The ripple bob is another prime case of a hairstyle name that sounds a lot cooler and trendier than the actual cut, but to give it credit, that works in its favor. In essence, it is a straight bob with some waves systematically styled and a bit of shape textured in. I find this particular style keeps coming up in my chair, mainly due to its practicability for the women over 50 demographic. It offers hair movement without needing a lot of density to pull it off, plus it integrates comfortably with glasses, unlike many blunt cuts that compete with the frames. The waves softly created with this cut compliment the lines the frames make “draw” across your face. So instead of your haircut and glasses fighting for attention, they complement each other.
Not long ago, I was fortunate to be able to cut the hair of a woman who had the same straight shoulder cut for 15 years. To top that off, she was now using progressives and she thought her whole face looked heavier. We transitioned her to a ripple bob that was collared bone and textured at the ends. She actually teared up. It was not because it was very extreme but rather because it was the first time in a long time that her hair actually felt like it belonged with her face. That’s the story with this haircut, it’s not about any extreme change or re invention really but more about the pieces finally coming together. I won’t lie about which ones are worth it, and which ones are going to demand more from you than they give back.
#1: Soft Volume Ripple Bob That Actually Delivers
A ripple bob is a perfect style to try if you haven’t had a bob before. It’s gentle, and the style provides enough lift to keep the hair from lying too flat. Cuts like these are particularly good for people with medium density, finer hair, as the layers won’t be too overwhelming. This style nicely frames round and oval faces without widening the face, which some bobs can do if the length is wrong. The style is low maintenance and regular trims will keep the layers looking good and prevent them from getting straggly.
#2 Warm Chestnut Waves with Gold Frames
Most of the colour work is going on here. The chestnut colour warms the complexion and accents the gold tone of her glasses. The cut is a shoulder length bob with some light layering and a natural wave which has been more encouraged than forced. If you have hair that already wants to bend a little, this is the sort of cut that meets your texture halfway. For this look, a light mousse or a curling cream to hold the shape is certainly required, but it’s not high effort. It’s ideal for hair that isn’t too thick because the waves give the illusion of more hair without the bulk.
#3 Tousled Bob with a Quiet Elegance
I appreciate this look because it appears so effortless. The texture is more on the loose side and the layers do work at the crown where you need the volume, not at the ends where it creates a mushroom effect. This type of layering on hair that is fine but has a good density gives a lived in look that is polished rather than messy. The rounded glasses work here because the softness of the style and the softness of the frame shape match. For this look, a texturizing spray will be necessary to maintain the tousled look, but it’s really just a quick scrunch and go sort of deal.
#4 Copper Waves Framing a Heart-Shaped Face
If you have a heart-shaped face, pay attention! Waves will be most concentrated in the middle sections and sit more tapered to soften the appearance of a narrow chin and avoid added width around the temples. This coppery colour is bold, but not too much, and works with skin that might be losing warmth. With finer hair, the mid-lengths of this style will help to hold a lot of fullness and the waves will serve more of a structural purpose than just looking pretty. The round frames tie everything together beautifully, and I especially love the position of the waves that draws the focus up to the eyes rather than down.
#5 Classic Layered Ripple Bob with Glasses
I don’t see any problems with this. The waves add body to fine and medium hair without the unwanted puffy look, and the layers nicely frame the face. However, if you have thick hair, you will want some interior thinning done, or this will get bulky quickly. It’s an easy cut to maintain on your end, and keep looking good with trims every 6 to 8 weeks.
#6 Textured Bob with Statement Frames
Here the bold frames are certainly carrying a lot of personality, so the hair wisely stays a little more understated. The soft tousle, the layers create movement without the drama, and the end effect is someone who looks put together without looking like she spent an hour on it. With fine hair, the layering here is well calibrated to create volume without making things look sparse at the ends. The cut does most of the heavy lifting and you might just need a bit of product for the texture.
#7 Shoulder-Length Textured Bob with Modern Frames
I don’t mean this in a bad way, but this is more of a utilitarian cut. This length means you have options for how to style it, and the waves will give it some added interest without needing a super complicated styling routine. The cut also probably looks like it needs more movement to it; otherwise it’ll just hang. It definitely needs some maintenance though. If you let this one go too long between appointments, you’ll start to lose the shape, and then during humid weather, the frizz will definitely creep in. If you’re willing to commit, it definitely pays off. If you’re not, then you might want to consider something with less textured commitment.
#8 Clean Textured Bob Just Above the Shoulders
Just above the shoulders means it’s short enough to have shape, but long enough that you aren’t locked into one way of wearing it. This subtle wave is more of a bend than a defined curl, which gives it that effortless look. Regular trims are important with this one because the moment those ends start to fray, the whole cut loses its freshness. But, unlike other styles, it will really be easy to maintain between appointments.
#9 Bouncy Jawline Bob with Playful Texture
The cut sits right at the jawline, which makes it interesting because, on the right face shape, it’s very flattering, but on the wrong one, it isn’t at all. If you want to emphasize your jaw, go for it. If you tend to have more fullness around the bottom of your face, a little more length would do you good. The curls bouncy here and the layers offer a skillful cut soft volume and dimension. The trade-off is maintenance because those waves will need to be maintained constantly to not be fuzzy.
#10 Chin-Length Ripple Bob with Subtle Highlights
Chin length bobs are in style right now, and for good reason. They are very neat and structured, and the ripple texture adds softness to the style. The highlights are also very good; they add dimension without looking stripy or overly done. Lengths like this are great for fine hair because you aren’t asking the hair to support weight that it can’t. This cut would especially suit an oval or heart-shaped face. The styling commitment is moderate; arranging those waves will take a bit of effort, but nothing that is overly professional.
#11 Just-Above-the-Shoulders Bob with Gentle Wave
The length of this style is ideal because it’s short enough for a change, but long enough that you don’t feel panicked first thing in the morning. Waves are softer and therefore more forgiving/easier to style if you aren’t perfect at doing your hair. A wave enhancing spray will likely be necessary for fine to medium hair to keep your texture throughout the day. It transitions easily from daytime errands to an evening out, and to be honest, that’s exactly what many of my clients over 50 are wanting from a haircut.
#12 Dynamic Chestnut Wavy Bob
The soft asymmetry offers a nice sense of flow to the hair. The chestnut shade is warm and rich enough not to wash anyone out and the waves are nice and flowing. This style works with what you already have instead of against it. It does, however, require frequent styling with a curling wand or diffuser on the kind of hair to keep it looking polished and intentional. The glasses contrast nicely with all the softness of the hair. My personal recommendation would be to focus on women whose hair has some natural liveliness, as the style heavily depends on texture being present and not just created.
#13 Ash Rose Layered Bob That Actually Works
I am usually a little hesitant about colored bobs because if the color isn’t right they can look like a costume. But this ash rose is done right. The ashy tone is muted enough to feel elegant and expensive rather than trendy and is perfect for cooler skin tones, as warmer pinks aren’t as flattering. The layers give nice movement and the shoulder length is very versatile. The color, of course, is the catch. Ash rose is a color that fades and it fades fast. If you want it to stay looking the same, you will have to go get toning done every few weeks to keep it looking true to the original and that is a commitment not everyone is willing to make. If you are happy with it becoming softer, more neutral tones between appointments, then it will actually be more low maintenance than it sounds. If you want to keep that exact shade, be prepared to do so. This cut is especially nice on heart shaped faces because the layers that widen at the jaw help to balance out a more tapered chin.
#14 Shoulder-Length Ripple Bob with Soft Movement
The subtle cut is a great thing! The waves are soft, and the layers are more understated. The overall effect shows someone who is polished, but not overdone. It nicely frames round and oval faces, and fine hair gets a boost from the layered cut without looking thin at the ends. If you wanted to put in some highlights, this would be a great candidate because the wave pattern would reflect the light variations beautifully. But, it is also perfect left alone.
#15 Caramel Tousled Bob with Amber Glasses
The caramel highlights here are done so well! I love how they are placed around the face to help frame it. The frame the face and draw the eye up. I do this technique often on clients who wear glasses as it draws attention to the eyes rather than the dominating darker frames. The tousle looks great on finer and slightly thinner hair as it creates the illusion of texture rather than just volume. This one will need to be styled and sea salt spray will get you there with a bit of scrunching. If you don’t style it, it’ll air dry and fall flat.
#16 Taupe-Waved Bob with Slender Gold Frames
There are many great aspects to this look. The taupe color blending into natural gray will age well as there won’t be any harsh grow-out lines to contend with. The length sits just below the jaws which hits at the cheekbones and helps to soften a stronger jaw. With finer hair, the waves give the needed body to the the hair but without overdoing it and the gold frames warm up the look and don’t clash with the hair’s cooler tones. If you are thinking to start letting your gray grow in but don’t want to go fully silver, this transitional color is worth discussing with your colorist.
#17 Mocha Ripple Bob with Vintage Circular Glasses
Waves can help someone with hair loss create an illusion of more hair. Mocha is a rich enough color that it won’t wash out thin strands. The round frames really add to the vintage look. This wave pattern does take some practice. If you want to create this look, be sure to get some rollers or a curling wand, and set aside 15 minutes to work through the steps. Once you find your rhythm, it won’t be a hassle, but that first couple of weeks do come with a little bit of a learning curve.
#18 Chestnut Textured Waves with Lightweight Frames
If you’re lucky enough to have some natural waves then this is a great cut for you! The chestnut color is warm and inviting, and the layers create volume. The light framing around your face will enhance this cut. It compliments oval and heart-shaped faces. My only concern is potentially less uniform waves, but most people have a mix of waves! It could be a bit of a hassle, but you may need a curl enhancer to get all of the waves to bend in the same direction.
#19 Polished Waves with Silver-Tone Glasses
Touching the collarbone gives it a little more refinement than some more basic versions of the bob. The waves look to be just right so it doesn’t seem overdone and just the right amount of layering is done so that the hair style doesn’t get thick. This style is especially flattering for oval faces and the layering of the silver hair color complements the eyewear nicely. This is a good option for a Tuesday morning or a Saturday night. The best responding hair type for this will be medium density as it will be just enough to form the waves, but not so much to be overwhelming.
#20 Tousled Layered Bob with Caramel Highlights
This one is about the color. The carmel highlights give the illusion that the hair is thicker and more vibrant, especially with a layered bob which allows the movement to show the highlights better. This particular cut is ideal for round and soft square faces as it helps elongate the look, as it falls just above the shoulders, and draws the focus down past the jawline. If you lead a busy life and are looking for something low maintenance, this is the ideal cut for you, however, keep in mind that the layers will need to be maintained every six weeks so the shape doesn’t look too boxy.
#21 Chestnut Curls with Sleek Glasses
Naturally curly and heavily wavy hair will appreciate this style as a way to not fight the texture. Chestnut shades soften the look of more mature skin without giving a face lift effect. Keeping the hair length slightly above the shoulder means those natural curls are no longer a hassle. Sleek frames and smooth curls make for a nice refined look and ease of maintenance. As long as curls stay moisturized, and a leave in conditioner is enough, this look is about as low maintenance as it gets. It provides a great daytime casual appearance and just as easily shifts to evening without any need for a change. Hair that can do that is a great investment.
#22 Soft Volume Ripple Bob, Light and Easy
The Ripple Bob is a great model that actually gets the job done. The soft layers provide some nice contouring to the face while the waves prevent fine to medium hair from falling flat. This style is especially complimentary to heart and oval face shapes. It does need some styling to prevent it from looking messy, but don’t stress, it takes about five minutes with a round brush and no full on production is required.
#23 Cinnamon Layered Bob with Vintage-Inspired Glasses
The soft, warm cinnamon color complements warm skin tones beautifully. The chin-length bob frames the face and neck nicely, and it’s not too harsh, especially with the waviness in the hair which adds good texture without much styling needed. Thinning hair? The layers will give a lot of volume! The vintage-inspired frames really do it, accentuating the features around the eyes and cheekbones in a way modern rectangles don’t. You’ll need to go to the salon every 5-6 weeks to keep it looking fresh because chin-length bobs show their growth much more than longer styles do.
#24 Textured Ripple Bob with Real Bounce
The chin-length style looks very bouncy & layered for movement so it doesn’t go too young for the client. It also works with medium to thick hair since the cut also manages density well since it breaks up the weight. It is flattering on round & oval faces. Defining the waves will require some product but the structure of the cut does most of the work.
#25 Soft Curls Ripple Bob, Above the Shoulders
The best thing about these curls is that they sit softly and naturally and do not look stiff like a lot of curl patterns which can sometimes give a dated appearance to a style. This style completely avoids that. The length sitting just above the shoulders is modern and for oval and heart shapes where the curls fall is very flattering. With fine hair the wave will create that texture. This is not a wash and go style, so, expect to spend time each day redoing those curls.
#26 Trendy Textured Bob with Dimensional Highlights
Chin-length bobs feature limited length around their face which usually doesn’t provide a lot to work with, however, smart layering can create the illusion of movement even when the hair is still. Soft layers and waves that are errant but not unkempt look very put together while also looking effortless and approachable. This style best suites hair types that range between fine to medium. The versatility at this length for oval face shapes is also notable. This look is also achieved through heat styling so air drying definitely won’t cut it.
#27 Textured Ripple Bob with Lift and Layering
I want to explain more about the details of the layering. They focus more around the face and the mid lengths so that movement is created where it is most needed and the ends do not look scraggly. The highlights add visual texture that elevates the look and also does not distract too much. If you have any angularity to your face, these waves will soften it beautifully. Some sort of cream or spray will be needed for definition, but aside from that, the style doesn’t require much.
#28 Warm Copper Textured Bob with Soft Waves
Copper can either look fantastic or disastrous on someone depending on their skin tone. If you have warm undertones, this color can really pop for you. However, if you have cool undertones, this color probably won’t look good. The cut is a classic one length shoulder length bob. I do find that the waves tend to add volume to hair that is finer and the frames have been kept light enough so that they don’t compete. These waves do need a bit of maintenance to look intentional, and the warm tone will help to keep the hair looking less dry and more luminescent. Even when a warm tone begins to relax, it will help keep the hair looking better than a cool tone would.
#29 Modern Bob with Bangs and Warm Highlights
The bangs deserve a special mention as they completely change the whole look of the cut. Without bangs on a ripple bob, the focus is distributed evenly across the hair and the face. Add bangs and boom, the emphasis is on the eyes which is stunning with glasses because it gives people a reason to look directly at you. The warm highlights also add depth, the length is low maintenance, and the entire vibe is youthful without being too much. This also works for fine to medium hair as you will require some product for texture, but the bangs do the most here.
#30 Medium-Length Ripple Bob with Gentle Waves
Nothing but clean execution describes this ripple bob. The waves help create volume in fine and medium density hair. The layers do just what you’d want and frame the face beautifully. The whole style has that put together look that says you take care of yourself but not in a way that is over the top and takes up all your time. This particular style is ideal for oval and heart shaped faces. A bit of styling is required, but don’t let that intimidate you.
#31 Tousled Bob with Subtle Highlights and Easy Texture
I like this one because it uses the least amount of product. The tussled look is built into the cut with some clever layering, and the soft highlights add warmth and dimension without feeling heavy. It sits just above the shoulders and has an airy quality that is great for finer hair because it won’t collapse on itself. This is one of the more straight forward styles in this collection if you like to put in minimal effort in the morning.
#32 Gentle Waves on a Chin-Length Bob
Chin-length and wavy is a combination that works for most people, which is why it’s in high demand and why it can feel a bit predictable. That said, predictable is not a bad thing, especially when the execution is good, and this is good. The waves create the needed body for fine hair which is a plus, and the length is most flattering to oval and heart-shaped faces. The layered texture keeps it modern which is great. Furthermore, if you wear glasses this length tends to sit just below the frames, so it works especially well for that.
#33 Collarbone-Length Ripple Bob, Soft and Airy
Because of the collarbone length, and the layering being light enough to keep all the movement, this feels a little dressier than some of the shorter versions. On medium to fine hair, this leads to an almost weightless feeling style, as the hair seems to be moving freely, whilst structure is provided underneath. The waves are minimal, and the whole look is a refined ease. A lightweight styling cream to keep things smooth might be wanted, but this is easy maintenance.
#34 Defined Curls on a Ripple Bob with Glasses
This is truer to a real curl than a wave, which is a good thing. If your hair naturally curls, this cut will embrace that by adding more structure to your hair with some layers which will help avoid that triangle shape that curly hair can fall into. The medium length will help to soften more angular features and the curls will give you all the volume you could ever want. The catch is that more defined curls will require some maintenance. You’ll need a good curl defining cream and will need to refresh the style between wash days. But if you already know your way around curls, this cut will feel like coming home.
#35 Voluminous Waves Just Above the Shoulders
Even fine hair can achieve this look due to the clever layering creating volume. The length is practical and flattering. Each wave can move freely due to the subtle layering. This cut has real dimension so it will look great in photos. The commitment level is medium; you will have to maintain the defined waves. If your natural texture is straight, you will have to put in even more work. Before you commit, think about how long your morning routine actually is.
#36 Warm-Toned Ripple Bob with Richness
There is a lot to be appreciated with this hair hue. The shoulder length style with soft waves helps accentuate and create flattering frames for round and oval faces. The richness of this tone makes the hair look healthy and substantial. If your hair is fine to medium, the waves will give you texture and movement without a lot of fuss. Some styling will be required to maintain the waves, and if you wanted more dimension, some well placed highlights would work beautifully here.
#37 Elegant Curled Bob, Shoulder Length
The rings on this one have charm and intention, which is a balance a lot of styles miss. Most face shapes can pull off shoulder length hair, and the wavy texture adds a youthfulness that a straight bob at this length lacks. A straight bang and shoulder length hair with some added layers is a perfect canvas to work with a fun, playful style. Color would be a great addition, with some caramel highlights to add warmth and catch light through those waves in a really pretty way. This cut is ideally suited for hair that is naturally wavy, so if your hair is stick-straight, get ready to style this everyday.
#38 Subtle Layers with Soft Waves and Glasses
I appreciate the subtlety around this. The layering is just enough to give the cut texture instead of a choppy look. The waves look nice and loose instead of stiff. For fine to medium hair, this keeps the volume without going overboard. This length, just above the shoulders, is especially flattering on oval and heart-shaped face. The waves will need to be kept up but if you have any natural bend to your hair, it’s a pretty low maintenance style.
#39 Dark Ripple Bob with Soft Bangs
The deeper, richer color really adds some dimension and makes the waves stand out more. For a more polished look, the hair’s medium length, creating movement, suits ovals and heart shapes really well. Just keep in mind the color maintenance and have realistic expectations. The subtly angled bangs soften the look, and for a style that is great with glasses, it gives a more filled in appearance and prevents the forehead above the frames from feeling bare. More regular upkeep may be needed to maintain the color’s richness. Consider these points: Grays tend to show more quickly on a darker base, so keep that in mind.
#40 Effortless Ripple Bob with Easy Texture
This style is the most effortless to maintain in this collection. The tousle is minimal, the waves are relaxed, and the mid-length is uncomplicated. If your hair has even a subtle natural wave, you’re in luck. For this look, all you need to do is wash your hair and let it dry. Then just add a little product to finish it off. It really is a bonus that this look works for so many different face shapes. It’s great to have a hairstyle that makes you feel good without having to make a huge change.
#41 Defined Layers with Caramel Balayage
The layers really add movement to the style, and the light reflecting warmth waves show off the caramel balayage beautifully. The chin length is flattering for round and oval face shapes, and the wavy texture gives fine hair great bounce. It does take some commitment with maintenance for the layers to keep their definition, and for the color to stay fresh and not grown out. For those who enjoy color and going to the salon, this is a beautiful option. If you like to push your appointments out to every ten or twelve weeks, this is probably not the haircut for you.
#42 Mid-Length Textured Bob with Dimensional Highlights
I think the placement of the highlights gives a nice pop and dimensionality to the hair without looking like a full foil job from 2005. The wavy texture keeps this look interesting for a mid-length bob, and the fine hair is layered just the right amount to give it movement without too much so the ends aren’t too exposed. This shape is good for round and oval faces. I will say though, the way is definitely a bit of an upkeep. If you really hate putting time into your hair, you may find yourself getting annoyed.
#43 Silver Ripple Bob with Effortless Styling
This stunning example of a ripple bob with expertly styled silver hair really sparkles. The soft waves and even tone keep the silver look modern rather than aging. This length is just right as it keeps the look fresh and intentional. If you’ve completely transitioned to a silver/gray hair color, a cut with some texture like this will add dimension to your hair that a straight style simply won’t. Despite the upkeep on the waves, the maintenance is less than it seems as the color is natural. You’ll need to keep those waves refreshed to ensure the style doesn’t look like an afterthought.
#44 Textured Bob with Soft Highlights and Medium Waves
There are no of self-promotion, and that is always my favorite kind of color work. These highlights create dimension the the waves something to catch, making the whole cut more interesting than if it were just a single tone. This length of dominant cut suits fine to medium density hair and the waves are defined enough to create structure without being overly rigid. Most of the heart and oval face shapes benefit from this framing of the face. It’s a solid, versatile cut that will look good whether you’re running errands or meeting friends for dinner.
#45 Copper Curly Ripple Bob with Blue Eyes
I really like it! The blue eyes and the copper color are beautiful together. The curls create a casual touch. This length is perfect for these sized curls because it helps them move freely. Curls with fine or medium hair can create lost of volume. The copper shade will enhance the skin tone warm as some of the cooler tones wouldn’t. Curls will need to be redone after some washes but if you have textured hair you know what to expect.
#46 Mid-Length Curly Bob That Frames the Face
The curls are not overly tight so mid length curls will fall around the face and be flattering on heart shaped and oval face shapes. This style also works best on medium density hair as there is enough to fill out the curl pattern, but too much and it will get heavy. This style is great for drawing the eye especially if the person is wearing glasses. There is definitely an investment of time with the styling so the curls are contradictively a bit more on the defined side, but it looks amazing.
#47 Textured Ripple Bob with Natural Movement
The stylist’s skill shines through in this cut. The layers are cut so that movement is created in fine hair with decent density. This results in an effortless fall. The soft waves are great for favorably softening the more angular lines of the face shape without drawing obvious attention to it. At night, fine hair tends to lose shape, so to keep the bounce, a volumizing mousse is great.
#48 Rich Chocolate Ripple Bob with Soft Definition
The rich chocolate color adds warmth for a more vibrant look while not being too dark, which is an error many brunette bobs make. Soft, well-defined waves and shoulder length make for a practical and flattering style that conveys a polished, put-together look with little effort. The layers create a nice airy feel to fine hair, particularly lovely for oval and heart-shaped faces. Keeping the waves in place is simple, as all you need is a light styling product.
#49 Auburn Ripple Bob with Defined Curls
The vibrant warm auburn hues in this hair will capture light at every turn of the curly cut giving it dimension that is hard to achieve with single-process color. The defined curls create excellent volume and the added layers prevent the style from becoming heavy or shapeless. This look balances round and oval face shapes as the curls provide width in all the right places. This cut is very low maintenance, and with minimal styling effort, it will look good. Good curly hair care isn’t just about great products. It’s about great routines.
#50 Chin-Length Textured Bob with Warmth
A chin-length wavy bob with a warm brown color is a style that seems to compliment almost everyone. While the bob itself isn’t life-changing, having chin-length soft waves with warm brown tones will look good and that’s more valuable than most people think. The warm tones paired with the waves will add dimension to your hair and enhance the natural waves. Because the hair will be styled regularly, the waves will always look fresh and good. This style is also favored because the chin-length bob will look good with glasses. The bob will sit just below the frames and will help draw attention to the jaw.
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