18 stunning short bob hairstyles that’ll inspire your next chop

We’re calling it: short bob hairstyles are officially this season’s cut of choice. Fresh, chic and utterly modern, it’s no wonder just about every A-lister worth her red carpet tresses has gone for the chop. So if you’re looking to raise your mane game, now’s the perfect time to take the plunge.

Whether you’re after a look to flatter your facial structure, inject some oomph into fine locks, or just want to make your thick mane more manageable, there’s a bob cut to suit you. And to prove it, we’ve put together an extensive gallery of the best short crops that are sure to trigger a bit of excitement for your next salon visit.

Short bob hairstyles: How to pick the right bob cut for your face shape

Picking the right cut for your face shape is super important! Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Finding a short bob hairstyle to suit your face shape may seem like a daunting task. With so many options to choose from (as well as additional styling choices like bangs), it’s easy to go around in circles trying to make a decision!

But luckily for you, you no longer have to give it a second thought, because we’ve come up with a quick list of things you should know for picking the perfect cut!

Bob cut top tips:

1. If you have a round face shape, you’ll need to make sure you’ve chosen a bob haircut works to define those high cheekbones. You’ll also want to add angles to your otherwise soft features, so try a wavy bob with a deep side parting.

2. When you have a square face shape, your aim should be to try a bob cut that’ll add softness to your defined features, like a graduated bob.

3. When it comes to ladies with long faces, opting for a shaggy bob is your best bet. This will help bring more balance to your face, by making it appear a little shorter and fuller.

4. If you’re blessed with an oval face, lucky you, as your styling options are endless! Go voluminous with a shoulder-grazing bob that oozes red carpet vibes.

Iconic celebrity short bob hairstyles that’ll inspire your next cut

Textured graduated bob: Naomi Watts. Credit: Getty Images

Naomi Watts’ graduated bob

Graduated bobs are one of the most popular haircuts right now among actresses, models and musicians alike. Pair it with tousled, beach blonde waves and a casual wind-swept parting – as seen on Naomi Watts – for a relaxed, yet polished, look that’s worthy of the office and after-dark outings.

Editor’s tip: To help you get this lived-in style, we suggest using the VO5 Sea Salt Spray, which will enable you to create stunning, tousled waves in an instant.

Ultra-modern and playful chin-length bob: Lea Seydoux. Credit: Getty Images

Léa Seydoux’ chin-length bob

After a look that’s full of youthful energy and has a fashionable edge? Then try taking the length up a little further so that the ends hit just below your bottom lip, like French actress and latest Bond girl Léa Seydoux.

Léa finished her ‘do with a sultry cherry pout, giving her overall appearance a playful and polished outcome.

Futuristic and sleek blunt bob: Rihanna. Credit: Getty Images

Rihanna’s blunt bob

A bold choice to complement a big personality, there’s no denying that Rihanna made a stellar choice in going for this blunt-cut bob hairstyle that feels both directional and sophisticated.

Wavy asymmetric bob: Kerry Washington. Credit: Getty Images

Kerry Washington’s asymmetric bob

The American actress works her ultra-modern, asymmetric crop with playful poise by adding some subtle movement with her sweeping fringe and a deep side part. She has also worked a set of choppy layers into her cut, making for an edgy red carpet choice!

The shag 2.0: Edie Campbell. Credit: Getty Images

Edie Campbell’s shag update

Last year, the ’70s-inspired shag hairstyle was all the rage; but for 2017, this cut just got a few inches shorter. Think plenty of natural textures, teamed with a casual, piecey fringe a la Alexa Chung and Edie Campbell – both of whom make for enviable advocates of this style.

Wavy bob with a deep parting: Kirsten Dunst. Credit: Getty Images

Kirsten Dunst’s wavy bob

Kirsten Dunst proves that ladies with rounder face shapes can totally rock short bob hairstyles, so long as you’ve styled it just right!

While the subtle waves help soften and frame her incredible bone structure, the side parting creates the illusion of a smaller, more oval face shape. Just make sure the bob hits about an inch below the chin for the most flattering outcome.

Bob with blunt bangs: Taylor Swift. Credit: Getty Images

Taylor Swift’s bob and bangs combo

One of the most talked about short bob hairstyles of the year, Taylor Swift’s statement-making crop and blunt bangs is not one for the faint hearted. Pioneered by US Vogue Editor Anna Wintour, Taylor has given the iconic look a bold shake-up, adding in loads of rough texture.

Eva Riccobono’s choppy bob is ultra short and chic! Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Eva Riccobono’s choppy bob

Ladies with longer faces, it’s time you took a leaf out of Italian model/actress Eva Riccobono’s book. She truly rocks this uber-short, choppy crop like it was tailor-made for her.

Ideal for balancing out elongated proportions, simply create curls at varying angles and use a centre-parted fringe to shorten your face shape.

Classic blunt bob with soft layers: Emma Roberts. Credit: Getty Images

Emma Roberts’ classic blunt bob

Forever on our style radar, Emma Roberts never disappoints in the hair department. Here she elevates her elegant, same-length bob (which has subtle, virtually undetectable layers) with soft waves, a deep parting and a fierce platinum blonde  hue that gives warmth to her pale complexion.

A sexy, sleek bob: Kylie Jenner. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Kylie Jenner’s sleek bob

Mirror mirror on the wall, who has the sleekest bob hair of them all? Kylie Jenner of course! The star attended the Met Gala event with a pin-straight, glossy short bob hairstyle (and a platinum blonde hue) that left us with major hair envy.

Editor’s tip: To help make your bob cut super smooth a la Kylie, use a good moisturising shine spray, like the Toni&Guy Glamour Finishing Shine Spray

A colourful, curly bob hairstyle: Justine Skye. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Justine Skye’s colourful curly bob

Think short bob hairstyles have to be just one solid colour? A quick glance at Justine Skye’s curly purple bob will make you think again! From denim hues to dreamy pastels, and everything in between, the shade choices are really are limitless.

Editor’s tip: Tempted to revive your bob hairstyle with a new hue? No matter which colour you’ve set your heart on, be sure to trade in your usual wash and care system for a specialist colour protect range, like the Dove Colour Care Shampoo and Conditioner.

lick, wet-look waves: Kim Kardashian West. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Kim K’s wet-look bob

When the social media and reality TV star debuted this sultry, wet-look bob style, she practically broke the internet (again!). Slicking all her raven strands back, Kim’s cropped hair is runway and red carpet-ready.

Editor’s tip: Fancy rocking this look for your next date? Then grab your bottle of the VO5 Classic Styling Mega Hold Gel Spray. Spritz the product all over your hair and scalp, and use your fingers to rake it through your mane, directing it backwards to create this sleek finish.

Loved seeing all these celebrity-approved short bob hairstyles? Of course you did! But if you’re not sure how you’ll style your new ‘do, our simple bob styling guide  is here to help! Short and sexy styles, we’re coming for you.