A messy bob is a short-length haircut styled with a lot of texture. Messy bobs are a trendy way to give your locks a makeover. Say no to limp and lifeless hair forever!
Before getting messy bob hairstyles, consider these three questions to answer with your stylist, says stylist Teddi Bickers of Indiana.
- Do I have the right density of hair?
- Would this work well with my lifestyle?
- How can I wear or style this cut every day?
It’s understandable if you want versatility. “If you like the option to wear a ponytail, you might want a long bob shape, hitting around the collarbone,” Bickers says.
Such a long-length bob is perfect for ladies who are hesitant about going too short. Bickers adds, “I like to remind ladies that we can always go back in and cut more hair off.”
Bickers also warns that short hair doesn’t always mean low-maintenance. In some cases, you may need to shampoo more often or freshen up the style every morning.
For styling a messy bob, Bickers loves to use a texturizing spray. Her fave is the Doo.Over by Kevin Murphy as it adds a ton of volume and touchable texture.
Before your next hair appointment, check out these images of the most popular messy bob cuts.
Medium-Length Bob Cut
A medium-length bob cut is one of the best cuts that can pull off a messy style. It frames and softens the structure of the face. Messy hair like this is easier to manipulate when styling with a curling wand or a flat iron. For ladies that have fine tresses, part this bob on one side to offer extra volume.
Brown Neck-Length Messy A-Line Bob
This neck-length messy A-line bob is super chic. It was created by hairdresser Chris Jones of The Woodlands, TX. The waves, the texture, and its rich hair color—everything works well together. It’s the movement that allows the vibrant brown hue to have a dimensional finish. This short haircut is easy to style and wear each day. It’s great for beauties who are always on the go.
“This neck-length messy a-line bob would fall in the textured bob category,” says Jones. “Keeping the haircut simple allows the haircut to look great when worn messy. when styling messy haircuts, use a 1″ curling iron, alternating directions for that undone, lived-in look.”
Jones believes this length works best on longer/oval facial shapes. “For rounder faces, leave the hair slightly longer,” he notes. “Because this messy bob style is texturized, not layered, it works great for finer textures. It does work well for medium to thick hair, just take out more weight for those hair types.”
Messy Bob for Grey-Haired Women
A messy bob for gray-haired women is perfect for those who want elegance and naturalness. To keep gray hair shiny, use violet shampoo.
Messy Long Bob for Older Women
Messy long bobs look best on older women with round faces. Long bobs have multiple layers to create shape and texture and look beautiful styled curly or straight.
Tousled Bob Cut for Women Over 60
A tousled bob cut for women over 60 is an elegant way to add a soft messy texture to your hair. Tousled hair has a looser feel to its waves that add width to the hair and give it a styled, but not overdone, everyday look to your bob. Finish off your look with some Aveda Dry Shampoo to get extra texture and a soft hold to the hair.
Short Wavy Bob for Women Over 50
Opt for a short wavy bob for women over 50 to get textured volume into finer hair. Bobs are known for instantly thickening hair, then adding some loose waves widens and lifts the hair creating a fuller looking style.
Messy Bob for a 70-Year-Old Woman
A messy bob for a 70-year-old woman is a great option to help brighten up the face and draw attention up. Pair it with a set of curtain bangs to open up the eyes. If you have dense hair, ask your stylist to remove some weight. Prep messy bob haircuts by drying your hair naturally with some salt spray and be on your way.
The Blunt Bob For Dark-Haired Women
The blunt bob for dark-haired women is another haircut that offers versatility. It goes well with straight or wavy hair. Part it to one side, and it provides a style packed with volume. It will look super cute on ladies with a diamond face shape.
Texturized Bob with Bangs for Thin Hair
Rock a texturized bob with bangs if you’re down to try a tousled style. This hair idea is a chic choice for babes with fine tresses. It has a messy-looking finish that complements the cut’s feathered ends. Now, that’s the texture that thin, fine hair must have!
Jaw-Length Cut Bob
A jaw-length cut bob with micro bangs can be very versatile. It looks so sophisticated when straight and sleek, but texture can do better. A messy hairstyle may give a natural finish, yet it offers an edgier vibe. Are you a lady who loves experimenting with a classic haircut? If so, this one is for you!
Messy Short Bob with Wispy Ends
This messy short bob has an undone-looking effect. It makes ladies appear so fab without even trying. The style helps achieve greater density and volume for short, thin tresses. To show off the cut’s shorter, wispy layers, add soft brown highlights.
The Blonde Angled Choppy Bob
The angled choppy bob, if wavy, is full of texture and movement. Such a tousled hairstyle is a popular pairing for dark-rooted blonde hair. The result is trendy and suits ladies with medium to thicker hair.
The Wavy Stacked Bob
Featuring the wavy stacked bob that matches a slightly messy look! Mimic this hair trend by getting a neck-length chop. Amp up the volume with waves to create more movement and texture. To avoid a flat-looking mane, especially if the hair is too thin, opt for some blonde highlights. Those hints of blonde can add shine to tresses.
Messy Chin-Length Bob
A messy chin-length bob can look superb on any woman with straight to wavy texture. This haircut is easy to manipulate and won’t be a pain while it grows out. Tresses are sure to get a longer length. To enhance its undone style, apply a textured mousse to damp hair.
The Graduated Bob
Pull off the graduated bob by chopping the hair in the back short and leaving the front strands longer. It creates a rounder, bulkier shape, and it’s perfect for fine tresses. With the length that reaches the chin, it creates strands that can frame the face. This makes it ideal for ladies with round faces. Opt for red hair color to create an even edgier style.
A Messy Inverted Bob with Balayage
Get an inverted bob, coupled with a messy style. Freshen it up with a blonde balayage for added dimension. The tones are guaranteed to complement ladies with fair or pale skin complexions. When styling, apply less product if possible. That gives a more natural result to your messy bob cut.
Textured Bob with Loose Waves for Fine Hair
Textured for fine hair is workable with a tousled, loose waves style. It may appear a bit messy, but still looks elegant—thanks to the beach waves. The texture isn’t enough to add a much dramatic touch to fine tresses. Part the hair to one side instead, and see a more voluminous finish.
Messy Pixie Bob
Here’s a messy pixie bob that displays an edgy and sophisticated look! This chop features a tousled style, creating a voluminous finish. Thinning out the ends lets the hair have an added movement. That would also allow the mid-lengths to appear bulky. When curling the hair, use a heat protectant to avoid damage.
Cute Shoulder-Length Bob
Get a shoulder-length bob and glow up like a real beauty queen! See how this haircut looks so beautiful with a platinum blonde balayage? This is perfect for women who want a thicker-looking mane without giving up the length. It isn’t too long to keep the fullness. It isn’t too short, as well, to achieve versatility.
Undercut Bob for Thick Hair
Consider an undercut bob for thick hair because it’s cool, fresh, and very edgy. This chop has a shaved side to take away weight and bulkiness from the tresses. The technique keeps the hair fuller-looking. Wear this hairstyle and the confidence it comes with. Of course, splashes of blonde can complete the look.
“This undercut bob for thick hair is an asymmetrical bob with a full undercut,” describes hairstylist Kimberly Shepherd of Ogden, UT. “The short messy bob has a slight stacking in the back and shorter layers for volume.”
“When styling this undercut bob, you’ll want to use a good volume spray before blowdrying,” she explains. “Try Moroccan Oil’s Volumizing Mist for that! Curl the hair pulling the ends down to give it those straighter pieces. Then finish off with a texture spray like Kevin Murphy’s Touchable. Fluff it up, ruffle it, flip your head upside down… whatever it takes to finish with that messy look! For a messier bob style, add side-swept bangs to the cut.”
Flattering Messy Bob Hairstyle for Women Over 50
This flattering messy bob hairstyle for women over 50 is easy, current, and beautiful. It was created by hairstylist Maria of Queensland, AU. “If you’re over 50 with draped hair lacking style, try this messy bob hairstyle,” she says.
Maria also says it’s very important that the consultation is on point, “so you’re both on the same page.” Try ELEVEN AUSTRALIA products. Miracle Hair Treatment and Volume Texture Spray are best at working with curls or waves.
Messy Long Bob
This messy long bob is a lob, or a long inverted bob. “The dramatic side profile with heavy layers for a super textured look,” says stylist Michaela Lanphear of Mobile, AL.
“Dimension is very important to accentuate and highlight the highs and lows of the hair cut,” explains Lanphear. “Texture plays a big factor in getting this lived-in long messy bob. Hair that is too fine or soft will fall flat. Add a little grip to the hair and alternate the curl pattern, and you’re golden.”
Razored Bob for Fine Hair
A razored bob for fine hair brings out movement and texture to the locks’ choppy ends. It may look edgy, but it’s soft and stylish when amped up with waves. To ensure a fresh transformation, opt for a balayage. Streaks of platinum blonde can add a dimensional and contrasting effect to tresses.
Curly Bob with a Side Part
A tousled style on a curly lob with a side part results in a bouncier, livelier edge. If you have this natural hair texture, this feels liberating, for sure. Curls can be stubborn at times, so use hairspray if needed. It prevents frizz and preserves the length and body of the hair.
This curly bob is classic, timeless, and was created by freelance hairstylists Leah and Mica of San Francisco, CA.
Layered Bob with a Middle Part
Get a layered bob with a middle part to achieve that classic aesthetic beauty! The choppy layers and texture go well together. They create natural-looking movement. This can be a go-to hairstyle for women with fine tresses.
“This layered, long choppy bob is all about the cut and babylights,” says stylist Hoang Thach of Ho Chi Minh City, VT.
are ideal for women with an oval shape face,” adds Thach.
Shaggy Bob
The shaggy bob looks more chic and feminine on a messy and natural wavy texture. It works on fine hair better since it’s a hairstyle with lots of movement. To jazz up a shag, use a hair balm to help create the perfect shaggy waves.
Mid-Length Wavy Bob
Try this mid-length wavy bob, packed with texture and elegance! Messy hairstyles, if paired with a bronde balayage, create a dimensional finish. Lobs offer a stunning impression without a drastic change. So, it’s an excellent option for a woman who’s not ready for an ultimate makeover.
Edgy Mid-Length Messy Lob
This is a mid-length messy bob haircut that gives more dimension to a dark-rooted blonde shade. It has a texture that looks modern and natural. What’s great about this chop is it suits women with either oval or round face shapes. The waves appear soft and feminine that fits oval faces. A side-parted lob also helps to break up the roundness of the face.
Messy Bob with Middle Part and Waves
Long Messy Bob with Straight Bangs
