How To Know If You Can Pull Off A Bob Hairstyle

Hair and beauty looks often change with the seasons, and if you've been scrolling through images to find some hair inspiration, you may have stumbled upon the modern incarnation of the bob haircut. If your hair has grown unchecked and unruly during the long year of quarantine, a good chop might seem particularly appealing. But what will you look like with a bob, and can you pull it off? These questions might be holding you back from taking the plunge since a bob is pretty short if you're used to longer locks. 

Luckily, there's a way to tell if you'll like the look on yourself before all that hair is on the salon floor. Devin Toth, senior stylist and director of education for Ted Gibson Beauty in New York City, told StyleCaster, "Anyone can wear a bob and the geometric appearance of it can be used to flatter and bring balance to any face shape." While the jawline-level bob is popular in Hollywood right now and might be the version you're seeing the most of, you don't necessarily need that particular angle or length to pull off a stylish bob. Wether a bob will flatter you and how to angle and style it will depend on a few simple things.  

First, it's important to know your hair type. "If you have thinner hair, make sure to have a few layers added to the crown to give the illusion of volume and lift," Los Angeles-based groomer Julia Papworth explained to StyleCaster. "If you have curly hair, ask for layers and texturizing to avoid having your hair look too poofy. (But) embrace your natural curls for a beachy, wavy look."

The next thing to consider is the shape of your face. If you have an oval face, In Style says you can choose virtually any length and style of bob that calls to you. For a heart-shaped face, your best bet is a bob that's on the longer side, with tendrils that hang past your jawline by a couple of inches. Bangs can also be a nice addition in your case. If you have a round face, shoot for a cut that hits just below the chin to fully frame your face. If you have more a square shaped face, go for a bob that stops just above your jawline. This will flatter you especially if you shoot for a "soft" line rather than a sharp angle. 

So no matter your hair type or face shape, if a bob is calling your name, there's a way to cut and style it so you'll leave the salon happy!