21 braided bob hairstyles we love for every face shape (2024)

FAQs

What face shape is best for a bob haircut? ›

A bob can work on any face shape, Appleton explains, but added that an oval face shape is ideal for the classic. If you have a square face, he suggests going even shorter and for round faces, he recommends keeping the length longer.

Cornrows can act as a natural facelift; the tight braiding technique pulls the facial skin slightly, smoothing out tiny lines and reducing the visibility of wrinkles, giving it a more youthful appearance. Furthermore, the elegance and simplicity of cornrow braids contribute to a clean and fresh appearance.

If you have a round face shape with soft curves and a wide forehead, you should opt for braiding styles that add length and create the illusion of angles. One popular option is the side-swept braid. This style involves bringing all your hair to one side and creating a loose braid over your shoulder.

“The classic braided bob is a traditional bob length with uniformly braided strands, while the asymmetrical braided bob has one side that's longer than the other,” she explains.

Opt for a Bob

The shorter cut can lead to healthy hair as you remove any split ends. This cut will frame your jawline and bring a youthful look to your face. Contrary to popular belief, bobs do not have to be all one length.

If you have damaged or brittle hair, or if you have very thick or curly hair, a bob may not be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you have healthy hair and are looking for a low-maintenance haircut, a bob might be the perfect choice.

Perhaps Cindy Brady, Pippi Longstocking or Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz come to mind. Braids long have been the exclusive domain of youth, but the truth is, if done right, braids are an interesting–and free–hair accessory, even for women over 50 and especially in summer.

Braids are worn by women of all ages and races. There are various ways to braid your hair. Braids can be elegant and styled for an event like a wedding or they can be used to keep your hair out of your face while you exercise.

Braids that are too tight can also cause tensile stress, which occurs when there is constant tugging on hair follicles. "These types of braids can be damaging depending on how tight or heavy the braids are. The stress on the follicle can weaken it and sometimes cause hair loss," says O'Brien.

Flat-iron waves are a great way to achieve loose curls and waves for a widening effect. You want the widest part of your waves to hit around the area of your cheekbone, to create the illusion of a wider face, so start curling the hair closer to the root to achieve this.

What hair length is best for each face shape? ›

Round face shape: Long, layered cut or short pixie cut. Oval face shape: Shoulder-length cut with long layers or short bob. Heart face shape: Long, layered cut with side-swept bangs or chin-length bob. Square face shape: Long, wavy cut or side-swept pixie cut.

Heart-Shaped Face: Try to draw attention to your eyes and cheekbones with bangs or volume along the sides. Long Face: The longer your hair is, the longer it will make your face look. It's often best to go with shorter styles or those that have plenty of volume. Bangs are great as well.

Effortless Messy Bob

“This style is soft and effortless,” says Hernandez. “To try this look, ask your stylist for a long bob or lob with long layers and light texture.” The stylist adds that this bob can be achieved by blow-drying your hair straight and adding loose waves with a flat iron or curling iron.

6 weeks is the most time I would recommend keeping them in your hair. Two months is the absolute max I would suggest leaving your box braids in.” Box braids can last from 4 to 6 weeks.

The answer is surprisingly simple. There's an easy, and we mean easy, way to decide if short hairstyles are in your future. We call it the 2.25 rule. Practically fool proof, this rule states that if the longest part of your chin is less than 2.25 inches from the tip of your earlobe, then short hairstyles are for you.

“The most universally flattering bobs will be the slightly longer ones that sit below the jawline,” he explains. These require little styling — just a great hairdryer such as the BaByliss Hydro Fusion Hair Dryer with the diffuser attachment, which allows hair to dry naturally and end up feeling super chic and undone.

Bobs are definitely the style of the moments, especially their shoulder length varieties, which still offer length, beautiful silhouette and the desirable slimming effect. Whether you are a blonde or brunette with wavy hair or straight tresses, there is a bob hairstyle that won't overemphasize your round face.

"The old money bob combines blunt lines with minimal layering for a finish that's soft but voluminous. I find this style the most flattering when the length hits between the jawline and collarbone, however, the length can be tailored to suit you and your face shape," she says.