The bob is a classic, easy to maintain cut that looks good on practically every woman. Get some bob-spiration from our gallery of all the best bobs in the world of celebrity...
The bob is a classic hairstyle for women of any age; it’s grown up, sophisticated, easy-to-wear and suits practically every woman. But it’s understandable to be nervous – especially if you’re used to having much longer hair.
If you’re thinking of going for the chop but aren’t sure if it’ll suit your face? According to stylists, there’s a rule you can adopt to find out if chopping your hair off will suit you, before you brave the scissors: the 2.25-inch rule!
Will bob hairstyles suit me?
International Training Director of Color Wow Giles Robinson, explained to GoodtoKnow: ‘It’s all about the angles. The Rule was created by John Frieda, and it is a fool-proof guide for hair stylists to use so they can tailor the cut to make the length as flattering as possible to the face shape.’
So how does it work? Take a ruler and a pencil and place the pencil under your chin horizontally. Pop the ruler under your ear vertically – the intersection of the pencil and ruler should indicate a measurement. If it’s less than 2.25 inches, then, like Halle Berry and Katie Holmes, your face is made for short hair. If it’s more, like Sarah Jessica Parker, then long hair will be the most flattering choice.
But even if the rest reveals that longer hair is more you’re bag, it doesn’t mean you can’t try out a longer bob if you’re set on getting your hair cut shorter.
Long bobs – or lobs – are more in style than ever before, and can look brilliantly chic and sophisticated. Plus, they’re low maintenance, and for those days spent rushing after the kids when you just want to pop your hair up into a ponytail, a long bob will let you do so.
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In honour of the bob, we’ve rounded up a gallery of all our favourite bob hairstyles, with a little inspiration from some of the best bobs in celebville. And who knew there were so many? And in so many different styles, lengths and colours?
Having a good bob hairstyle is all in the length, typically starting from either just under the ears or just lightly brushing the shoulders, or somewhere in between. Have a flick through our gallery of bob hairstyles to see how the celebs are wearing theirs and get some bob-spiration of your own! From sleek and straight, wavy beachy styles and some volumous bobs, this gallery of bob hairstyles is bound to have something that takes your fancy.
While you don’t have to style your ‘do exactly like the celebs, you can easily take some practical inspiration from the likes of Stacey Solomon and her easy but stunning lob, or Charlize Theron’s super sleek short bob. Just a few simple changes like adding a fringe or some layering could also completely change your look.
Which is your favourite of all these bob hairstyles? Be sure to let us know in our comments section below, and don’t forget to print out the bob you like and it take along to your hairdresser!
Celebrity bob hairstyles:
Christina Hendricks
The red-haired bombshell shows us how a short bob is done with this layered, wavy style. A side parting and soft, short fringe create a really sophisticated look. And Christina's gorgeous red locks only add to the beauty!
Stacey Solomon
One of our favourite Loose Women, Stacey Solomon has totally nailed the long bob. Sitting just above her shoulders, this is an easy one to re-create yourself if you're slightly nervous about going for the chop. While it certainly qualifies as a lob, it won't feel too short if you're going from much longer hair.
Holly Willoughby
Holly Willoughby has been providing the ultimate bob hairstyle inspiration for years. Her chic hair-do here is simple but elegant, and would suit ladies with a similar face shape. The side parting also gives the look a softer feel.
Emilia Clarke
Game of Thrones star Emilia is rocking the short bob here, with the length sitting smack-bang in the middle of her neck. Keeping the style sleek and simple ensures the focus is on the cut, and the flattering way it frames the face.
Duchess of Cambridge
Catherine's long bob is one of our favourite hairstyles of hers of all time. The shoulder-length allows you to create more of a style (as Kate has here with the curls) - ensuring your locks don't just hang down lifelessly beside your face...
Charlize Theron
Queen of the short bob, Charlize cut couldn't look chicer if she tried. Although it's a brave move to cut your hair this short - if you're used to longer locks - the actress proves here that it can pay off brilliantly.
Anne Hathaway
This tussled, laid-back long bob displayed on Anna Hathaway is so stylish and perfect for ladies who like a low maintenance do.
Emma Willis
TV presenter Emma's signature look, we love this rockstar-chic super =-short bob, which she regularly wears blow-dryed up. However, letting the hair fall down would look equally amazing.
Ruth Langsford
The This Morning star has perfected the short bob, and it's a style that looks fabulous on older ladies. Make like Ruth and add volume with a bit of back-combing and hairspray!
Zoe Ball
Zoe's mid-length bob is so in style right now. The soft, slightly parted fringe only adds to the look, and this would be a brilliant style for people with middle partings.
Olivia Wilde
Channel Olivia with a side part and thinned short bob - we love this look! Adding blonde highlights to your barnet is also a great look for summer.
Jessica Chastain
Looking utterly chic, Jessica Chastain has opted for a low-maintenance shoulder length bob, which looks good whether sleek and polished, or styled in a more relaxed way, as Jessica has done here.
Rose Byrne
Rose Byrne always looks flawless, and this long bob suits her down to the ground. Channel the Bridesmaids actress by asking for long layers and blonde balayage when you get the chop.
Kate Silverton
The former Strictly star's short, choppy bob has become her signature hair style over the years, and a few subtle highlights keep this do' looking fresh. For the layered look Kate achieves, ask for short layers, and play about with a hair serum when styling.
Suranne Jones
Suranne's simple long bob oozes sophistication.