Vintage Bob

Nara Smith recently told Byrdie that the bob chose her. And it obviously has good taste.

If you’re trying to decide what bob to go for, here’s a breakdown from the experts: An inverted bob is slightly shorter in the back with stacked layers and is a fun way to play up your curls. An A-line bob is also shorter in the back, but doesn’t have stacked layers, so your curls would be less prominent. A short bob with bangs will let your curls take center stage for a big and beautiful look.

Old Hollywood Glam Bob

Zendaya channeled Old Hollywood with her side swept, voluminous vintage lob. To add to the glamour, pair the hairstyle with your favorite pair of statement earrings.

Flawless Flip

Gabrielle Union is a hair chameleon who can wear every style in the book. The internet couldn’t get over the moment she traded in her long locks for this edgy bob. The actress styles her hair with a deep side part and side-swept bangs for a playful look.

Baby Bang Bob

For a rock star-inspired look, show your stylist this photo of Tessa Thompson and her super chic cut. We’re especially in love with the baby bangs and the slight flip at the ends of the bob.

Platinum Blonde Bob

If you’re ready to make heads turn, opt for a platinum blonde bob like Teyana Taylor. You don’t even have to commit to dyeing your hair—you can also get a wig and save yourself the potential hair damage.

Purple Reign

Justine Skye slayed in this blown-out ‘do. The luxe purple asymmetrical cut elevates the classic bob. Like Skye, try a middle part that’s slightly off to the side.

Off-Duty Bob

Jourdan Dunn dressed up her bob by adding catwalk-worthy waves. Her hair looks romantic and cool at the same time. To copy her look, part your hair down the middle and play up your waves by drying your hair with a diffuser.

Asymmetrical Bob

If you long for an asymmetrical bob without the commitment of cutting your curls into this style, box braids emulating the look are the perfect fit.

Bumped Blow Out

“To achieve elongated styles, many times I will stretch dry my clients’ hair by holding the hair taut and using medium heat,” Everett explains. “Stretch-drying the hair works well for braid outs, twist outs, and bantu knot sets. This method cuts down on drying time as well as shrinkage. Plus, this provides a great amount of volume within the style.” Keep the temperature low, curving the straightener for a bouncy long bob like Karrueche Tran’s.

Beaded Fulani Braids

Fulani braids are tightly plaited braids that can wrap around your head or extend off of the scalp at varying lengths. Stylists adorn the hair with beads, and the style can be done with extensions or your own hair.

Windblown Wonder

Joan Smalls’s windswept ‘do is perfectly imperfect. Create a deep side part and use a medium-width flat iron to add a few bends to your hair for volume. Just be sure to add heat protectant before you start: “Heat on natural hair isn’t the enemy, but abusing heat on natural hair causes damage,” says Everett.

Side Part Box Braids

If you’ve been sporting box braids and long for something new, chop the extensions into a bob. Be mindful of where your true hair length lies, and you’ll have managed two hairstyles for the price of one.

Purple Unicorn Curls

A fun way to switch up your hair is a temporary color treatment. Try Moroccanoil’s Color Depositing Mask in Hibiscus.

Wet and Wavy Bob

The best way to mimic Tyla’s just-got-out-of-the-shower bob? Make sure your hair is freshly washed and damp, then use more gel than you think you need to help elongate the hair and top it off with a glossy hair serum like the Colorwow Pop + Lock Frizz Control + Glossing Serum.

Chic Symmetry

A sleek middle part looks perfect with Kelly Rowland’s face-framing cut. To get the look, use a flat iron to create an ultra sleek and shiny bob. For best results, flat iron your hair in sections, starting with the underneath section and working your way out.

Twist Out and Go

Ready to untwist your hair? “My go-to product for twist outs and braid outs are the Mizani 25 Miracle Leave-In Conditioner and the Mizani Styling Foam Mousse for normal to thick hair,” Everett says.

’90s A-Line Bob

This style will definitely bring a smile to your face. Pay homage to your favorite ’90s girl groups by mastering Ciara’s A-line cut.

Red Box Braids

“I believe all Black women should try/test out braids. There is something about long braids that makes me feel closer to my roots,” Calixte says. “Braids have been a staple in the Black culture for so long, and the styling options are endless! Get creative with your braids and rock them with your head held high.” Adding color to your braids makes for a playful style.

French Fringe

First off, it’s safe to say Kat Graham is the queen of bobs. Second, this is an A+ example of how effortlessly chic layered bobs can look.

Fulani-Inspired Puffs

This Fulani style is edgy and low-maintenance. “Create box braids with synthetic braiding hair. Secure the bottom of the braid and leave two inches of synthetic braiding hair at the ends of the braids,” Everett explains. “Add a one-inch-wide styrofoam ball, and cover with loose hair at the bottom of the braid. Secure the ends of the hair, overlapping the ball with an elastic. Cut any loose ends.” 

Faux Mullet

Tessa Thompson’s look can be achieved on wet or dry hair. Rub gel into your hair and distribute it through your hair. This style requires a lot of product so don’t hold back. Slick both sides down with a brush, adding a holding spray to keep the look together.

Crimped Cut

Ella Mai’s crimped hair makes us feel nostalgic for the ’80s. The cool-girl cut is laidback and easy to obtain with a flat iron. Top copy this look, check out the Amika High Tide Deep Waver for the perfect waves.

Pretty Frizz

Embrace the frizz! Kerry Washington’s texturized bob has just the right amount of volume. Spritz salt spray on your strands and scrunch the ends the lightly brush curl out to achieve a fluffy curl aesthetic.

Gold Cuff Twists

For all-natural hair beauties, your hair bonnet or silk scarf is a faithful friend. “Tying up the hair at night or using a bonnet always helps minimize the lint and particle accumulation in your style,” Calixte says. Feel free to add gold cuffs to your twists for an aesthetically pleasing finish.

All the Spirals

“I love and often use Nairobi’s Wrapp-it Shine Foaming Lotion. This is my go-to for when I style my own hair,” Everett says. Cutting your curls into a bob and letting them fall right on top of your shoulders adds structure to your ‘fro. 

Posh Part

Keke Palmer’s hair is a mod mood to take note of. Swoop your edges with Ebin’s 24 Hour Edge Tamer.

Asymmetrical Side-Part Bob

Ryan Destiny’s sleek bob is classic and pulls any look together. “I recommend trimming your natural hair every six to eight weeks. When hair strands are damaged and begin to split, the damage increases as you continue to style your hair,” says Everett. “Each time you comb or brush your hair, the split continues up the hair shaft.” 

Umbrella Bob

Kiki Layne’s umbrella bob can cut through a crowd with ease. Spray this yaki hair texture with hairspray for a picture-perfect moment that lasts all night.

Tousled Curls and Bangs

We’re no strangers to Normani’s gorgeous looks and attention-grabbing hairstyles. This lob is the perfect motivation to cut your hair.

Mermaid Locs

Mermaid locs seem ready to unravel, but with the hands of an expert stylist or uniform crochet faux locs, this style can be achieved with ease.

Pin-Straight Precison

Ayesha Curry is forever serving up the hair inspo. We love how perfect this straight-edge cut looks with a lustrous sheen that lasts all day.

Fiery Curls

Natural bobs look amazing when you play with a fiery red hair color—there’s one for you, no matter your skin tone.

Long Curly Lob

This style can be achieved on wet hair, but the hair has to dry completely around the perm rod. “My favorite product to use on natural hair is Design Essentials,” says Calixte. “I feel like this line found a great balance between clarifying and maintaining moisturize.” Try the Agave & Lavender Serum for shine and moisture.

Piecey Bangs and a Wavy Bob

Rihanna edged up her chocolate bob with piece-y center bangs. To add a little dimension, tuck your hair behind your ears and let a few front pieces frame your face.

Medium Box-Braid Bob

Choose medium-sized box braids that rest above your shoulders. Cut the extension hair evenly so the ends are blunt. As you near the end of the braid, leave it out and use a rubber band to create tufts.

Curly Bob with Bangs

Curly hair is one of the best textures for a bob hair cut—just look at Yara Shahidi’s adorable bob with bangs, To keep your look frizz free, smooth your hair with a hair oil like the Melanin Haircare Multi-Use Pure Blend Oil.

Super-Sleek Middle-Part Bob

There’s nothing more chic than a sleek, middle-parted bob. Channel your inner Naomi Campbell and pair your hairstyle with a sultry smoky eye and nude lips.