Round: Long Bob (AKA a Lob)

“The best bob for a round face shape should lay below the chin to elongate it,” Chicago-based celebrity hairstylist Alex Brown says, touting Selena Gomez and Emma Stone as prime examples. “A deep side part and light face-framing highlights [like Gomez’s] will highlight features on a round face.” 

If you’ve got natural hair but are looking for a pin-straight finish, never underestimate the power of a quality flatiron. Not only will it give you silky-smooth strands, but it will also keep them healthy.

According to L’Oréal Paris celebrity hairstylist Jonathan Colombini, long bobs (or “lobs”) elongate round face shapes to draw the eye longer. From her deep side part down to that subtle inward curve, this romantic cut and style certainly complements Mindy Kaling’s features.

According to Angela Soto, a hairstylist and the owner of Baja Studio in NYC, lobs help bring length to the face while slimming down the width. Her favorite celebrity renditions of the cut include Chrissy Teigen and Kendall Jenner. “Worn super smooth, in a center part, or styled in tousled beach waves with a side tuck behind the ear are the best styles.”

If on the shorter side of a long bob, consider adding an angle or a touch of length in the front since this can help to elongate a round jawline.

Oval: Chin-Length (or Just Beyond) Bob

“Just the opposite of round face shapes, it’s best to have a shorter length bob with an oval face shape,” Colombini explains, noting that Jessica Alba used to rock the cut flawlessly. In terms of a specific length, he says to opt for a chin- or just-below-chin-length. 

To recreate Alba’s flipped ends, use a flat iron and curve inwards once you reach your mids and ends. To keep strands free of damage, especially when exposed to high temperatures, don’t forget to use a heat protectant before styling.

Prefer ultra-sleek bobs? Let Kim K be your muse. “My personal favorite for someone with an oval face shape is a blunt, chin-length bob like the one Kim Kardashian West wore in 2018,” Brown shares. For added gloss, we recommend applying a shine serum.

You can also add bangs to the mix. Soto says that since oval shapes tend to have more length in the forehead, they have the ability to wear a full fringe with their bob without it closing in on the face. We’re loving this textured take on Kerry Washington.

“This style is best blown-out with a round brush for volume for a retro ‘80s-inspired look, best referenced by Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface,” Soto notes, adding that Bella Hadid and Katy Perry have brought the popular cut into the modern-day. 

Jourdan Dunn’s rolled shoulder-length bob looks lovely with her oval face shape. While shorter hair can appear too voluminous (think: poufy) at times, by adding soft layers and working with hair’s natural texture, you can achieve a look that is face-framing and flattering. The effect is both sophisticated and effortless.

Square: Mid-Length Bob

Soto says square face shapes can’t go wrong with strong, mid-length bobs. “Because of the strong jawline, this length defines that line, bringing out the beauty of this strong feature as opposed trying to take away from it,” she says, pointing out that Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Hailey Bieber have rocked the look.

Jennifer Hudson’s tapered lob is très chic. By embracing her natural texture, Hudson nails an asymmetrical style that’s both airy and defined. Did we mention that this style also allows her to show off her gorgeous necklace stack? Well done.

If you fawn over Zoë Kravitz, it’s time to consider a sweet and airy, layered bob. Switching up your part is an easy, yet effective way to change up your look.

If you prefer to soften your jawline, as opposed to drawing attention to it, Brown says to consider a textured, piecey bob. To copy the look, part your hair down the middle and use a wide-barrel wand or curling iron. Once cooled, run your fingers or a comb through your curls to loosen them up a bit. Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray.

Heart: Lob with Long Layers or Bangs

“A lob is the perfect choice for heart-shaped faces,” Colombini says. He suggests opting for a more lived-in texture—like Khloe Kardashian’s tousled waves—over something more structured.

Khloe Kardashian’s curved bob creates fullness and shape that serves to bring balance and symmetry to her face. Also, by keeping a rounded shape with her ‘do, she avoids the boxy appearance that can accompany a shorter, blunt cut given her heart-shaped face.

Looking to add another style element to the mix? “Adding fringe to a bob is a great way to soften and balance heart-shaped faces,” Brown explains, noting that Zendaya, Reese Witherspoon, and Nicole Richie have also all shown how it’s done.

Celebrity hairstylist Sarah Potempa says that the key to the heart-shaped haircut looking balanced is to have something across the forehead (whether fully or side-swept) and something to fill in the negative space between the chin and shoulders—as Reese Witherspoon does, above. “That’s why the lob is great,” she exclaims.