I really enjoy providing my clients with shorter haircuts especially when they ask for bobs. It makes my day. With a great bob and the right October light, the hair is magical. Last fall, I had a client who had spent three years growing her hair. She showed me a picture of one bob style, but we ended up creating a different one. We talked throughout the appointment and she was so pleased that she cried in the chair. There are so many different variations of bobs and the right one will make you look like you’ve been hiding a better version of yourself under all that hair.
I’d like to explain more about the individual cuts, but this month, I’m sticking to 25 out of my favorites. I have so many that I have the vision to create these on people, and I know that most of these will look fantastic on the right individual. I want to give you the options, even if I know some of these will not be your taste.
#1: Polished Chestnut Bob with Subtle Layers
I could discuss this for quite a while considering how intelligent this is. There are layers, but they do not want to steal the show. they assist with the number one criticism I hear about bobs of this length — ‘it looks like a helmet’. That chestnut shade has a liquid shine that even looks good under terrible office lighting, and frankly, that matters. If your hair has some natural density, this shape will last longer between appointments than most. You really won’t have to do much in the morning beyond a quick round brush and blow dry.
#2 Lively Caramel Bob with Subtle Textured Bangs
I like her style because it gives off the vibe of just rolling out of bed and getting lucky with the outfit. That’s actually true but more like a well-constructed lie. The caramel-holding color-wise balance means that it catches warmth in a way a cooler blonde just can’t do. Also, those bangs have been texturized so they fall in an effortless way rather than just sitting together like a curtain. I will say bangs are a commitment, and I always tell people that. You’re going to be back in my chair every three to four weeks for a bang trim or you are going to hate yourself; there is no middle ground.
#3 Vivid Copper Tousled Bob with Soft Waves
If you’re thinking about going copper, this is what I would show you from my chair. I actually prefer the lighter shades since the aggressive red-orange hues aren’t very appealing to me, and I think a lighter shade would be more reminiscent of the way sunlight hits a beautiful autumn leaf. It’s warm without being overpowering, and is natural enough that your co-workers will think I’ve been going somewhere for the past several weeks. The tousle here is giving all the movement it needs so you’re not stuck flat-ironing it every day. I know copper is going to fade, and that’s the reality, but you won’t be washing your money down the drain with a good color-depositing shampoo between your appointments.
#4 Rich Espresso Bob with Subtle Contouring
I think the color and shape of the blend come together nicely to the point where it’s hard to separate the two. The depth of the rich espresso tone adds an expensive finish and it seems like the cutter knew how to bring the length in around the face to accentuate the cheek bones. In my opinion this hairstyle is ideal for medium to thick hair because it requires that density. If you’re naturally much lighter and are thinking of going this dark, be prepared for some serious root touch ups but the color is totally worth the upkeep.
#5 Charming Auburn Bob with Bouncy Curls
This one is so fun! The curls add more bounciness and volume. A straight bob would look dull and lifeless. The auburn color brings warmth and nicely contrasts to the more vibrant colors. If your hair is even just a bit wavy, you’re already halfway there! On those ‘non-cooperative hair days’ you will need a curling iron, yes, it does add about 10 minutes to your routine, but it’s a great 10 minutes that will make you look like you have something fun and interesting to do!
#6 Chic Golden Blonde Rounded Bob with Glossy Finish
I love how rounded this cut is, I love how the shape makes it look like a sculpture. The golden blonde + shiny finish combo is killer! Look at the roots left a little deeper – totally on purpose. It adds tons of dimension, plus it buys you a few extra weeks before your grow-out looks awful. This cut works best on fine hair because the rounded shape gives the illusion of more than there actually is. The gloss will need to be done again in about 6 weeks but that just means a quick trip to the salon!
#7 Chic Brunette Bob with Soft Waves and Full Bangs
The way soft waves and full bangs pair gives off a lovely French vibe, which I adore! This brunette shade is warm and meshes beautifully with her skin tone. I appreciate how the color looks done, but not overly so. The waves are loose enough so they won’t fight you in the morning. A bit of texturizing spray and some finger combing will get you about 90% there. I have to be honest though, those bangs are the high-maintenance part of an otherwise super low-maintenance cut. If you can live with that trade-off, this is an absolutely gorgeous choice.
#8 Modern Cinnamon Swirl Asymmetrical Bob
I know asymmetrical bobs can be scary. After all, it is an even cut all around, which is a big risk. But when done like this, it looks way cooler than how a symmetrical bob would look like. This hairstyle does have some edge, but the cinnamon and caramel colors help it to keep it warm and approachable. Asymmetrical bobs have to be cut really well because there is no way to hide the shape if the angles are not done right. So definitely go to someone good for this before you sit down. On thicker hair, it keeps its shape really well between haircuts.
#9 Sleek Silver Gradient Bob with Defined Strands
Silver is a color that is very hit-or-miss for me, but in this case, I am definitely reaching towards the positive end of my reaction spectrum. The way the color and gradient go from dark at the roots to bright silvery color is nearly perfect. Also, the definition of the strands looks textured and soft and doesn’t make the hair look ‘crunchy.’ If you’re working with fine hair, this cut is even more worth it because the subtle asymmetry, along with the fine strands, create the movement that thicker hair has without trying. I definitely know that silver is not the easiest color to maintain. No one is going to want to fight you for purple shampoo, and you will need regular salon appointments to keep the color from becoming really brassy.
#10 Vibrant Auburn Wavy Bob with Soft Textural Highlights
Waves are supposed to fall in a perfectly imperfect way, the way this client’s waves are doing now is how I would wish all my clients’ waves would fall. The lightweight richness of that auburn color is beautiful, and the hand-painted look highlights the woven texture of the color to create an almost movement. These waves are so flattering! They create a soft frame and direct your face focus inward. Because auburn is a fast-fading color family, if you love this color, you will need to protect it.
#11 Bright Blonde Wavy Bob with Deep Side Part
This deep side part gives this cut the glam factor that a center part just won’t deliver. Also, with this cut, it gives instant volume on one side that a center part just won’t deliver, while the waves look natural as they’re just the right amount of undone. The bright blond is clean and modern without crossing over into that platinum territory. This whole combination on finer hair is going to give you the body and volume that you didn’t know you had. You will want to sleep with a silk scrunchie in a loose topknot to preserve those waves overnight and save time in the morning.
#12 Soft-Tousled Brunette Bob with Light Feathering
What stands out to me is the confidence in this style. It is a cut that is more on the simple side, yet manages to show some movement with the feathered ends. The slight asymmetry is not obvious in some photos, but in person, it is a good way to ensure that a style doesn’t look too uniform. I think it is a great cut that complements your natural texture, and whether you air dry or blow it out, you will achieve the look you want. If you have thick hair, you may want some thinning in the inner layers to prevent it from looking puffy.
#13 Playful Tousled Bob with Soft Fringe
I keep on returning to this one because the fringe is styled impeccably. It’s soft and piece-y and not trying too hard which is honestly the hardest look to achieve with bangs. The tousled volume throughout the rest of the hair adds to the relaxed look that beautifully balances the fringe. With finer hair, this kind of light layering gives you texture without losing volume which is always the tightrope walk when layering fine hair. It falls at a great above-the-shoulder length so it’s out of the way, but still gives you the feeling of having hair.
#14 Bouncy Chestnut Bob with Voluminous Waves
Nice to see that this volume comes from the cut and not just the styling, which is significant because it means that you’ll be able to recreate something similar to this at home. The chestnut is warm and flattering on just about everyone, I’ve seen it work on at least a dozen different skin tones in my chair. The chin length keeps everything lifted and bouncy instead of weighing it down, and there’s a slight asymmetry that I appreciate because it keeps your eye moving. A volumizing mousse worked through the roots while it’s damp will help you get close to this level of body on your own.
#15 Soft Curled Bob with Wispy Bangs
Why not show it off like others do? It can work best with medium thickness wavy hair. If your hair is thick and curly, go for it! Even thin wavy hair will work. Wispy bangs soften the look and don’t cover your face like straight bangs do, so that’s a bonus. A lot of people tell me they want “orgasmic hair” but if you want a look that’s really together, it’s loose curls all the way. I’ll be real, straight hair is going to take some work with the straightener and you might end up wanting to just go a different way..
#16 Classic Auburn Bob with Soft Volume
The simple chin-length bob shown here is a perfect example. The bob has no layers or angles, but it has some internal volume which adds to the overall health and look of the hair. The auburn color is salon fresh but not overly shiny. Rounded shapes, like this bob, are helpful to add some softness to the overall look when there are a lot of sharp and angular features. For someone who wants to look good without requiring much effort, they could achieve this look with only four minutes of work on their hair.
#17 Dynamic Wavy Chestnut Bob with Natural Dimension
I appreciate the touch of personality from the slight asymmetry in front. The base of the chestnut color has some nice waves that look natural and dimensionally beautiful. Although, I can tell that the cut does most of the work in creating the waves. When the hair is medium to thick in density, the cut will be low maintenance and easy to style daily. It is also long enough to give you that option of tucking it behind your ears and out of your face, but short enough that you won’t have to worry about it looking shapeless between appointments. With the color, be prepared to re-do it every six to eight weeks depending on your sun exposure because it will need it.
#18 Textured Chocolate Bob with Wispy Fringe
An undercut at the nape of the neck is my favorite part of this cut. I appreciate secret features that serve a purpose. They help reduce bulk in the area and clean up the shape so it sits better against your neck. The rich chocolate color enhances the texture of the hair all the way down to the wispy bits of fringe. If you have medium density hair, it is likely that you will achieve a result that looks nearly identical to the photo; I can’t always guarantee the same result for everyone. The rest of the hair will require minimal effort to style, and that is how sharp and tailored the cut will look. The fringe will need some maintenance to keep it looking fresh between cuts, but the rest of the cut will truly be low effort.
#19 Sleek Silver Bob with Graduated Layers
Thank you! I too believe that the darker features add depth to this look and stop it from feeling too costume-y. Your blend is wonderful. The graduated layering adds and balances the volume just where fine hair needs it most (at the crown). It keeps the ends from looking too wispy and thin. Maintenance for this look is honestly so worth it. I always encourage my clients to budget for it in both time and money. Your silver will always look so good.
#20 Breezy Chestnut Bob with Soft Contour Waves
I can definitely see the cut working, even with the picture. The contour waves look almost accidental but fit her so perfectly. The chestnut tone is also such a good color that works with every skin tone which is why I love it so much, and my recommendation still stands. If your hair is finer, these waves will create an illusion of more volume- just a little scrunch and wave spray will get you most of the way there!
#21 Charming Chestnut Bob with Soft Fringe
This bob is very elegant and classy. The bangs put emphasis on the eyes and the chestnut color compliments everything. It is a very healthy and natural bright color. This style is designed for medium density hair and you can tell; it has the right amount of weight to hold a shape, but not too much that it looks heavy or flat. A little blow dry and finger action is my favorite styling direction, and I know you will end up doing it.
#22 Playful Wavy Caramel Bob with Subtle Highlights
The highlights are placed wonderfully to attract attention to the top of the waves, making it look like we just left summer. The warm and welcoming caramel base and the waves bring all this character without having to put in too much effort. On medium-density hair, this length is the sweet spot where you can still pull it back if you need to, but it looks best down. On those unpredictable fall weather days, you’ll want to keep some anti-humidity spray in your bag because humidity will be your worst enemy with this style.
#23 Multi-Tonal Sleek Angled Bob
What makes this style unique from a typical angled bob is the artistic approach to color. Even when the hair is styled completely straight, the depth that the various tones brings to the hair is remarkable. The angle on this bob is just enough to give the asymmetrical jawline effect that most people desire. If your hair is naturally wavy or curly, prepare to flat iron this style more than any other. For straight hair, this is a wash and go hairstyle, and that is the goal.
#24 Chic Textured Bob with Dimensional Balayage
This cut is amazing; I can see it on so many different people for different reasons and it would suit them all! That balayage is perfect because it adds dimension without being stripe-y and coupled with the texture gives a lived-in look that everyone wants. The longer front pieces really help prevent the cut from being too uniform. On medium to thick hair, this will move and hold its shape beautifully. The lightened pieces will go brassy so they’ll need to be toned every couple months, but with this much payoff that’s a minor ask!
#25 Effortless Tousled Waves with Copper Highlights
I’m going to finish with this one because I can’t hide my favorites any longer. The copper highlights woven through the inte r/waves create an inner glow, and the layered cut, movement and volume with out being overdone. On medium and thick hair this is a look to improve on day two, which is the highest compliment I can give a haircut. A curl enhancing mousse and gloss will keep this looking just as good as the photo.
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