You know how the saying goes, "every brunette needs a blonde best friend." Well, here at Cosmo, we prefer the saying "every brunette needs a bob haircut" (it's a real saying, trust us...). Brown hair is timeless and universally flattering, and when paired with a chic, on-trend bob cut, you can be confident that your hair will *always* be fashionable.
So, for all my fellow brown-haired beauties out there, we've scoured the hairstyles of our favorite celebs for some of the best inspiration pics you can take into the salon to freshen up your cut. From curly hair types to different brunette shades and hues, we have something for everyone in this ultimate brown bob style guide.
Ahead, all the brown bob inspiration you could ever need.
Blunt brown bob
If you're a less-is-more kinda person, then a straight, blunt cut might be the right style for you. The no-frills chop means you don't have to fuss around with styling your layers or adjusting your bangs for the millionth time. Just run a straightener through your short ends and you're good to go.
XXL volume
Speaking of Hollywood glamour, the volume and body in this styled bob is a sight to behold. The sweeping side part helps create exaggerated layers on one side of the face, which pairs so well with the blown-out ends.
A wavy brown lob
Blending rich brunette tones with a shoulder-grazing cut that is probably the most low-maintenance look on this list, while still looking polished. The depth of the color adds dimension and shine, making the lob look fuller, healthier, and effortlessly cool, in classic Hailey Bieber fashion.
Feathery bangs
Shoulder-skimming curls
Brown micro bob
Micro bobs are somehow both modern and retro. The 60's cut is refreshing and easy to style (plus, it gives you more time between hair appointments if you can't keep up with the 6-weekly chop a bob haircut usually demands).
A braided side part
These micro braids are so dainty and fine, you might also miss them on first glance. Whilst a time-consuming hairstyle at first, this protective look should last you right through to the new year and beyond, taking all the fuss and hassle out of party prep this season.
Curly brown bob
If you’re lucky enough to have a curl pattern like this, then it often does all the talking for you. However, as all curly-haired girls will know, while this style looks effortless, the secret lies in the maintenance. Investing in a curly hair routine that prioritizes deep conditioning, diffusing, and sleeping in a silk bonnet means you can wake up knowing your curls are in tip-top form for days on end.
A-Line brown bob
This inverted, blunt bob is super chic, easy to maintain, and looks extra sleek with a glossy brown hue.
Middle part brown bob
The debate between a middle part and a side part has been a big one in the Cosmo beauty department, but it’s hard to deny the timelessness and universally flattering nature of a sharp center part!
Side part brown bob
On the other hand… a side parting is the easiest way to add some intrigue to your style. The asymmetry can help balance facial features and add volume to the hair in a way that a middle part just. can’t. do.
Amy May Ellis (she/her) is the SEO Executive for Cosmopolitan UK, Women's Health UK, Men's Health UK, and Runner's World UK. Her love for all things beauty, fashion, and wellness are evident in her work with these lifestyle and fitness brands. Providing content recommendations for everything from new gut health supplements to the latest fashion trend, Amy has a keen eye for detail and loves to spot trends before they fully flourish.
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