Remember me
“I couldn’t pull that off” is a phrase uttered to me, a beauty editor, at least once a week. It’s arguably one of the most annoying, because 1) there are no rules—do what you want with beauty—and 2) simply never true. There’s a way to wear everything, so long as it’s tailored to you. The most egregious of these comments come from people interested in a big hair change, typically a bob haircut. Thick waves, baby-fine strands, curls and coils, and stick-straight hair—all of it can look good in the right bob.
The key here? Chatting with a stylist to come up with the right haircut for you. But before you make the appointment, consult this quick guide, breaking down all the best short haircuts for all hair types and textures. Two hairstylists, Tom Smith and Jordanna Cobella, shared their tricks for finding your very own perfect bob. From blunt micro bobs to shaggy, layered cuts, we’ve rounded up the ultimate inspo and stylist-approved tips for every texture and thickness. Ready to meet your new signature cut?
But first, an intro to all the hair types...
What are the four different hair types?According to the hair-typing system, there are four main groups of hair. Here’s the basic rundown of the categories:
Type 1 hair = straight hairType 2 hair = wavy hairType 3 hair = curly hairType 4 hair = coily hairEach category also has three “a,” “b,” and “c” subcategories (for example: 3a, 3b, 3c, or 4a, 4b, 4c) that break down each hair type even further.
The best bob haircut for every hair type:Type 1 hairBest bob: Blunt micro bob, laser-cut bob, nano bob, lob, tucked bob“Straight hair lends itself to classic, sharp bobs easily,” says Cosmopolitan contributing hair expert Tom Smith. “Sleek straight styles work well with minimal daily effort, but if you want a choppy or voluminous bob, bear in mind you’ll need to style waves and movement into your hair.”
@bobbyeliot
Tom’s pro tip: If your hair is fine and straight, the tucked bob style, where one side is tucked behind the ear, is a great way to increase the illusion of thickness.
Type 2 hairBest bob: French bob, bottleneck bob, Italian bob, bell-bottom bob
@selenagomez
Wavy hair types work great with bobs that are designed to be worn with movement. Tom says, “Anything flipped over or where flicks or texture is desired will be easier to achieve here.” This includes the French bob, bottleneck bob, Italian bob, and bell-bottom bob.
Cosmopolitan contributing hair expert Jordanna Cobella also adds that introducing some front pieces can also help type 2 hair bounce. “Just be sure to cut it longer than anticipated to account for the bounce, as when dry, it will sit shorter than the wet length,” she says.
Jordanna’s pro tip: Use a curl cream to enhance type 2 waves. The Wella Professionals Nutricurls Curlixir Balm is a firm favorite. But remember: Depending on your curl pattern, you may need to cocktail a curling balm and a mousse or a cream. Apply when wet and avoid brushing; simply scrunch dry upside down and air-dry or use a diffuser for extra lift and curl.
Type 3 hairBest bob: Halo bob, short shag, cloud curls
Timothy Norris
Curly hair lends itself to curved and rounded bob shapes. In particular, Tom says that “bob-shag hybrids can work really well thanks to the natural curvaceous quality curls have.”
Add Cosmopolitan as a preferred source in your Google search results.
Use your Google account to add this to your settings.
Add to Google settings
Confirming this, Jordanna says that it’s the layered, textured aspects of these cuts that bring the curls to life.
Jordanna’s pro tip: Embrace the triangular shape that curly bobs sometimes fall into, as it gives width and is flattering. Styling-wise, the same rules apply to wavy (see above), but product choice is key. You may have to vary the products in the different parts of your hair; the front generally has tighter curls, whereas the roots and top part of the hair tend to be more frizzy. So with that in mind, a stronger curl cream is essential.
Type 4 hairBest bob: Sculptural bob, tapered side-part bob
Michael Loccisano
Coily hair textures are best suited to sculptural, shapely bobs. “Side parts can really help to allow textured hair to be stretched out into a shape which feels more bob-like,” Tom says, while Jordanna adds that a tapered bob is the way to go. “The key is to cut it dry in its natural state for a true account of the shape it will take,” she says.
Jordanna’s pro tip: When it comes to styling a coily bob, hydration is key—make sure your shampoo and conditioner are curly hair friendly, as some can be quite drying. Utilize a leave-in conditioner and oil for twist-outs or finger coils, and for a more defined curl, use curling balms or creams.
Which hair texture is best for a bob?The great thing about a bob haircut is that there are so many interpretations and adaptations (if you hadn’t already gathered!). There’s something to suit every hair type, as well as hair texture and density. Tom breaks down his advice for the best bob depending on your hair texture below:
Thin hairSharp laser-cut bobs help to build density in thin hair types. The blunt cut clusters the hair together and creates weight and the illusion of thickness at the ends.
Thick hairLong layered bobs reduce bulk in thick hair but maintain the short shape.
Fine hairUnlike thinning hair, fine hair types are suited to a textured, choppy chin-length bob. This style adds volume, body, and movement.
High-density hairHigh-density hair refers to a large number of hair strands per square inch on the scalp, so even if you have fine strands, you may have a lot of them. This means you have high-density hair. For those with this hair texture, a hidden layering lob is a great option. The longer bob style is defined by subtle layers to add texture without being visible and blunt ends. (Read: Ghost layers).
Frizz-prone hairAn A-line bob (longer at the front, shorter in the back) with invisible layering gives structure to those with frizz-prone hair, all without puff. Victoria Beckham’s iconic look is a great example of this cut.
Meet the expertsTom Smith is a renowned hairstylist and trend forecaster known for his innovative eye and detailed understanding of global beauty movements. With years of hands-on salon experience, a keen sense for emerging trends, and experience working with brands including Olaplex and evo hair, Tom has become a trusted voice in the industry. His unique ability to blend artistry with data-driven insights makes him an authority on what’s next in hair.Jordanna Cobella is a distinguished hairstylist and salon owner based in London, celebrated for her exceptional skill and innovative approach to hairdressing. As the creative director of Cobella Salon in Kensington and a Wella Hair brand ambassador, she has garnered recognition as London Hairdresser of the Year for two consecutive years (2022 and 2023). Her expertise encompasses advanced color techniques and styling, honed through extensive experience at prestigious events such as London, Paris, and Milan Fashion Weeks. Why trust Cosmopolitan?Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing hair, makeup, nail, and fragrance stories.
Lia Mappoura is the beauty writer at Cosmo UK where she covers trends, how-tos, and product reviews for everything from haircuts to nail designs to the best perfumes.
Just a few more bob haircut ideas (we can't resist):
How to Get Zendaya’s Effortless Mermaid Bob
Growing Out a Bob? Try the Butterfly Cut
How to Style a Bob Haircut Like a CelebrityBeth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.