A bob is always a great idea. This (usually) chin-length style is flattering on so many people, and looks polished, fun, and sophisticated when you’re over 50. You may think of a classic blunt bob when this cut comes to mind, but it’s so much more versatile than you probably think. The addition of layers, bangs, texture, or simply sweeping your hair to one side or the other, can make a deep impact on how your bob looks.
If you love bob haircuts, but are looking for a few different variations on it so you can decide which one is right for you, here are 11 unexpected bob hairstyles stylists swear by for an ultra-flattering look after 50.
A-Line Bob
An A-line bob, or asymmetrical bob, starts off shorter in the back and gradually gets longer until it reaches its longest layers in the front. The haircut looks flattering on a wide variety of face shapes and hair types, from straight to curly. The absence of length in the back is lower maintenance, while an angled front calls attention to your facial features and cheekbones.
Textured Bob
The bob is a classic cut that is usually thought of as having blunt ends. A texturized bob is simply a choppier play on the bob, one with lots of layers that gives you a tousled look. Jennifer Lopez has long been a fan of the textured bob and shows why it works so well for women over 50.
Inverted Bob
Michelle Williams’ inverted bob is a bit shorter than some other bobs and features angled front ends that emphasize her eyes, cheekbones, and lips. It’s like the hairstyle version of makeup.
Lob
When you love the shape of a bob, with its blunt ends and drama, but need some more length in your life, go for the lob, a modern classic. The lob ends around the collarbone and can be blunt or layered, with or without bangs.
Curly Bob
Even though so many classic bob photos features straight hair, don’t make the mistake of feeling like you have to straighten your curly hair to make this style work — nothing could be further from the truth. Keep your curls and ask your stylist to snip them into shape when forming your bob for gorgeous texture and volume.
French Bob
The French bob is shorter than your average bob — it cuts off above the chin — and is lightly layered. It looks particularly amazing with bangs to frame your face.
Side-Swept Bob
Magic can happen when you part your hair to the side and ask your stylist to cut your layers to one side. This side-swept bob on Regina King brings out her eyes and cheekbones and gives her extra volume.
Bob With Bangs
Anna Wintour’s iconic haircut is all about adding bangs to her chin-length bob. The effect is a bit mysterious and always polished.
Blunt Bob
Speaking of mystery, Penelope Cruz’s blunt bob looks voluminous because the baseline of her hair is cut evenly, which creates bulk. She keeps her hair shiny, soft, and sophisticated with the absence of layers.
Sliced Bob
A sliced bob has textured, feathered ends that keep hair from looking too heavy and subtle and blended layers that add movement but not choppiness. It’s soft, chic, and modern.
Italian Bob
When you think “Italian bob,” you think major volume. The key to getting this haircut right is a slight A-line shape with a longer front, layers and textures, and major bounce — often achieved with large rollers. Many versions of this cut also feature side-swept bangs that give the hair even more lift.
