavy bob is one-length on the bottom, yet beautifully sliced through the back and sides to bring in texture and lift.

via @kearybladel

Fine tresses look fuller when the top is darker than the ends, and a side part creates this elevated bend for dimension in the front.

via @neto.hairstylist

This straight hair is a bit layered and feathered to create some movement and an airy touch.

via @main_cut_by_milena

The thick mane arrests the eye with its volume and density, but there is always a chance to add texture through sliced and highlighted strands.

Cool Bobs for Different Face Shapes

Is there any face shape that is particularly bob-friendly? Actually, yes. “Oval face shapes are the most universal for bobs. You can do anything from blunt to short or long, and it can be done on any hair type,” Tommy Buckett, hairstylist behind Jackie Cruz, Elisabeth Moss and Amber Heard, tells InStyle.

Thus, if you’re happy to have an oval face, go for whatever you want, including very short bob hairstyles, without a second thought. However, that’s a far cry from saying that only perfectly-proportioned faces can pull off bob cuts. It’s more accurate to say that any face shape can be balanced with the right ‘do. A soft bob that sits a bit higher or lower the jaw-line is a go-to option for square faces, while roundish faces are framed flatteringly with angled cuts. Have a look at other examples in the slider.

via @willowbirchsalon

This round face pulls off the classic bob with round-brushed styling and soft bangs that draw attention to the eyes and bring in a French flair.

via @angelinamarie72

Here, a piece-y side-swept fringe hides the forehead and creates a diagonal line to follow, thus balancing the long face.

via @salsalhair

This heart-shaped face looks gorgeous thanks to the chic Parisian bob with short wavy bangs and side locks, textured and angled towards the cheekbones.

via @vasya.kirilyk

The square shape of this face is handsomely softened by face-framing curves, while some elongation is given through the elevated top and sliced pieces.

via @salsalhair

Oval faces can pull off blunt bobs with a center parting easily, since the graphic hairstyle produces a nice face-framing effect with an edgy feel.

Bang-On Short Layered Bob Hairstyles

The choppy bob with soft messy layers has been trending for a couple of years, and A-list stylists insist on taking it into 2023. “This is for people who are ready for a big cut,” says Leanne Citrone, celeb hairstylist and co-owner of the Andy Lecompte salon, to Refinery29 and recommends wearing it with waves tucked behind one ear for an edgier touch. Yes, the look is great, but it’s definitely not such a big cut as a pixie, right?

The wavy bob can be done in many techniques depending on both one’s hair texture and bone structure. From feathered layers for straight hair to subtly layered cuts for fine hair, you will find plenty of alternatives in our selection.

via @maygovintage

This cute rose copper bob comes with bangs and subtle layers just to give a bit of texture for a laid-back look.

via @beautybysorena

Delicate babylights add shine to these thin locks, saving them from a dull look, while layering allows for enhanced dimension.

via @chrisjones_hair

Not all modern bobs are undercut. You can also go for a current update of the classic bob. This thick and coarse hair is nicely debulked with layers, getting a clear shape and light feel.

via @evita_rammos_salon

Teamed up with a deep shade of copper, this hairstyle strikes the eye with long layers and piece-y texture that work together for an edgy look.

via @cailyn_gratton_stylist

And the inverted bob in this photo is heavily layered, featuring short tresses on the crown to give a lift and longer strands in the front to retain density.

Sharp Crops with Bangs

Haven’t we mentioned the face-balancing power of bobs? It becomes even mightier when bangs are incorporated into the style. A fringe can add volume, softness or angles, as well as draw attention to the eyes or cheekbones, changing one’s appearance considerably. Why not use this?

The more so that a really short chin-length bob with bangs seems to be the hottest trend in London, which is very likely to move beyond the ocean. “The blunt, jaw-length bob is going to be the biggest haircut for 2023. We are seeing a growing trend towards women going much shorter, adding fringes, and playing with more layers for an effortless boyish look,” Sam Burnett, founder of London-based Hare & Bone salon and artist styling Dua Lipa, tells Refinary29. Scroll through our photos to see cool bobs with bangs to choose from.

via @wowcoolwow

This stacked bob is coupled with trendy curtain bangs, which are perfectly dense and graphically angled. Steal this tucked behind the ear look that makes the hairstyle pop.

via @hair_by_fifi

Here, beautiful auburn locks are cut with a touch of asymmetry and adorned with long and wispy side bangs that can blend with side tresses for diversity in styling.

via @kit_mcelroy

Curly bangs are officially hot, and this lovely gal shows how to incorporate them into a little wavy shag cut.

via @hair_by_sarah_brophy

The blonde bob is all movement thanks to both highlights and layers, styled back and forth haphazardly.

via @alimackenziehair

The full brow-grazing bangs work great with a fun angled crop, creating an uninterrupted flattering frame for the face.

Fresh Short Bob Hairstyles for Black Women

We got used to longer hairstyles for curly hair since the length is known for its frizz-taming effect. So, is the short bob a big no-no for African American girls? Not a snap!

“A bob is also a great length for curls and Afro hair because you can play with shapes and really tailor it to suit the curl,” says Larry King, salon owner, hairstylist to A-listers like Gigi Hadid and Glamour columnist, in his comments to the magazine.

Indeed, we’ve seen plenty of lovely short bob styles for natural hair – corkscrew, fluffy, roundish and square, but the bob is also a good companion for relaxed hair, weaves and even braided hairstyles. Don’t you believe this? Go and see for yourself!

via @mrdontezlove

This curly weave hairstyle offers the best of both worlds – added thickness and a lived-in flair that comes with razor-cut texture and messy waves.

via @coiffurecouturehairstudio

However, a heavily layered bob can be worn rather straight, while its feathered pieces will deliver the required movement and vibe.

via @ctrenise_braids

The badass short ‘do can be created with box braids. This one is very cute and perfectly shaped.

via @curlpop

When going back to natural spirals, a bouncy layered bob would be a great stopover – just have it flatteringly shaped and defined.

via @cleini_cruz

Even having naturally kinky hair, this African American cutie nails a short bob, wearing it with long corkscrew bangs.

10 Best Short Bob Haircut Ideas to Don ASAP

“A bob length can vary from jaw length to just off shoulder. This means it is very versatile for all hair textures and face shapes, therefore it has become very popular again,” Jenny Balding, co-owner of NY-based Cutler salon, Redken pro and fashion week stylist, tells InStyle and predicts that soft, blunt styles will be huge this year. And what about very short bob hairstyles? Get a lip-level bob with textured waves and messy bangs to ooze French chic or ask for perfectly blunt ends paired with a clean center part for a sleek look – the alternatives are endless and here are only some of them.

via @ro.hsiqueira

This stacked bob is awesome for its shaggy back, strikingly contrasting with the clean and accurate edges.

via @chrisjones_hair

Sliced to have tons of texture, this chin-length blonde cut is created to allow for trendy wash-and-go lifestyle.

via @shmoakin_hair

Thick-haired girls should have their eyes on this steeply angled ‘do with dramatically long and pointed front tresses.

via @hairmeroar

Here is a less scenic, yet pretty vibrant inverted bob option, brightened up with highlights and featuring some external layers for better movement.

via @lueurhair_studio

If your hair is naturally wavy, go for a shaggy ‘do like this textured cut with bangs and enjoy both air-drying and low maintenance.

via @craigpiattisalon

Asymmetrical hairstyles always look sassy, and this espresso brown bob is no exception. An almost square perimeter of the shorter side is incorporated into the overall angled shape – what a stunning combo!

via @hairbyedwin

Though having no drama in the color, this A-line hairstyle shows straight hair to the advantage, giving it a nice shape, as well as density and volume.

via @anhcotran

For those who prefer choppy styles rather than sleek looks, this tousled ‘do with some added waves will be a great inspo.

via @donovanmillshair

But blunt cuts can radiate texture, too! Look at this icy blonde bob with point-cut tips and subtle layering throughout the perimeter.

via @styled_by_carolynn

Messy waves are among the hottest trends, and we can see them bringing dynamics and volume into this chic balayage crop.

Now you are topped up with trendy short bob versions for each and every hair texture and face shape. Some of them promise low maintenance, others offer elegant or sassy looks, being tricky to style – the choice is yours. And we go on keeping track of the hottest trends to give you helpful tips on your next hairstyle.