Back

How to find the best bob haircut for your face shape

Straight from Kim K's hair stylist himself

By Delaney Loane

Digital Beauty Editor / August 18 2021

We won't try the 'bobs are back' angle here; they really never left. In fact, they've been standing strong as the epitome of chicness for several years now, so no, you no longer need to fear that you'll chop your hair off only to discover that it's no longer the cool-girl cut the next week. Consider its staying power well and truly proven.

Hollywood is in full agreement, too; after all, there's nobody we'd trust more with our locks' lives than celeb hair artist Chris Appleton. The man behind the manes of everyone from Kim Kardashian to J.Lo took to Instagram to confirm the style's ongoing chicness: "The bob hair cut is hot this season. Whether it's a layered '90s cut, or a one-length blunt cut with a glass finish."

The biggest takeaway from said statement? We have options. The bob is not a one-cut-fits-all equation – in fact, the best bobs are the ones that take your individual face shape into consideration in a bid to balance and flatter your features.

"The key to a great bob cut is finding the right length to suit your face shape," Appleton explained, noting that while there are some general rules to follow, it's best to still consult with the pros on a personal level, too. "[I've got] a couple of tips for what bob suits what face type, but remember it's all about suitability so talk it over with your stylist."

Prepared to take the plunge? Here's Appleton's guide to finding your perfect bob...

If your face shape is... round

For a round face shape like Gomez' (AKA one that's similar in width and length with a rounder jawline/chin), Appleton advises opting for a "long bob (lob)". Why? Letting the hair fall below the chin will aid in elongating the face. If a classic lob seems too safe for the aesthetic you're after though, fear not. Opting for an asymmetrical cut (with face-flattering length in the front and chic sharpness in the back) and flipping the ends in with a hot tool will ensure your style still looks modern.

If your face shape is... oval

Working with wider cheekbones but a forehead and jawline that are about the same width? Like Kim Kardashian, you've most likely got an oval face shape. For an oval face, Appleton recommends going "chin length or just below" to balance out your face's longer nature, and to add a sharp line that will contrast more rounded jawlines beautifully. He practices what he preaches, too; a just-below-the-chin chop is exactly what he chose for Kardashian, and it worked an absolute treat.

If your face shape is... square

If your forehead, cheekbones and jaw are about the same width, but you have a more angular jawline (like Wilde's, which could cut glass) it would appear you have a square face shape. Appleton's bob recommendation for you? "Mid-length and layered." Think a few inches below the chin, but also still a few inches above the shoulders. Let your jawline stand strong as your 'sharp' feature and keeps ends a little less blunt, too. FYI, some subtle layering worked through the cut will be piecey texture's best ally.

Main image credit: @kimkardashian

Thinking of switching up your colour as well as your cut? Auburn is the season's hottest hair shade...