124 celebrities with super chic bob haircuts to inspire your next salon visit

Sofia Richie Grainge just made the ‘French bob’ the cheekbone-skimming hairstyle we all want for summer

19 Photos

By Elle Turner and Fiona Embleton

View Gallery

Bobs are typically divided into two main camps. The first is a blunt, squared-off shape that finishes just above the jaw: "It feels fresh and has a modern, youthful vibe. It's a bit braver,” says Jonathan Soons, Creative Ambassador for Headmasters Salons.

@kaiagerber / Instagram

The second is the loose, breezy bob, which has a slightly less rigid shape and works just as beautifully cropped short as it does slightly longer.

Instagram / @daisyedgarjones

There's also the longer-length bobs, made popular by the likes of Olivia Palermo and Daisy Edgar-Jones, whether that's sleek or slightly shaggy, it's perhaps

@brielarson / Instagram

Either way, a new crop is a serious commitment that can't be easily reversed if it isn't quite right. Which is why, if you’re considering going in for the chop, it’s important to know exactly what you want before you get going. Jonathan Soons and Redken UK Ambassador Larry King have offered up a little advice.

The sliced bob is the sleekest short hair cut that does all the hard work for you

7 Photos

By Elle Turner

View Gallery

Anyone can pull it off with the right styling

“Anyone can pull off a bob. However, there are definitely styling tricks that suit different face shapes and textures, so it’s important to take all of that into consideration before getting started,” says Larry.

Determine your face shape

“If you have a round face, you should opt for a bob that finishes closer to the collarbone to elongate your face. For those with a heart-shaped face, make your bob super short to accentuate the jaw line and cheekbones, and if you have a square face, go for a length that sits below the jaw and break it up with a grown-out fringe,” explains Larry. And if you have an oval-shape face? You’re in luck – you can take your pick.

Think about your neck

“If you have a long neck, it opens you up to a lot of choice on bob length. However, the shorter your neck, the more classic the bob needs to be. To avoid making your neck look any shorter, keep your cut jaw-length and above,” says Jonathan.

Consider your hair type

For those with thick hair, the risk of your cut turning mushroom-esque is all too real. “If your hair is thick, you need to keep it longer in order to weigh it down. Ask your stylist to slice into it, but refrain from cutting in layers,” says Larry.

If your hair is thinner and straight, you are blessed enough to pull-off the coveted 2020 jaw-length blunt cut with ease. Larry warns: “Make sure you keep it all one length, going higher at the nape can look a little dated.”

Blessed with curls? Make sure you sit down with your hair stylist before you go in for the chop. “Curls are better with layers. Ask your hairdresser to cut your bob wet to dry. This means they get the length while it’s wet, but cut in the layers and shape as the curls start to develop as it dries,” advises Larry.

Remember the aftercare

“Bobs require a lot more blow drying and heat styling than longer hairstyles do, so swap a conditioner for a nourishing mask to prevent strands from drying out. I love John Masters Organics Honey & Hibiscus Repair Mask, £39, for this,” says Jonathan. On top of heat styling, you should also be prepared to start investing in dry styling products such as powders and texturising sprays in order to keep your bob looking fresh and current.

Want something more specific? Check out the asymmetrical bob, faux bob, collarbone bob, micro bob, curly bob and blunt bob to see which style you like best.

Here's some bob inspiration to get you started...