Why is there a stereotype that women over 50 should play it safe with their hairstyles? There are no rules saying older women have to be more conservative with their hairstyles, as the Italian bob shows.
This style is beautiful because it acts as a stunning frame for the face and neck rather than drawing attention to itself. A few years back, I had a client who was a retired architect and was in her sixties. She showed me a picture of Monica Bellucci and said, “I know this isn’t realistic.” When I did the Italian bob, she started crying, but not for the reasons you might think. She didn’t cry because she was younger. She cried because she looked more polished and better. That is what a true Italian bob does. It does not try to reverse anything. It enhances a person’s existing beauty. Good bone structure, perfect hair texture, and the ability to let the hair naturally fall. To achieve that polished look, you don’t need to have a blow-dryer to show-off. I love the Italian bob, especially on women who have earned the right to wear what they want.
#1: Layered Bob with Soft Waves and a Little Warmth
This may look like a complex cut, but all it needs is a good base. The layers create the illusion of fullness for fine hair without the need of backcombing or hairspray. [Hair Length] As for the hair, shoulder-length with soft waves. A few highlights at the ends will warm it up a tad. To help movement stay longer between washes, a light wave spray will do the trick. Just be sure to air dry it because if you leave it alone, it will get super flat.
#2 Chestnut S-Wave Bob with Bangs That Actually Work
The S-wave pattern adds to the look because it softens all the features without making the appearance too sweet. Chestnut brown is a good color choice for anyone who’s complexion has changed to warmer tones over the years. The bangs sit just right to draw the eye without giving too much curtain vibe. I’d recommend this for someone with fine to medium hair who wants to create the look of having more. The slight off center part stops it from coming across as too done, which is the goal.
#3 A Solid Everyday Bob with Soft Bangs
Of all the Italian bobs, I think this one is the most consistent. It has soft layers, medium bangs, and a nice frame. This is the hairstyle you get if you want to look nice and polished at brunch and don’t want to think about your hair until dinner. The fine hair layering technique gives just enough body to retain shape, and the style also works wonders for oval and heart-shaped faces. A little volumizing mousse at the roots does the trick.
#4 Chocolate Brown Layers with Face-Framing Light
The highlights are strategically placed and not scattered everywhere, they are focused where they will catch the light best near the face. This creates a more purposeful effect than your typical highlight. The chocolate brown base color gives nice dimension and the layered cut allows thicker hair to release and move. I won’t act like this isn’t a salon maintenance cut. But for the right person, the maintenance is worth it because the finish creates a clean look that isn’t too structured.
#5 Warm Chocolate Textured Bob with Easy Movement
For hair that has some natural wave, I prefer to use layers instead of more heavy-handed techniques when it comes to creating texture and movement, which is exactly what we did. Your complexion is also going to love the rich warm chocolate color without going too dark. For days when you don’t want to deal with them, the bangs are soft enough to push aside. If your hair even has a slight wave, this cut is going to meet you at that undone and low maintenance look and feel.
#6 Copper Wavy Bob with Fringe That Commits
Copper-colored hair can be a hit or miss but this color looks great. The warm tones in this color really brightens up her face while the fringe bangs add some nice personality to the look. For fine to medium hair, layered waves provide the necessary volume without too much effort in styling. The copper color will fade faster than cooler tones so to avoid drifting into uncharted territory, you’ll want to use a color-depositing shampoo between appointments.
#7 The Chestnut Bob That Doesn’t Try Too Hard
The bangs sit above the brow and reach the ideal length just above the neck. The color is nice and appears natural. This is best for those with fine hair. The blunt edges create the appearance of fuller hair. The bangs will need to be cut every couple weeks, but the rest of the look is low maintenance.
#8 Tousled Bob with Natural Highlights and No Fuss
This hair style is like a white t-shirt that for some reason looks designer. It’s slightly tousled, shoulder-length, and looks styled to be messy, while having edgy highlighted hair in a natural way. It is the subtle layers that generate volume while maintaining the thickness of the ends. This should look really good on round and oval face shapes. The whole routine consists of some texturizing spray and a little scrunch.
#9 Cinnamon Asymmetrical Bob for the Slightly Adventurous
I get super excited when clients are ready for an asymmetrical bob because I love the way it gives off a more personal vibe. This one hangs just above the shoulders with one side being a bit longer than the other. It may sounds like a minor detail, but it alters the entire vibe of the cut. The cinnamon color is beautiful with warmer skin tones and the well-placed layers allow medium to fine hair to achieve the look of thickness without added bulk. If you’ve never tried an asymmetrical cut before it can feel like a big change, but it’s the sort of cut that will have people asking who your hairdresser is, and that can only be a good thing.
#10 Deep Chocolate Tousled Bob with a Side Sweep
These side bangs are eye-catching while subtly changing the appearance of the forehead. Most people look great in this bang style, especially with the softer face effect! The chocolate color looks great, but covering greys will require maintenance. The way this style is designed, the texture will look good in its natural state, meaning little time will be required in the morning for styling. With a length that stops at the collar bone, you won’t have to get a trim for quite a while! This is a practical bonus that is often overlooked.
#11 Soft Curly Bob with Layers That Let It Move
If your hair is naturally curly or wavy, then this hairdo is perfect to showcase a bit of those curls and waves! The layers promote a more free-form and effortless look. Curls shoulder length and shorter are ideal, so that the curls aren’t being weighed down. If your hair is medium to thick, then that shape will hold true even without a lot of effort. And don’t forget! When using a curl cream, apply it to damp hair and that will be all you need to style.
#12 Vintage-Inspired Curled Bob with Real Polish
This look is for you if you want to walk into the room and feel like you should be at the top table. This is a warm chin length blonde finish with soft and defined curls. Great soft curls do take some time to create. That does mean curling instead of the more fun option of letting it air dry, but the end result is a timeless elegance that really can’t be matched. It works best on oval and heart shaped faces but to be honest the confidence it gives you tends to override any face shape issues.
#13 Chin-Length Textured Bob with Real Personality
While at this location, having chin-length hair embodies a sense of commitment that showcases the jaw and neck, and with the right texture—similar to the waves and layers here—will appear modern and chic in an effortless manner. If your hair is fine, this is especially beneficial as it will provide the volume you are concerned about, and it will create lift in the layers, without making the ends look scraggly. For this style, a volumizing spray at the roots will be your best friend, and you will want to get trims to keep a clean shape every 6 weeks.
#14 Chestnut A-Line Bob with a Little Flip at the Ends
The little flips at the ends of the style are all about fun and add a great detail to the overall look. An A-line bob like this one is cut shorter at the back by the nape and at the front. Chestnut bob color is a classic. That subtle flipping detail may not seem like a cut that has a lot of character, but it is surprisingly fun. If you have been having trouble with fine and thinning hair, the A-line style is a great option as it gives a natural and effortless volumized look in the center. The length is relatively short, but it will be a low-maintenance style as it will be a wash and go type of deal. This style is perfect for a growing out phase as it will need regular trims because you will have to keep the shape with frequent appointments.
#15 Auburn Asymmetrical Bob That Earns Its Keep
The subtle auburn is doing amazing things to the complexion, adding warmth in a way that feels less like a hair color and more like great lighting. The asymmetrical length is especially great because it elongates the jawline of the longer side and keeps it interesting in a way that is not overly dramatic. This is a style that will show off the thickness if you have naturally dense hair as opposed to something to control it. The shape will require professional upkeep to stay clean so keep that in mind for your everyday. The hair is rather simple.
#16 Stacked Chestnut Bob with Quiet Sophistication
The charm of a stacked bob comes from the graduation at the nape. When it is done correctly, it creates a beautiful shape to the head from all angles. The chestnut brown is an equally rich and low-maintenance color. The overall effect is clean and modern without being overly trendy. For fine to medium hair, this cut gives the volume illusion, and this is practical, not just complimentary. You will need consistent shaping to keep the stacked back looking sharp, but the front side is pretty low-maintenance.
#17 Sleek Chocolate Bob with Bangs That Mean Business
A precision bang is one of those things is either super sharp and perfectly styled every day, or they fall off and look messy. There is no in between. However, if you are willing to put in some work, this clean chocolate brown bob is going to provide one of the best possible looks at this length. The blunt cut with the precision bangs gives the illusion of thicker, fuller hair, and is extremely flattering without being harsh. It is really nice to have this effect on the face to create a nice framing effect particularly if you have a round or oval face and is super flattering.
#18 Wavy Bob with Side-Swept Layers and Easy Elegance
A regular wavy bob can look more interesting with this side-swept style as it adds more direction. It makes it look more styled instead of the look of just rolling out of bed. The volume is due to the medium density of the hair. Properly placed layers will create the volume so that average hair won’t create too flat or too bulky of a look. All you need to look really great is a decent wave mousse. The perfect, intentional look that we all desire really just takes a decent, wave-enhancing mousse on damp hair and a diffuser.
#19 Soft Textured Bob for the Low-Maintenance Realist
I recommend this style for clients who would like something nice and don’t want a big lifestyle change to maintain the look. The hair has some texture with the soft layers and avoids the shape that flattens the look and doesn’t fall. The style is just above the shoulders, and is face framing without being too flashy, and is easy to do on a weekday morning. If you want colour, I suggest some highlights in the front to brighten the look, but the cut is great on its own.
#20 Soft Wavy Brown Bob That Doesn’t Announce Itself
Some hairstyles are designed to attract attention, while others are more about aesthetics, like this one. The gentle waves create a soft look, and the warm brown blends in to keep things natural. A wav pattern actually creates volume where it matters most if your hair is starting to thin a bit. It gives a nice finish and a great unstudied quality that I appreciate. You don’t look like you’ve just spent forty minutes to achieve it. You just look like you have really great hair.
#21 Sun-Kissed Curly Bob with Real Texture
For the past decade, have you had a natural curl or wave, and straightened it? Then stop and think about this haircut. Vivid curls give the most volume and movement that no flat iron can replicate. Pair that with the sun-kissed highlights, which give the most warm touch without being overdone, and you have a winner! This works best on medium to thick hair, as there needs to be enough to support the curl pattern. You will need a few things though. At minimum you will need a good curl-enhancing gel and a microfiber towel, but in return you get a cut with true personality.
#22 Golden Curled Bob with Side-Swept Bangs
The golden hue is catching the light beautifully and warming the entire face and giving a youthful glow without looking childish. The curls around the face add volume to the fine hair and that is exactly what this cut aims to do. Side-swept bangs that are just long enough to grow out if you ever think to remove them is also great. However, this is a style that will only ever look nice if you are going to do a fresh curl on it, so do some soul searching before you decide that this will be a regular thing.
#23 Textured Bob with Curls and Subtle Dimension
With soft curling this length bob gives an airy silhouette that is full but not heavy. This creates an ideal look that many women are after without them knowing in particular how to describe it. The evened out length can be kept short enough to be practical enough to air dry when time is short. The subtle dimension in the color helps things from appearing flat, and works excellently on medium to thick hair. If your face has angular features the cut might not, and the curls help in bringing that softness.
#24 Defined Curls on a Textured Bob with Bangs
These curls look soft, and we can tell they are defined because they’re probably using product, and the right kind, too! Curls this tight and bouncy look great at shoulder length as it keeps everything light and not weighed down. The subtle bangs are nice as they soften the forehead and do not compete with the layered texture. The warm tones in the color add depth to the curls. The style does require a little commitment each morning, but the end result is definitely worth the fuss!
#25 Chin-Length Curly Bob with Defined Layers
It is advisable to embrace your curls at any age. Curls at chin length will not be too overwhelming and will frame your face nicely. What differentiates this from simply growing out a short cut is the presence of defined layers. Defined layers create a purposeful structure and allow each curl to fall properly. This will work best on medium to thick hair. I won’t sugar coat it, having defined curls takes maintenance to keep the curls from getting frizzy. The positive thing is that a little scrunching along with a frizz control curl cream is about all that it takes to get there.
#26 Wavy Bob with Highlights and an Effortless Feel
The side part does a great job of creating a sweep across the face that softens everything, and gives the whole cut movement even when standing still. The subtle highlights combined with the fine to medium hair dimensions is great, and with the shoulder length even keeps it light and flowy. If your hair is naturally straight, then there is going to be some work to be done to get those waves, however if you have some natural texture then the cut will do all the work and really magnify the waves.
#27 Textured Bob with Bangs and Some Life to It
With bangs on a textured bob, it’ll be a hit or miss; they might complete the overall style, or they might clash with it. Thankfully, these bangs are able to hit the right style points because they are soft and blend in with the layers, and soft bangs make the headband effect less likely. The real movement comes from the layers, not from some heavy styling products. This kind of movement looks the best on round or oval face shapes. If you have fine hair, you may have to work a little harder to achieve some good layers so that the hair doesn’t sit limp at the end of the day.
#28 Blunt Bob with Soft Fringe and Clean Lines
I love how clean and precise a blunt bob looks, and this one is no exception. The cut hitting the chin helps define the shape, giving a more intentional and thicker look to the wispy pieces. The soft bangs help to make it less severe, too. Be prepared to have to get your hair cut more often than you probably want. With blunt cuts, there’s nowhere for uneven lines to hide, but a clean cut will elevate all of your looks to be much more polished. To maintain healthy and glossy ends, a shine serum will help.
#29 Rounded Bob with Subtle Bangs and Timeless Shape
The rounded shape of this bob is timeless, as it looks great on almost everybody and doesn’t look like you’re trying to fit in with a trend. The bangs soften the look to make it not too severe, and a length just above the shoulders is probably the most universally flattering length. The model’s straight and thick hair gives this style a very clean line, but with some right adjustments it is workable on other hair types as well. The main requirement is to get regular haircuts to keep the roundness of the bob, and it really is a simple commitment.
#30 Wavy Bob with Soft Volume at the Jaw
Volume that sits at the jawline creates a surprisingly flattering lifted effect. The soft waves do all the work here and provide an impression of fullness without the weight. This is one of those cuts where the shape is polished enough to transition from a morning errand to an evening out. Of course you will want to refresh the waves every few days, but the charm is in the in-between days too.
#31 Layered Bob with Face-Framing Layers That Earn Their Name
Although many people refer to the phrase “face-framing layers,” it does take some skill to actually apply them properly, as demonstrated here. These layers make a noticeable difference in how a haircut works with your features. These layers are engineered to accentuate movement around the cheekbone and jaw areas without the ends looking sparse or too thin. The hair is shoulder length and decent for fine to medium hair so it can take a simplistic cut. A warm, rich color would make this cut even better. Very little product is required, really a lightweight styling cream through the mid-lengths is about all the product this needs.
#32 Textured Bob with Fringe and a Playful Spirit
The hair bangs give a unique touch to the style, while the tousled layers contribute to the overall warmth of the style. Interestingly enough, their combined effect creates a type of energy that is still very much under control, and this is a notable achievement. The hair of a softer and finer texture is going to benefit a great deal more from the layering technique used at the back. This style is very versatile and can be worn in many different ways, from casual and tousled to neat and smooth. The bangs are going to need to be cut more often than the rest of the hair, but this small commitment is definitely worth the personality they add.
#33 Modern Textured Bob That Plays Well with Natural Waves
Are you tired of battling with your natural wave pattern? Well, this could be the cut that finally makes you give up the fight! The face-framing layers encourage you natural waves instead of going against it. The style will look like you spent hours on it but in fact you can skip the round brush blow dry and spend a mere 30 minutes to look like that. Most of this cut will be seen on medium to thick hair types as the added layers and density really holds the cut in place. The length just above your shoulders is also going to feel super current to the style. All you need with this cut is a little bit of styling cream, scrunched up in damp hair and you’re good to go!
#34 Asymmetrical Bob with Soft Layers and Real Depth
A more modern and streamlined look can be achieved with this sort of cut, and the subtle asymmetry is great for achieving just that. The gentle layers create a more effortless look and add more bounce to the hair, for fine hair that is slightly wavy and the depth of the color adds fullness from every angle which looks amazing. This cut is the sort of look that helps you get ready in the morning without it feeling like a whole project. If you tend to go a while in between washes, a root volumizing powder on day two will help extend the life of your blowout.
#35 Warm Brown Textured Bob That Photographs Beautifully
I feel that some color combinations and haircuts reflect light beautifully, and this warm brown with highlights is no different. The textured layers lend a more fluid look to the style and help reduce a stiffer appearance, while the highlights lift the color from looking flat. If you have fine or thin hair, these layers will suit you best, and the framing will be most flattering to oval and heart shapes faces. Your biggest maintenance commitment will be color touch-ups because highlights will become less apparent.
#36 Stacked Bob with Highlights and a Soft Fringe
What makes this different from an everyday bob is the stacking at the back which gives the cut shape and lift from the back, and the soft fringe which adds some gentleness at the front to counteract all the structure. The subtle highlights create the illusion of thicker and more dimensional hair, which is particularly useful if your hair is of medium to fine density. For heart-shaped face, chin length is quite a risky choice as it widens a bit at the jaw instead of tapering down. Some styling will be needed to maintain the shape, but the outline is worth the effort.
#37 Textured Bob with Soft Layers and an Easy Shape
Chin length bobs can look a little harsh, but not with these soft framing layers. They soften the jawline, and add an airy quality to fine to medium hair that heavier cuts won’t provide. To enhance the shape all you need is a little texturizing spray, which does the trick without looking like you spent a long time in the bathroom. This is especially nice for oval and heart shaped faces.
#38 Wavy Bob with Soft Tousled Texture
Cutting style shall let the hair fall where it may, and waving hair is mid length and messy. Client’s with extremely low maintenance request, this is the ideal style. It keeps hair off the shoulders and can be easy, while also looking nice, but the high levels of layering can be problematic. It can be a lot of hair without being overly bulky in the ends, and it’s great for fine or mid range hair as well. Just keep in mind, it will be almost no work, and the control frizz hair will need a smoothing product but a random care will be fine. It will be working closer to random hair.
#39 Classic Bob with Subtle Layers and a Beautiful Shine
When you need to highlight great quality work, getting an expertly done classic haircut is sometimes all you need. This classic bob hits the jaw with dark shiny hair color and has just enough layering to create movement. This style is great for medium density hair as it keeps its form really well and is flattering to all face shapes because of its balanced proportions. Although this cut is self sustaining, it does require regular maintenance in the form of trims every six to eight weeks.
#40 Softly Textured Bob with Gentle Waves and Subtle Highlights
It wouldn’t be as noticeable with straight hair but light waves bring some life to a medium length bob. The decision is yours if you would rather have a more polished look or something more fun. Highlights bring dimension but don’t complicate the color too much. Most face shapes the cut suits because the movement of the hair provides a nice frame. This layering is most effective on light to medium thickness hair. The waves will take a tiny bit of work in the morning, like, five minutes, so don’t worry about it too much.
#41 Textured Curly Bob with Warmth and Body
This cut shows off the curls instead of just dealing with them, and you can tell it’s draped around the curves of the hair instead of just being put on top. The shoulder-length layers allow medium to thick hair to show its true volume, while the highlights are just the right amount to lose the streaky look and warm everything up. Round faces get especially nice framing from the cut, and with curls helping to widen the look in all the right places. With the right commitment to the necessary curl products, you will finally have a cut that will look better as it air dries, and that’s a wonderful thing!
#42 Classic Stacked Bob with Side-Swept Bangs and Quiet Confidence
A chin-length style, with clean lines and side-swept bangs, creates a polished look. Bangs can look very intentional, as well as grow out and look more casual. Adding weightless stacking at the crown gives control, and helps with fine hair. This design is very flattering for oval and heart shaped faces.
#43 Layered Bob with Highlights That Add Real Depth
This haircut looks wonderful because of some strategic highlighting done on it. The highlights give dimension and movement to finer hair that would otherwise be flat. The hair also falls to the shoulders, giving it versatility and freedom to swing. The light layering adds fullness to this look. A good colorist would be required to maintain this look as well as a good cutter. This would require regular maintenance as the highlights would need to look fresh.
#44 Curly Bob with Bangs That Frame Everything Right
Being able to style bangs and curls together takes a bit of confidence, but this stylist is spot on, when this style looks good, it looks great! The bangs here are soft and cut to work with the curl pattern, in a way, somewhat counteracts and that is the biggest divider between bangs that look purposeful versus bangs that look like a mistake. Medium to thick hair gives the best end result here because it is the volume that gives the support to both of the curls and the framing effect. For more angled face shapes, the curls offer a nice and soft balance to the overall look, which I personally find very nice.
#45 Textured Bob with Playful Curls and Easy Movement
Cutting curls to just above the shoulders is playful in the exact way this cut is meant to be playful. It’s an energy that can’t be manufactured, it comes from the right combination of the cut and the natural texture. Keeping the curls lifted with length just above the shoulders and soft layers allows each curl to sit independently rather than clumping together. This shape works with your hair’s natural wavy medium density. Use a lightweight mousse for hold, but other than that, it’s all about letting your hair do its thing.
#46 Textured Bob with Volume and Dimension
The softness and movement that over styled hair fails to capture is iĺlustrated here with layering. The subtle highlights offer enough dimension to keep things interesting and avoid looking like a block color. This haircut shape is most flattering on oval and heart face shapes as it draws attention to the cheekbones and softens the jawline. This layering technique is most suited to fine to medium hair types. Some maintenance will be required to keep the waves looking defined, but the good news is the cut is forgiving enough that a second day look will still be acceptable.
#47 Deep Red Bob with Bangs and Real Presence
I appreciate that going deep red would not be an easy decision, considering how bold of a choice it would be, and how much maintenance it would require compared to a more neutral color. Instead of fading to a neutral color, a deep red color will fade to an undesired warm tone, so you should also expect to buy a color depositing conditioner to maintain the color before your salon visits. A chin-length style will also suit to soften your look along with the bangs. For oval and heart-shaped faces, the overall combination will be especially striking.
#48 Copper Bob with Waves That Know What They’re Doing
The combination of soft waves and copper tones is stunning both in person and in pictures. The hair movement and layering at the ends creates the right amount of depth and the warm copper tone really brightens your face. When combined with soft waves, this length and these tones is really flattering for round or oval face shapes. While the cut is very forgiving, the color requires a lot of upkeep. Although beautiful, copper is quite high-maintenance.
#49 Textured Bob with Natural Volume and Good Bones
A properly structured cut does not require styling to look great, and this textured bob exemplifies just that. The length that sits above the shoulders is versatile and works with all face shapes. The soft waves are an additional bonus, and the medium density is just right; there is enough hair to hold the shape, but the cut doesn’t feel heavy. The layered cut creates nothing artificial, and that’s always my preference. All this cut needs is a light sea salt spray to bring back the texture between washes.
#50 Softly Layered Bob with Highlights and Easy Bounce
This style has layers that are easy to maintain. They help create dimension and movement (though fine/mid hair may need some help), and provide a good face framing effect for almost all face shapes. The warm highlights are subtle to break the monotone effect. Chin length is flattering without being too much. You will want to get the layers reshaped to keep some bounce, but this look will work in between.
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