A swing bob is a haircut that is cut shorter in the back with stacked layers and gets longer near the sides. Gradually stacking the layers on this type of bob allows the hair to fall naturally forward, as if it’s “swinging” forward.
Since its debut in the ’70s, this sexy bob has been accepted by women everywhere for its laid back vibe. That’s why it’s one of the widely worn hair trends on the red carpet. See how TV stars Jennifer Lawrence, Cobie Smulders, and Christina Applegate do it!
The angle plus the length of this sassy bob makes the ideal design for a modern style. The swing bob appears in the original chin-length cut, to angled shapes, and even in a shorter length.
When considering if a swing bob will work for you, hairstylist Linda Pomilio from Pennsylvania suggests asking yourself these major questions. “How often should I be getting this hairstyle shaped to maintain it? How much work will it be to blow it out?” Plus, remember that you cannot put a bob into a ponytail!
According to Linda, short hairstyles need to be trimmed about every 5-6 weeks. “It also takes a bit of polished blow-drying, so make sure you are willing to do this. If you have curly or coarse hair, get ready to use some muscle,” she adds.
Her best swing bob advice? “Know what length you are interested in. Be ready to take your length up above the shoulders or shorter. Leaving the length too long will cause the hair to flip outward.”
When asked about how to style a swing bob hairstyle, she says, “Try to blow-dry the ends straight down instead of under for an edgier look. You will need a round brush that suits your length bob.” Her general rule – a bigger brush for longer hair, smaller for shorter hair.
For products, Linda adores Redken’s Full-frame Mousse to give fine hair volume and a light hold. Otherwise, she uses Olaplex #6 Bond Smoothing Creme for thick or curly hair.
Here are pictures of modern swing bob haircuts for your next inspiration!
#1: Medium-Length Swing Bob
The thing about a bob haircut is it boosts the stylishness of a black mane. This medium-length swing bob is a gem that you can wear and enjoy under the sun. This cut is an A-line beveled bob. It’s sleek and classic, yet the strong slope of the angle adds a bit of edginess and creates a lot of movement. This cut can be tailored for any hair density or head shape. Another great thing about any bob is its versatility. Try using a curling wand or just wash and wear with a texture spray. To maintain this shape, you will need a trim about every 6 weeks. A precision bob will always grow out with ease. It can also be squared off as it grows, or it could mean that you’re ready for a change.
#2: Crisp Precision Lob Cut
Try this crisp, precision lob haircut for your next haircut! This works great with straight hair. At your next stylist appointment, ask about maintenance for this cut. You must be willing to invest in good styling products.
#3: High Short-Stacked Swing Bob with Side Bangs
Getting a high short stacked swing bob with side bangs is the greatest choice when your fine hair needs a shape. Color your dark tresses with hints of warm, light brown highlights for an elegance that no one can beat.
#4: The Subtle Swing Bob
The subtle swing bob is one of the most flattering short crops. If you can commit to the extra maintenance, this crop will look extra stunning with a soft balayage or highlights.
#5: Grey Swing Bob with Fringe
A grey swing bob paired with fringe is one of the best, sleek styles. Try to ask for textured ends to soften the bluntness of your bob.
#6: Swing Bob for Women Over 50
This swing bob is perfect for ladies in their 50s who are still in the work place and looking for a modern cut.
#7: A Short Swing Bob
A short swing bob is also ideal for your fine or thin tresses. Layers form volume and shape.
#8: Swing Bob for Fine Hair
Everyone deserves the bob of their dreams so here’s a swing bob for fine hair! Channel your inner sweet French girl, and opt for this neck-length cut to amp up your brown locks.
#9: Swing Inverted Blonde Bob
This swing inverted blonde bob will carry out your natural glow. Add texture to the back of your tresses to unveil the layers.
#10: Swing Bob for Curly Hair
Featuring the perfect swing bob for curly hair! Pull off a short haircut with a bouncy finish so you can flaunt your textured black locks.
This swing bob haircut is a great option for women who want a modern look. The layers enhance the curls, making the hair fall lighter, distributing the volume. The asymmetrical front enhances the shape of the face in a more delicate way.
This is easy to style and it gives a fresh and light look, leaving the curls more defined. To style this hair, you will need a leave-in for curly hair. Those with vegetable oils and butter in the composition are the best.
Distribute the leave-in evenly over the entire length of the hair. A valuable tip: apply the product on water-soaked hair, as this will give more lightness and definition. After the hair has dried, loosen the curls and the volume by shaking the root with your fingertips.
#11: Swing Bob with Side Swept Bangs
This swing bob with side-swept bangs can be your on-the-go hairstyle. Two words to describe this neck-length cut and style — sleek and sexy! The A-line cut is on point, and does wonders to show off your straight, highlighted blonde locks with flair.
#12: Quick Weave Swing Bob with Side Bangs
This quick weave swing bob is beautiful in all manners! The razor’s sharpness creates layers that seem delicate in its black hue. The side bangs complete the entire look with more glam.
Q&A with style creator, Markita Smith
Hair Stylist @ Hair by Markita in Jacksonville, FL
How would you describe this?
This quick weave swing bob is classy. This style brings the “grown woman” out of you!
What’s your best advice?
You will have to know how to keep this style up because this bob hairstyle is for a woman who is sophisticated, classy, and mature. Relaxed hair for this style is preferred because it gives it a natural vibe. Use a 1 1/4 inch curling iron or flat iron to re-curl this cut, and a light holding spray to keep the layers in place.
#13: Layered Swing Bob with Bangs for Over 60
This is a modern swing bob with bangs for women over 60. Add texture for a tousled and dynamic look that will also boost volume.
#14: Asymmetrical Swing Bob
This asymmetrical swing bob features low textured and tapered layers and horseshoe line. It’s creator, styles Melissa Smith of Appomattox, VA recommends you maintain your front length on the part side, as this gives you moment and more styling freedom.
Melissa says this swing bob style is ideal for women with thick and straight hair and great for women who are undecided on committing to a shorter bob.
#15: The Dramatic Swing Bob
This is a dramatic swing bob. It’s very cute for a new mom who doesn’t want to give up her length but wants something easy and lower maintenance.
Learn how to do a good blowout at home, no matter what kind of texture you have. That’s going to be your key foundation in maintaining this chic, polished swing bob cut. Start with 70% dry hair, add a good heat protectant like Kenra Blow dry spray, then section, section, section! It will make blow drying much easier.
You can also use a good volume mousse or root boost for some added lift for finer-textured hair (Drybar has great volume products). Then, finish with a good lightweight serum (Moroccan oil or Brazilian blowout dry oil), or a texture spray for a more tousled hairstyle. Try Fatboy Hair, tousle, and go! It makes 2nd-day hair look fabulous!
#16: African American Swing Bob
This swing bob for black hair starts short in the back and get longer near the front are cut with lots of precision. Parting the black locks will show how flawless this turns out on you.
#17: The Sew-In Swing Bob
Keep away your styling tools for now as you can be equally gorgeous by wearing the sew-in swing bob with bangs. The asymmetrical cut and choppy layers add an extra pop of zest to this side-parted hairstyle.
#18: Long Swing Bob with Bangs
It’s timeless, rocking, and clearly, a hairstyle that no one can say no to! Go for the classic black hair color to exhibit the shine and smoothness of your mane. This long swing bob with bangs will be perfect to match your unfailing beauty.
#19: A Wig Swing Bob
A wig swing bob? Totally, yes! Its natural-looking finish is as pretty as a picture. This black, straight, and medium-length hairstyle fits all the classy women on earth.