Bob fever hits every year right around this time. First, just a few A-listers make the chop. Pretty soon, everyone’s dying to liberate their hair with a fresh new look for summer. This has been an especially contagious season with celebs from Vanessa Hudgens to Cara Delevingne making headlines for their chic, dramatic cuts.
The classic bob hairstyle can loosely be defined as any length between the jawline and collarbone. But what about the lob? There’s some disagreement over where to draw the line between bobs and long bobs. And that’s just the beginning. There’s the wob (wavy bob), blob (blond bob) and even the shab (shaggy bob). Depending on who you ask, “mob” might refer to the medium bob, the mullet lob or even the mom bob.
Regardless of definition, there’s an understandable fear of every bob length. It’s the trickiest of haircuts, no matter your face shape. To avoid that dreaded transitional stage between cutting your hair and growing it out, many of us either keep trimming that tried-and-true pixie or just never say goodbye to longer locks.
When managed properly, though, the right bob hairstyle has unparalleled potential. One word: low-maintenance. Say goodbye to endless combing (if you have long hair) or endless worrying about whether your short strands are staying in place. The bob is also the most versatile of hair lengths as proven by these celebs. Layer like Aisha Tyler, wave like Viola Davis, straighten like Kerry Washington and more. Packed with personality and as unique as each A-lister wearing them, these bob hairstyles will inspire you to get over all your lob-wob-mob qualms and make the cut.
[ Next: 9 Gorgeous Bobs That’ll Inspire Your Next Haircut ]
Celebrity Bob Hairstyles (Runway Manhattan)
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Bobs and Bows
Vanessa Hudgens brought this face-framing bob to the Billboard Music Awards. Flared outward at the cheekbones, it’s the perfect counterpart to her bow decorated Marchesa dress.
Image: Runway Manhattan/AFF
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Short and Sharp
Jennifer Hudson proves how polished a bob can be. Square-cut lines and shimmering violet cat eye makeup say Cleopatra chic.
Image: Runway Manhattan/AFF
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Fun and Fearless
Chelsea Kane’s tousled blond tresses make summer seem even nearer than it is. The Disney alum goes for a fun, playful cut with a beachy vibe.
Image: Runway Manhattan/AFF
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Straight and Smooth
Hoop earrings poke through Kerry Washington’s perfectly straightened bob. She pulls her sleek strands into a graceful side part to flatter her oval face shape.
Image: Runway Manhattan/AFF
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No Tangles, Just Angles
The Vampire Diaries star flaunts her love for Christian Dior and short hair. An angled deep side part and winged eyeliner keep Nina Dobrev’s beauty game dynamic.
Image: Runway Manhattan/AFF
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Highs and Lows
Uma Thurman stuns at Cannes with luxurious blond locks. This artistic look wraps around her neck, going from chin-length on her left to shoulder-grazing on her right.
Image: Runway Manhattan/Capital Pictures
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Wispy and Whimsical
Aisha Tyler’s layered wisps look like they were shaped by a summer breeze. Get the effect by fluffing with your fingers and finish with sideswept bangs.
Image: Runway Manhattan/AFF
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Calculated Curve
Shock value is central to Cara Delevingne’s white-hot, silver-platinum shade. A single well-defined wave at her cheek balances this radical appearance.
Image: Runway Manhattan/ZUMA Press
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Chic and Contemporary
Wearing an ivory gown and dazzling diamonds, Viola Davis is the height of elegance. She keeps her look light and contemporary with a chic, chin-length cut.
Image: Runway Manhattan/AFF
