The other day I had a client in my chair and she said, “I want red, but don’t want to look like I’m trying too hard.” Clients like her are the reason I love my job because she really highlights the concern that many women over the age of 40 have when thinking about going red. I always say that red is not just one color, it’s literally thousands of shades. The right shade will not make you look like you are trying to be 25, you will look like the best version of yourself!
Some time ago I had a client with a very conservative style who had never dyed her hair. She came in at age 43 and said she wanted a red bob. When I told her husband, he said she was having a midlife crisis. She was a little shaky in my chair. We picked out a color that was a dark auburn, like if you were to hold a glass of merlot up to the light, and I made the bob super sharp. She CRIED when she saw it, and I am not exaggerating. She was not crying because it was such a big change, she was crying because she was able to see how she felt inside for the first time. That is the power of a red bob. It is not about the hair, It’s about the look. It’s about the person’s expression with the volume turned high. That is what it means to wear a red bob. So, I have put together a list of 26 red bob hairstyles I absolutely love for women in their 40s. And trust I will not hold back my opinions on each of them.
#1: That Sculpted Red Bob That Looks Like It Came With a Soundtrack
This look is definitely GIVING main character and I am here for it. The cut is super clean and precise with just enough layering at the ends to keep it from looking stiff. This is the mistake so many people make with a sleek bob, they go too blunt and it just sits there like a helmet. The red though? It’s loud and I love it. To be honest with you, a color like this is a commitment. You’re gonna be in my chair a lot to keep it from going muddy. But if you actually ENJOY the salon experience, this is your cut.
#2 Soft Wavy Red Bob That Looks Like You Woke Up in a Nancy Meyers Movie
This hairstyle is one that people will compliment you on without even knowing what you did, and there’s no better compliment than that. The layers in this cut create movement and texture that allows fine hair to look much fuller. The tousled look is stunning and makes it look like you didn’t put in much effort to pull this look together when in fact, you most likely did. Grab some color-safe shampoo to keep the red looking fresh for as long as possible. Color will wash out super quickly especially if your hair is light.
#3 That Burgundy Chin-Length Moment with the Wispy Bangs
Let’s take a moment to appreciate these BANGS. The combination of wispy bangs and a chin-length bob is one of my favorites, and I will argue to my death how great it is. They soften your look without truly feeling like you have bangs, you know what I mean? Burgundy is an awesome color choice because it is fun without being obnoxiously bright and the tousled texture stops it all from being too perfect. The tousled look is going to take a little bit of work in the morning with a texturizing spray, but it shouldn’t take you more than about 5 minutes to achieve that dirty look.
#4 The Modern Red Bob That Somehow Looks Expensive
I don’t know what it is about this cut but I know it’s expensive. Like it feels like the type of haircut where the owner has a really nice moisturizer, knows what wine she wants without looking at the menu, and is a little too pretentious. The chin length is doing a ton of the heavy lifting here since it is at the perfect length that it defines your jaw without being too sharp. The warmth of the shade red really brings the skin alive and if you have fine hair this is going to be your best friend because the style won’t look like it needs a lot of density to look intentional.
#5 That Collarbone-Grazing Red Bob with the Good Layers
This is a little longer than your average bob, which I love because it gives you more styling options. You could tuck it behind your ear for a work meeting, or curl the ends for a dinner or just let it AIR DRY on a Sunday and it still looks great. The layers here are nice and while they are not chunky, they also aren’t obvious. They add just the right amount of dimension so your hair has that natural movement thing going on. The warm red is universally flattering which I don’t say often because usually when people say “universally flattering” they mean “flattering on like three people.”
#6 Copper Waves That Make Me Want to Cancel My Afternoon Appointments
This copper color is stunning! There is something magical about copper on a wavy bob. I know it’s cheesy, but it really feels like autumn in hair form! The side-swept bangs really do a lot for this look. They soften the whole face while keeping the look modern. The waves also look really bouncy. For fine hair, it looks like it came in with reinforcements. It will be super easy to maintain, just a wash, some curl cream scrunched in, and that’s it!
#7 The Effortless Red Bob Your Cool Aunt Would Have
If you want to make some changes, but not a lot of changes, this could be a good starting point. The length is just above the shoulder, the layers are understated so you don’t feel like you’ve gotten a whole new haircut, and the red is a nice rich tone, not too neon. What I love about this one is that the hair does the work, so you’re really not gonna be fighting your hair every single morning, you’re just gonna be working with it. A tiny bit of lightweight styling cream through the mid-lengths and you’re done. This is the haircut equivalent to jeans and a great blazer.
#8 Curly Red Bob for When You Want to Have FUN with It
All of my clients with curly hair do end up getting the same hair style, and its always super fun to see how its going to come out. Curls give so much more volume and bounce. Most customers appreciate the bounciness, but are disappointed when they don’t pay for the bounce. So do not straighten your hair if you have natural curls. The goal is to have the soft layers, because otherwise it would end up being not so great. This length is perfect because it is just enough to give the right weight without compromising on the bounce. This is the sweet spot for curly hair.
#9 That Textured Red Bob with the Sneaky Good Layers
What makes this haircut unique are the pieces that frame the face. These sections that are shorter and lighter than the rest create an effect that highlight your cheekbones. I do this with about 70% of my clients with bobs and they always see the difference. The red is a warm shade which will go with any warm tones you might have in your skin. The overall texture has an “I just came back from somewhere interesting” vibe that is very appealing.
#10 The Red Bob with Fringe That Actually Looks Good
Getting bangs can be a little scary but THIS is exactly how it’s done. This style is much better than a blunt, heavy fringe that sits on your forehead. These bangs are soft, and the piece-y construction makes them look a lot better. These bangs also do a sneaky little thing, and that is drawing attention to your eyes. If you have pretty eyes, it’s basically free highlighting. The soft wave also adds to a more gentle look, which I like. The only downside is that they will need a trim every 3 to 4 weeks or they will go wild- and not in a cute way.
#11 Loose Curly Red Bob for the Low-Key Gorgeous Crowd
This hair gives a casual vibe and a lot of thought went into the cut since there is a lot of texture with the hair. It is shoulder length, and because of the curls, there is enough volume to make thin hair feel included. A good curling cream will be needed though because the difference between ‘effortless culs’ and ‘I slept on wet hair’ is product based. It’s crazy how easily this cut can go from a Tuesday morning to a Saturday night.
#12 Angled Red Bob That Has Secrets
I want to call your attention to the back of the haircut. There is an angle that not everyone will see from the front, but it really does change how this cut moves and falls. It is one of those details that demonstrates how a $30 haircut is miles apart from a $150 haircut. The warm red tones are giving beautiful, and it is almost unfair how jawline flattering it is. This is an amazing choice if you have thicker hair. The layers will help take out bulk while keeping the shape you want. This is a cut that really does reward you for coming in for regular trims. And I mean every 6 weeks to keep that angle looking sharp.
#13 Bouncy Red Bob with the Perfect Amount of Wave
I personally love returning to this one because the BOUNCE is everything. With this style there is some subtle layering at the crown where most bobs fall, literally, which makes a huge difference. The waves arch with the perfect amount of intention to sit in the specific sweet spot that I appreciate. It is above the shoulder which is just magic because styled or not it always looks it. This look will be a breeze to pull off with naturally wavy hair. You can stand there and take the credit for this style without even having to do a thing.
#14 Cherry Red Layered Bob That Catches Light Like Nobody’s Business
This style is seriously shining! Impeccable gloss treatment, or some seriously healthy hair. Either way, I’m impressed. Cherry red is one of those colors that can look super costume-like, but the layering keeps this looking sophisticated – the movement breaks up the color in a way that looks really natural. The face framing pieces are pulling everything forward in the most flattering way possible. This is one of those cuts that you’ll catch yourself in a mirror and go “oh wait, that’s me,” and smile a little.
#15 That Soft Layered Red Bob Your Colorist Will Love Doing
Red is such an exciting color! This shade is a tad a little less maintenance than a true fire engine red, but all reds do require upkeep. The layering is meant to make fine hair look more voluminous. The movement is intentional and someone put a lot of thought into maximizing volume in the right areas.
#16 Copper Textured Bob That Makes Me Want to Go Copper Myself
Copper hair is defintely one of my top choices when it comes to hair color, and cuts like this make me want to go copper even more! It’s such a beautiful color, and it actually looks better in person than in photos, which is rare. The soft, relaxed, almost beachy waves will move along with you with this cut’s shoulder length style! I do have to let you know that copper hair color does fade quite quickly compared to other hair colors, because it is in the red family. But don’t worry! You’ll just need to use a color-depositing conditioner to keep it looking fresh between appointments!
#17 Textured Red Bob with Fringe That Gets It Right
Another fringe moment and another one that WORKS, which is honestly a relief because I’ve been burned before. The frontage here is textured and slightly separated which gives it this modern feel, as opposed to that heavy straight-across bang that can age you faster than sun damage. The warm reddish tone is really pretty against the skin and it has that quality where it looks different in every light, warmer indoors, more vivid in the sunlight. The overall cut has this airy quality to it that I find really attractive and easy to live with.
#18 Vibrant Red Bob That Goes from Day to Night Without Trying
Having seen a great many bobs, I must say, this one is the most versatile! The length and layering create the opportunity for almost any type of styling. You can tuck it behind your ears, throw on some hoops, and then it’s business time, and then with a quick spray of some sea salt spray, you are ready for happy hour. The red here is rich; depending on how you style it, it can change a lot. Sometimes it looks quite auburn and other times a striking bold RED. These types of bobs definitely have that chameleon quality! The face framing layers are subtle but sculpting, giving the effect that everyone has better bone structure.
#19 Sleek Red Bob with Highlights That Actually Make Sense
It is tough to achieve highlights in red hair, and I have to give credit to whoever did them. Most highlights tend to look harsh and stripy, but these look blended and, instead, give the illusion of dimension. They catch the light beautifully. The haircut is also clean and polished to perfection. The added soft layers around the face give it a gentle finish. The best type of haircut is one that makes people think you have really cool natural hair, and this one hits that goal right on the dot.
#20 Burgundy Shoulder-Length Bob That Does the Work for You
I really feel that burgundy should get more recognition than it does. It seems strange that so many people just say “red.” Burgundy is richer, more nuanced, and more sophisticated than its brighter counterparts. This cut and soft waves is pretty much a wash and go cut. If you have a natural wave, it should be super easy to manage. The subtle face-framing layers draw attention to the center features, and they do a great job with that. I consider this a great example of quiet luxury in the world of red bobs.
#21 Rounded Red Bob That Frames Everything Perfectly
I love the SHAPE of this cut; the rounded silhouette that follows the curve of the jawline is so nice, I could get it. And I mean, really good haircuts are custom. This bob is for sure polished because every single strand lays perfectly. The red color is also rich and has a satin finish which gives the entire look a high fashion mood. If your hair is smoother than satin, blow drying with volumizing mousse at the roots will give it some volume without looking greasy.
#22 Curly Red Bob That Has PERSONALITY
This haircut is a head-turner! The curls are all bouncy and energetic and layered cuts help avoid that poofy look which is a number one concern of every curly girl that comes to my chair. I love that it falls right above the shoulders because that length is perfect for the curls to spring up and do their thing without getting weighed down. The red color adds warmth and the whole look just RADIATES. Good styling is essential to keep the curl definition, but the payoff is absoluty worth it.
#23 Soft Textured Red Bob That Feels Like a Warm Hug
I really like how soft the face-framing layers are. Everything feels very gentle and seamless. I also love the layering at the length of the shoulders; it gives you the option to put your hair up in a ponytail or leave it down. The effort needed to keep the relaxed texture is minimal, and the style seems like it wouldn’t need much upkeep, but that isn’t the case. I recommend coming in for maintenance every 6-8 weeks because the layers will start to look unintentional as they grow out.
#24 Playful Layered Red Bob That Moves When You Move
I enjoy seeing a haircut’s movement from a single image. The layers are creating a cascading movement. The hair sways and bounces, it looks like it’s having a party. The warm red tones add depth to all the layers and make the dimensions even better. This is the cut I would recommend if you have fine hair and you have a flat look. The layered cut does all the work! All you need is a round brush, a blow dryer, and some heat protectant (you know, just to be safe).
#25 Bold Red Bob with That Perfect Soft Fringe
This definitely seems editorial, maybe she’s going to an exhibition, which is a huge compliment! The fringe softens the forehead as well as making the whole cut look more intentional and styled. The kept texture and layers remain practical whilst the kept medium length is interesting, and the red is statement enough so any other accessories and styling are not needed. If you have an oval or heart shaped face, this will look like it was literally designed for you because the proportions are just CHEFu2019S KISS.
#26 Curly Red Bob for the Texture-Embracers
As for getting a shorter hair cut, this is me saying you did NOT hear from me that for this style, chin length is the sweet spot. Chin length cuts let the curls take control of the style, and that’s how all chop curls should be done; it’s all about working with the pattern, not battling against it. The luscious red top adds a bouncy, lively and gilded fun touch to an already special overall look. A deep conditioning mask should be used at least once a week on red hair especially since red hair is more drying and curly hair usually condones more moisture than straight hair. Trust me, your curls will appreciate it.
Enter your email and get this picture and description straight to your inbox, and you'll also get new hair ideas ❤️
🔒 We don't spam or sell emails. See our Privacy Policy.