An ear-length bob is a very short haircut, popular for its versatility and edginess. It’s easy and fun to wear, and women of any age can give it a shot!
The shape and layers around your face can be customized to complement your best features. Stylist Madoka of Minneapolis, MN says you can even “adjust the length a little closer to the lip line.”
There are various unique ways to achieve a short bob cut. The technique will depend on your hair texture, type, and density. Talk to your trusted stylist for evaluation before getting your hair chopped.
Madoka warns, “the shorter the hair is, the more maintenance will be required.” The consultation will be the best time to understand the demanded upkeep of your chosen bob cut. Maximize your cut’s full potential by proper styling. Learn tips and techniques from your hairdresser. Ask for the products that work best with your hair qualities. Furthermore, you’re welcome to use fashionable hair accessories to amp up the overall look.
Explore the beauty of this classic hair trend. Photos here will show you the trendiest ways to rock ear-length bob cuts!
#1: Stacked Ear-Length Cut with Feathered Layers
A stacked cut with feathered layers will be short in the back and angle down toward the face. To get the best appearance and most volume in an ear-length stacked bob, your stylist may want to use a razor to cut the layers. This will give your layers a feathered look and keep your cut from becoming bulky.
#2: Undercut Ear-Length Bob
Ask for an undercut ear-length bob. For a super fine texture hair type, opt for a French bob with a bunt cut perimeter. A great style for longer face shapes, pairing with a micro bang for the ultimate balance. Invest in a soft hold shaping cream like Hairstory’s Hair Balm, comb your hair in place, and let air dry or diffuse.
#3: Ear-Length Bob with a Shaved Nape
This ear-length bob is a classic and sophisticated cut. If you do not have a lot of time to style your hair, this is a great option to go with. The best way to style it would be with a round brush and a little heat from your blow dryer!
#4: Sweeping Fringe on an Ear-Length Bob
The best way to add lift to your features with a cut is to have a sweeping length from your cheekbone and ear. Ask your stylist to give you the illusion of a longer face and add a youthful, yet still classy, look. You could add texture with a light curl to give your hair some extra bounce and personality. Adding highlights can also frame your face for a more modern, semi-casual style.
#5: Short Hair with Shaved Side and Choppy Ends
Try short hair with a shaved side and choppy ends for an edgy look. This fun style is so versatile. You can do a deep side part to show off the shaved side, or for a whole new look, don’t part as far over and you have an ear-length choppy bob. Thick hair is the best type for this style.
#6: Polished French Bob Cut for Thick Hair
A French bob cut for thick hair can work on all ages. To eliminate an overgrown style, above-chin-length hair needs to be kept fresh. Do this by seeing your stylist every 4-6 weeks. This will allow the shape to continue showing off your cheekbones.
#7: Asymmetrical Ear-Length Bob
Asymmetrical ear-length bobs are shorter on one side and longer on the other. Try this style if you’re wanting to venture into a style that’s a little edgier. This sleek bob is a double whammy, asymmetric and blunt cut. For styling, blow dry with a smoothing balm and flat iron, then finish off with a shine serum for extra sleekness.
#8: Ear-Length Layered Bob Cut
Give fine hair a boost with an ear-length layered bob cut. Messy bob cuts are great to show off texture for the ultimate modern vibe. Messy layers will give your limp hair life for maximum volume. Use a texture paste to give hold and show off those messy layers.
#9: Shaggy French Bob for Women Over 60
If you’re over 60, then one of the greatest short haircuts is a shaggy French bob. Shaggy bobs come in all shapes and sizes and work great with natural waves. If you’re looking for easy daily maintenance, you can wash and go with a minimal texture spray like Hairstory’s “Undressed.” This is a great cut if you have a pear or triangle face shape.
#10: Low-Maintenance Angled Bob for Women Over 50
A low-maintenance angled bob for women over 50 has soft layers and a tapered nape. An a-line bob is a popular choice for women of all ages because it’s flattering on many face shapes. If you’re considering an ear-length style, keep in mind it will look best on women with oval or heart-shaped faces.
#11: Textured Pixie Bob for Thick Hair
For women with thick hair, try a textured pixie bob. Thinning out hair at the nape and throughout will help your hair sit correctly and feel light as a feather. Ear-length bob hairstyles are low-maintenance and great for everyday wear.
#12: Tapered Pixie Bob with Side Bangs
Tapered pixie bobs with side bangs are a great option for women who want to spend little time styling their hair. An ear-length short bob with bangs is also a great transition haircut for women growing out their hair from a short pixie.
#13: Ear-Length Bob with Wispy Bangs for Women Over 40
Ear-length bobs with wispy bangs can make women over 40 feel youthful and trendy. To keep very short bobs feeling light, your stylist may point cut into the ends of the style to add texture and reduce bulk. Bobbed hair can come in many varieties, so be sure to tell your hairstylist what you do and do not want when it comes to your haircut.
#14: Short Graduated Bob with Blunt Ends
Consider a short graduated bob with blunt ends if you would like a sharp style with a polished finish. A bob style is always in fashion with its clean and classic lines. Blow-dry with a round brush and smoothing cream for a head-turning finish. Keep in mind, that if you have curly hair you will need to work a bit harder to achieve the edgy shape. As an option, you could let it dry wavy for a variation.
#15: Two-Toned Inverted Bob
If you’re looking for a fun and retro hairstyle, try a two-toned inverted bob. This hairstyle is a short bob haircut that is shorter in the back and has two distinct colors. The more contrasting the colors, the more you will stand out!
#16: Airy French Bob with Curtain Bangs
Choose a French bob with curtain bangs for an updated shape. Ask your stylist for a bang that curves down toward your cheekbone. Create an airy, ear-length hairstyle with subtle layering and texture cutting, that gives you movement and a flicky shape that moves with you. Blow-dry with a round brush and tousle the layers with your hands for a modern finish.
#17: French Pixie Bob with a Fringe
A French pixie bob with fringe is what happens when a bob meets a pixie, or for the more trendy, a bixie. The perimeter starts out as an ear-length bob with bangs then the pixie layering transforms this style into a frothy airy crop.
#18: Side-Parted Undercut Bob on Fine Hair
Side-parted bobs are short ear-length bob haircuts that have been shaved or cut short below the occipital bone. Keep in mind, that with an undercut you will lose some thickness on the bottom, but the top will look light and airy. Gain back some volume in your fine hair by styling with a thickening powder or a root lifter.
#19: Short Bob with Bangs for Women Over 70 with Thin Hair
Women over 70 with thin hair will love the illusion of fuller hair that a short bob with bangs gives. Because the thinnest part of our hair tends to be the ends, an ear-length haircut will remove those ends and make your hair look its fullest. To add to the volume, Moroccanoil Volume Mousse will give lift and thickness while lightly hydrating fine hair.
#20: Straight Micro Bob with Blunt Bangs
A straight micro bob with blunt bangs is a short bob haircut with a heavy fringe. An ear-length blunt bob is a popular choice for young girls who don’t like dealing with long hair but it’s also a great haircut for older women who want a younger appearance.
#21: Ear-Length Cut with Buzzed Nape
If you love head-turning haircuts, try an ear-length cut with a buzzed nape. A geometric haircut like ear-length bobs is a stunning cut if you have an oval face shape, especially when paired with fringe. When styling an ultra-short haircut, use a wrap dry technique with a paddle brush and finish with a flat iron to truly showcase the stunning shape.