Bob Haircut Ideas To Inspire Your Next Big Chop

Julia Brucculieri
Updated ·4 min read
Irina Shayk and Taraji P. Henson both sporting bob haircuts.  (Photo: Getty)
Irina Shayk and Taraji P. Henson both sporting bob haircuts.  (Photo: Getty)

Every day, it seems a different celebrity or influencer is showing off a new bob haircut. Last week, it was Demi Lovato, who showed off the look on Instagram. Before her, it was Khloe Kardashian, who also debuted her sharp cut on the photo-sharing app. Season after season, the bob is heralded as the style to try if you want to freshen things up.

But what is it that makes the bob haircut so appealing?

Well, according to Kenna Kennor, celebrity stylist and founder of Kennaland, the bob is “a classic, sophisticated style” that when executed well “is simple yet extremely elegant without any fuss or flare.”

“It is the cleanest hair cut, all straight lines and angles, which is different from most other iconic looks,” he added. “It’s feminine and sexy while breaking from the traditional image of female beauty. That, with the strength and sharpness of the style, makes it powerful for the women who wear it.”

Kennor went so far as to call the bob haircut “a lifestyle,” and said he believes there’s a bob out there for everyone. And just so we’re clear, a bob is technically above the shoulders with “a strong baseline,” hairstylist Kirsten Patterson said.

There are a few things you should know before going for the chop, though. As Patterson advised, it’s important to find a good stylist. You can scroll through Instagram pages and websites to see pictures of their work, and even go in for a consultation to make sure you’re both on the same page.

“Pictures are always helpful for determining the length you’re shooting for,” Brian Zinno, senior education director at Antonio Prieto Salon, said. “That being said, try to find pictures with hair types and textures that are similar to yours. If you have very straight, fine hair and you do not spend a lot of time styling, it wouldn’t be realistic to bring photos of thick hair that’s been blown out and curled with an iron.”

Patterson also pointed out that “your eye will take a few days to adjust to how the cut will change your look. You may be adding more styling time or changing up how you style your hair, so just keep that in mind.”

She also made sure to point out that if your hair is long enough, you can consider donating the strands you cut off. (Different organizations have different guidelines and rules for hair donations, so there is some light research involved.)

If you’ve been thinking of trying out a bob, whether for the first time or not, we’ve put together a collection of our favorite bobs of past and present to give you some inspiration. Check them out below:

Taraji P. Henson, 2019

Kristen Bell, 2019

Anna Wintour, 2019

Lucy Hale, 2019

Charlize Theron, 2019

Khloe Kardashian, 2019

Irina Shayk, 2019

Lana Condor, 2019

Saoirse Ronan, 2018

Jourdan Dunn, 2018

Chrissy Teigen, 2018

Margot Robbie, 2018

Selena Gomez, 2018

Vanessa Hudgens, 2018

Naomi Campbell, 2017

Arizona Muse, 2017

Viola Davis, 2017

Taylor Swift, 2016

Kylie Jenner, 2016

Rihanna, 2016

Beyoncé, 2015

Dakota Johnson, 2015

Jennifer Lawrence 2016

Emma Stone, 2014

Sienna Miller, 2014

Karlie Kloss, 2013

Keira Knightley, 2010

Katie Holmes, 2008

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Cleopatra's Gilded Braids

There is something so elegant about Cleopatra's jet black, braided 'do (seen here on Elizabeth Taylor). It's strong and bold, just like she was.
There is something so elegant about Cleopatra's jet black, braided 'do (seen here on Elizabeth Taylor). It's strong and bold, just like she was.

Angela Davis' Afro

Angela Davis' larger-than-life hair helped her stand out in the crowd, and defined a generation.
Angela Davis' larger-than-life hair helped her stand out in the crowd, and defined a generation.

Queen Elizabeth I's Crimson Curls

Queen Elizabeth I's curled updo is perhaps one of the most iconic of all time.
Queen Elizabeth I's curled updo is perhaps one of the most iconic of all time.

Mary Todd Lincoln's Flower Crown

President Abraham Lincoln's wife liked to play around with hair accessories,and sometimes placed a crown of blossoms on her head. A true, original flower child.
President Abraham Lincoln's wife liked to play around with hair accessories,and sometimes placed a crown of blossoms on her head. A true, original flower child.

Marilyn Monroe's Cropped Glamour Waves

Marilyn Monroe's glamourous wavy 'do is one that has been recreated and imitated time and time again. It's a classic old Hollywood style that we doubt will go away anytime soon.
Marilyn Monroe's glamourous wavy 'do is one that has been recreated and imitated time and time again. It's a classic old Hollywood style that we doubt will go away anytime soon.

Princess Diana's Cropped Feathered 'Do

How could we ever forget Princess Di's cropped feathered do? It became just as much of an icon as her effortless style.
How could we ever forget Princess Di's cropped feathered do? It became just as much of an icon as her effortless style.

Buddha's Spiral Curls

Buddha's tight curls create one of the most iconic styles throughout history and religion. Folklore believes that <a href="http://brigidkeely.tumblr.com/post/83828259813/the-buddhas-woolly-hair" target="_blank">the curls on Buddha's head are there to show that he cut his long locks and left his former life behind</a>. The remaining hair curled up, thus leaving us with the representation we see today.

Frieda Kahlo's Milkmaid Braids And Flower Crown

Frieda Kahlo may have single-handedly made milkmaid braids cool, especially when paired with a flower crown.
Frieda Kahlo may have single-handedly made milkmaid braids cool, especially when paired with a flower crown.

Marie Antoinette's Voluminous 'Do

Marie Antoinette was clearly a firm believer in the "go big or go home" philosophy. Her frivolous lifestyle extended beyond her closet and onto her lavishly styled mane.
Marie Antoinette was clearly a firm believer in the "go big or go home" philosophy. Her frivolous lifestyle extended beyond her closet and onto her lavishly styled mane.

Andy Warhol's Silver Wig

In the mid-1950s, Warhol began wearing a hairpiece, which matched his natural hair. However, in the mid-60s, he apparently <a href="http://www.warhol.org/collection/aboutandy/andyfaq/" target="_blank">sprayed his wig silver, and it became his permanent look</a>.

Vidal Sassoon's 5-Point Cut

Sassoon was a master of the angular bob, and in 1965, he took it shorter than he had before. <a href="http://www.elle.com/pop-culture/best/vidal-sassoon-then-now-655578-3#slide-3" target="_blank">He styled his now-famous 5-point cut (a cropped, helmet-like 'do with a spike at each ear and a W shape at the nape of the neck) on a young Grace Coddington</a>, and nothing was the same.

Josephine Baker's Slick Finger Curls

Josephine Baker's Jazz Age slick 'do was a look that she made all her own. And none other than <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/02/rihanna-cfda-fashion-awards-dress-2014-_n_5434986.html" target="_blank">Rihanna paid homage to Baker's style at this year's CFDA awards</a>.

Jane Austen's Curly Cues

Jane Austen often wore her hair styled with just a few curls poking out from under her headpiece.
Jane Austen often wore her hair styled with just a few curls poking out from under her headpiece.

Venus' Extra Long And Flowing Mane

Venus' flowing locks are angelic, soft, and ridiculously enviable. If only we could grow manes this luscious...
Venus' flowing locks are angelic, soft, and ridiculously enviable. If only we could grow manes this luscious...

The Beatles' Mop Tops

Who could forget the Beatles' famous mop tops? Never has helmet hair been so beloved.
Who could forget the Beatles' famous mop tops? Never has helmet hair been so beloved.

Mia Farrow's Pixie Cut

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Julius Caesar's Laurel Wreath

Famous for sporting a laurel wreath on his head, Ceasar liked to keep his hair short and close to his head.
Famous for sporting a laurel wreath on his head, Ceasar liked to keep his hair short and close to his head.

Brigitte Bardot's Effortless Updo

No one can wear this style quite like Bardot did. And no matter how many times we try to recreate it, it will never be the same.
No one can wear this style quite like Bardot did. And no matter how many times we try to recreate it, it will never be the same.

Anna Wintour's Bob

So, Anna Wintour may not be quite a historical figure, but we'd say that since the editrix has been sporting the hairstyle for over 20 years, it deserves a spot on this list.
So, Anna Wintour may not be quite a historical figure, but we'd say that since the editrix has been sporting the hairstyle for over 20 years, it deserves a spot on this list.

Bettie Page's Jet Black Locks And Baby Bangs

Perhaps the most iconic pinup hairstyle of all, bettie Page's black 'do has been inspiration for the likes of Katy Perry and Dita Von Teese.
Perhaps the most iconic pinup hairstyle of all, bettie Page's black 'do has been inspiration for the likes of Katy Perry and Dita Von Teese.

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.