There's no denying that bobs are having a full-on moment right now. It started with Leslie Bibb's White Lotus short haircut (if you know, you know) and celebs like Sofia Richie and Selena Gomez have followed along. So, if you're interested in hopping on the bob train, we've got you covered.
Understandably, chopping off your lengths can be a big commitment, especially if you're going as short as a bob. Fear not, for we've unpacked everything you need to know about getting a bob haircut and which exact bob style will suit your particular face shape.
To get the 411, we spoke with professional hairstylist Samantha Cusick, who answered some of our burning bob questions and shared her expert tips on how to style the cut like a pro. Ahead, the best bob haircut for your face shape—plus tons of celeb inspo.
Disclaimer alert: Here at Cosmo, we encourage our community to sport any hairstyle that makes them feel confident–if you absolutely love a haircut and have the confidence to rock it, then go for it! In other words, we don't like subscribing to the idea that you have to have a certain haircut just because you have a specific face shape. That said, if you are intrigued to know what haircut would be best suited to your face shape, do continue on!
Will a bob look good on me?
Yes! A bob is such a versatile cut and can suit lots of different people, including those with oval, round, square, and heart-shaped faces. However, certain bob styles work better than others, Cusick shares. She explains more below:
Oval
"This face shape is super balanced, so pretty much any bob will look great," explains Cusick. "You can play around with different lengths and textures for variety." With an oval face shape, you can also lean into asymmetrical cuts, layers, and bangs.
Round
"If you want to elongate your face, a longer bob (also known as a lob) is a great option," says Cusick. "You could also try an angled bob to create height at the crown for a more lengthened look."
Square
"To complement stronger features like your jawline, go for a soft, textured bob—this will help add some softness and movement to the face," she says.
Heart
For a heart-shaped face, a midi bob will look amazing. The hair hits just below the jawline and falls on the edges of the face in a super flattering way. You can also add face-framing layers.
What to look for in a bob hairstyle:
If you're getting a bob haircut for the first time, communication with your stylist is key. Here's what Cusick says you should discuss with your hairdresser:
Length
"Be clear about how long (or short) you want your bob," she explains. "Whether you want it at jawline length or something that sits closer to the shoulders, make sure you are specific about what you’re comfortable with."
Layers
"Decide if you want to add dimension with layers or not" Cusick says. "Layers can give your bob some texture and movement, but think about your hair type and how much styling you’re up for."
Texture
"Mention if you prefer a sleek, smooth bob or a more textured, and tousled finish," Cusick adds." It’s all about what suits your style and hair type."
Bangs
Do you want bangs or no bangs? Cusick explains that"they can totally change the look of a bob, whether blunt, side-swept, or none at all—it’s good to discuss this with your stylist."
Maintenance
"Be honest about how much time you want to spend on styling. Some bobs are straightforward and low-maintenance, while others might need more effort and attention in the mornings." Basically, go for a cut that fits your lifestyle and routine.
Photos
"If you’ve got inspiration pics, take them with you," like from this story! "It’s always easier for your stylist to know exactly what vibe you’re going for when they can see it."
Styling
"Don’t forget to ask for tips on styling your new bob at home," Cusick explains. Your stylist can recommend products and techniques to keep your bob looking fresh and fabulous. Cusick recommends a mini hair straightener like the ghd Mini Styler for shorter hair, "It’s perfect for styling bobs," she says, adding that "when you’re styling, use a brush or comb to slightly bevel the ends and give your bob that beautiful shape and finish."
Meet the expert:
- Samantha Cusick is a professional hair stylist. She is also the founder of Samantha Cusick London salon and an ambassador for brands like Redken, Olaplex, ghd, and more.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from viral celebrity hair and makeup news to the latest trend predictions, she’s an expert in recognising the season’s next big beauty look (before it ends up all over your social media feeds). You’ll usually find her putting TikTok’s recent beauty hacks to the Hype Test, challenging the gender-makeup binary and social stereotypes, or fangirling over the time Kourtney Kardashian viewed her Instagram Story (yes, it’s true). Find her also on LinkedIn.
Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
