It’s safe to say I’ve been utterly obsessed with the chin-length bob hairstyles that have emerged on some of my favourite celebs over the past couple of years. As someone with a bob haircut, I fist pump the air acting as if I’m the CEO of some kind of invite-only short haired members club when yet another chin-grazing look gets debuted on the red carpet.
Earlier last year, when Elsa Hosk took to her Instagram and shared the most insane 1950s Marilyn Monroe-inspired bob––which she paired with a leather trench coat, sheer tights and killer patent heels FYI––I realised I actually needed to give mine a bit of a glow up.
Since getting my hair cut short, it’s only been one length as I eased myself into getting used to it. But I realised my bob actually looked quite heavy, especially as it started to grow out. So, I hit up the Larry King hair salon in Notting Hill and booked in with hair stylist Annie Redman––she’s responsible for Nina Nesbitt’s short blunt bob.
My hair before chopping it to chin-length.
"Currently your bob is sitting too heavy on the front,” Redman explained. "I am currently loving those that have more shape through the front, with a square outline or even curving up a little at the front. It makes it feel a bit edgier and more modern."
"With the scissors, I’ll point cut the whole hair cut so the outline is softer. I’ll then bring the front corners of the bob forward and take them off to give a rounded shape where the front is no longer than the back. Then, I’ll add some shorter pieces through the front and slice into the bob to give it a little bit of natural texture.”
My new chin-length bob.
The result? I’m officially in my bouncy bob era and loving every single second. I think there used to be the feeling that you couldn’t do much with bob haircuts, and longer hair gave a lot more scope for new and exciting creations, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. "This haircut is great because you can dress it up or down by either doing a glamorous blow-dry using mousse for lots of body or put in a salt spray and defuse for a relaxed look,” says Redman. "You have a nice wave to your hair so it’ll also dry really nice naturally.”
Versatile chin-length bobs are very much here to stay. Here are 14 looks I’m currently loving.
The Best Chin-Length Bob Hairstyles
1. Choppy Bob
Elsa's choppy bob also looks stunning in a centre parting with some natural texture.
2. Glam Bob
Kerry Washington's look is giving all-out glam. I am living for the sweeping, voluminous fringe.
3. Shaggy Bob
A cross between a shag cut and a bob. The choppy fringe gives it a real 70s edge.
4. Sleek Bob
A sleek, slick and elegant chin length bob that really accentuates TyLynn's jaw line.
5. Layered Bob
Similarly to my new haircut, the front has been cut into to give the overall look more shape and movement.
6. Soft Bob
Ever since I first saw Laura with a bob, I knew it had to be a lifelong partnership. Literally can't take my eyes off of her or her hair.
7. Blunt Bob
If you have naturally thinner hair like Hailey, getting it cut shorter and blunt can make it appear a lot thicker and fuller.
8. Micro Bob
Fashion influencer Grece is known for her iconic white-grey cheekbone-skimming bob.
9. Voluminous Bob
If a voluminous side-parted chin-length bob is good enough for Zendaya...
10. Parisian Bob
The sweeping bangs and natural waves make this cut feel super Parisian chic. It also beautifully elongates Chloe's neck.
11. Wet Look Bob
A wet look bob in the summer is always a good idea.
12. '70s Bob
Again, this feels like it has a '70s shag cut edge to it and I am feeling very tempted...
13. Braided Bob
Also tempted to take it slightly above the chin after seeing this effortlessly cool look.
14. Straight Bob
Katherine provides endless interiors, fashion and now hair inspo...
15. Curly Bob
I wish I had curly enough hair to pull off Franny's iconic look.
16. Wavy Bob
Soft waves are a great way to add shape and movement to straight hair.
17. Sculpted Bob
Looking for a low maintenance style? This sculpted chin length bob looks smart and is so easy to style.
What face shape suits a chin-length bob?
As you can see from the inspiration above, chin length bobs are an incredibly universally flattering style, which work for a wide range of different face shapes.
If your face shape is round or oval, then a straight or blunt cut chin length bob can add an angular effect and serve to elongate the face. If you face shape naturally more angular and square-shaped, then opt instead for softening layers and experiment with a wavy style or a strong side part.
Is a chin-length bob flattering?
Chin length bobs are versatile and flattering, no matter which style you opt for. Ever since chopping my hair short I've had so many compliments about my chin length bob, and I've enjoyed experimenting with different styling hacks. Some days I lean towards a more natural, tousled effect, achieved via adding in some curls and waves, while on others I style it sleek and straight for a sleek, sophisticated finish—both so flattering.
Shop The Best Styling Products for Chin-Length Bobs:
Redman ran this through my hair with her fingers when it was wet before blow-drying to give it volume and shine.
If you have a natural wave to your hair like me, give it a helping hand by scrunching in a curl cream before blow-drying.
I've persuaded that many people to buy the Drybar hot brush, I should be on a commission at this point. It's the closest I get to creating a salon-worthy blow-dry at home.
A lightweight heat activated styling cream that smooths hair, reduces frizz, and protects against heat and humidity.
For braided and loc chin-length bobs a nourishing scalp oil is a must.
Don't forget a bit of hairspray to hold your bob in place.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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