How to Style a Bob: 17 Celebrity Hairstyles to Inspire Your Next Cut

These celebs will make you want to chop your hair.

Author:
Michelle Villett
Jul 17, 2017

In case you hadn't noticed, the bob is shaping up to be the biggest hair trend of the year. And if I remember correctly, the classic shoulder-clearing style hasn't been this popular since TomKat were a thing. (That would be circa 2007, when Katie Holmes got the cut that landed her in the Bob Hall of Fame.)

And now, the bob is back on the red carpet in a brand new way. Here are the latest celebs to rock the look:

Kat Graham

Kat's straight, centre-parted, wheat-toned bob is EVERYTHING. There's no layering to her cut; it's meant to be sleek, sharp and blunt, with subtle Ombré to frame her face. I love that she's wearing nude makeup, which plays down the statement hair and busy dress.

Olivia Wilde

Olivia's new bob showcases her amazing bone structure in a way we've never seen before. She's wearing it volume-free, in a deep side part and tucked behind her ears—which leaves us to appreciate every detail of the pink eyeshadow and tawny lips and cheeks.

Olivia is wearing: Primer • Concealer in 3 Young • Blush in 504 Kink & Kisses • Bronzer in Tantric 102 • Eyeliner in Sunset 74 • Eyeshadow in 200 The Lover • Lipstick in In the Mood 152 • Lip liner in Nude(ist) 300

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Olivia Culpo

Olivia showcases a super-thick, super-healthy bob. The smooth texture and slightly rounded-under ends feel refreshing after so many years of dry texture. The deep side part and uniform brunette colour add even more polish.

Cara Delevingne

Cara's long bob has a cool shaggy texture, a deep side part, and straight ends. The silver hue adds to the rock 'n' roll vibes. Her unexpected berry-toned smoky eyes complete the look.

Kelly Rowland

This should be Kelly's Life Cut, because she has never looked better! I'm completely in love with this wavy bob (wob) with bangs. Compared to the cut she was rocking last year, it widens her oblong face and puts more focus on her eyes and smile. The colour is also softer and lighter. So pretty!

Cate Blanchett

Cate has a slightly shorter bob, with subtle layers, a center part, and a cool wavy texture. All the better to show off her amazing skin and subtle makeup.

Rihanna

I've always loved Rihanna in a bob, and this curly look is no exception. Worn in spirals with a wet texture, it has a street-style edge—especially with the oversized hoop earrings and red lipstick. Could her skin be any more radiant?

Kristen Stewart

Kristen's side-swept blonde, textured waves were pre-buzz cut. Rarely do I say this, but the roots are an essential part of this look. Close to the head, her hair is dark and controlled, but then becomes all beachy, bleached and playful. The eyeliner is important to tie together the root and brow colours.

Lucy Hale

Lucy’s modern textured bob is such a "Millennial" cut, and I can't think of an actress who wears it better. There's just a little bend through the lengths, but not actual waves, and the frizz is intentional. She wears it with equally textured brows and a bold berry lip.

Diane Kruger

Diane looks glam in this side-parted wavy bob. This is a new length for her, and I definitely prefer it to her long hair. The waves are gorgeous, and not too contrived. Once again, we're seeing a deep side part and the hair behind one ear. I love her natural lashes and classic scarlet lipstick.

Hailey Baldwin

Rihanna wasn't the only celeb to try a wet bob; Hailey also wears this look beautifully. The difference here is a straighter (more "out of the shower") texture, combed into place with height at the front. It pairs perfectly with her trendy brown-toned makeup.

Hailey is wearing: Eyeshadow in The Escapist 120 • Eyeliner in Ro(Cocoa) 48 • Mascara in Noir • Lipstick in Fawn Over Me 452 • Lipstick in Hot Cocoa 460

Jessica Alba

Jessica’s bob features Ombré ends, a deep side part and a cool bend to add body texture. She wears it with winged liner and subtle, nude makeup.

Margot Robbie

Margot shows off another way to wear a straight bob—with a deep side part and a bit of messy texture. Her blonde colour is so fresh, and I love the pop of bold lipstick.

Kerry Washington

Kerry's new bob is really shaking up her normally conservative aesthetic. She looks young and fresh with the wavy texture and collarbone length. The red lips and chunky lashes are also perfect.

Bella Heathcote

Bella flipped her long bob over to one side, which gives it beautiful soft volume and waves. I'm mesmerized by her flawless skin and bold lipstick.

Robin Wright

Robin casually pinned her highlighted bob to one side. Even though she wears short hair like a boss, I'm happy to see this longer length on her. (It softens the Claire Underwood vibes.) What makes it even more youthful is the way she left the texture a little imperfect. Smudgy liner, straight brows and glossy lips complete the look.

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