Choosing a Bob Haircut

The popularity of the bob haircut continues to soar. However, it's not just getting a bob hairstyle that makes people take a second look. It's selecting the right type of bob that makes you stand out in a crowd. For example, while light layering can give hair an added swing, a bob that's slightly angled with some shorter locks framing the face can render a sophisticated look.

What is a Bob?

Bob haircuts are those in which the hair is usually cut straight around the head, at about jaw-length. Although most bobs are short, they can also be long. Some people look better with fringe or bangs, while others have facial features that go along better with no bangs.

Bobs and Facial Shapes

People with oval-shaped faces can look good with any type of bob. Round faces go best with mid-layers and long-sided bangs. If you have a square face, choose a graduated bob that has soft layering that goes beneath the jaw line.

Straight Hair vs. Curly Hair

Unlike curly-headed people, those with straight hair can look good with a bob haircut of almost any length. People with curly hair generally look better with longer cut bobs. Short bobs on a curly head can make someone's head resemble a triangle. What's more, it appears shorter than what's desired.

Hair Texture and Length of Bobs

For fine straight hair, a blunt-cut bob creates body, making hair appear thicker and hold its shape longer. Thick hair is more suited for a layered bob because it reduces weight, besides adding movement and texture. For wavy hair, bobs should be styled straight to render a smoother result, although it may not stay straight when challenged by moist air. As for decicing on a long or short bob, consider that short hair looks better on people with square or oval shaped faces.

The Elevated Bob

The elevated bob, as worn by celebrity Paris Hilton, is a style in which the hair has one length that's parted, while being higher than the nape of the hair line. It's cut by cutting an inverted "v" at the base of the hairline. The elevated bob does better with straight hair rather than curly locks.

Asymmetrical Bobs

Asymmetrical bobs differ from regular bobs because one side of the head has either considerably longer or shorter hair than the other side. This type of bob is designed to move hair forward, framing the face. Facial features are almost hidden by how the hair falls in the eyes. Most every type of hair texture goes well with the asymmetrical bob. While fine hair can receive a lift, heavy hair gets some weight lifted out

A-Line Bob

A-line bobs look best with ovals, circles and heart-shaped faces. The A-line bob or inverted is cut somewhat shorter in the back than in the front. Although it's layered, layering isn't extreme and kept minimal to give a simple look. On the other hand, for a trendier look, layering can be more defined.
Feathered bob - Feathered bobs go well with people having oval, oblong, diamond or heart-shaped faces with thin to medium hair texture. With this haircut, hair is cut straight across in the back, with the last two inches of hair lightly layered.

Finally, for best results find a picture of a bob you think would look good on you. Besides clipping pictures out of magazines, there are scores of different bobs found just by searching online. Then, take the picture with you. Many salons have computer generated views, showing what a particular hairstyle will look on your face.

Originally published on Suite 101.