Bobs are everywhere right now, and they ought to be. They’re timeless, chic, and endlessly customizable. But if you're considering the chop, you're probably wondering: Which bob is right for me?
While styling can change the vibe, the length of your bob plays a huge role in how it frames your face. From chin-skimming cuts to collarbone grazers, the right length can highlight your best features, soften angles, or add balance where it’s needed most.
Let’s break it down by one of the most important factors: face shape. Whether you’ve got an oval, heart, square, round, or long face, there’s a bob length that was made for you.
Oval Face
Lucky you, just about every bob will work for you.
Oval faces are often considered the most versatile when it comes to haircuts. Balanced proportions and softly rounded features mean you can play with just about any length or style, but we’ll break down the bob so the choice is simple.
Your Bob Match: French Bob or Chin-Length to Shoulder-Length
Want the tried and true? The classic French bob adds instant sophistication to any look.
Itching for something bold? Go for a blunt, chin-length bob for major impact.
Prefer a softer look? A longer, collarbone-length bob (aka the "lob") gives you flexibility for styling and it’s great for anyone looking for a change without going for the big chop.
Heart-Shaped Face
Hello, cheekbones!
With a wider forehead and cheekbones that taper down to a narrower chin, heart-shaped faces are striking and expressive. The right bob will balance the top of your face while adding fullness near the jaw.
Your Bob Match: Just Below the Chin
A slightly longer bob, especially one that sits just below the chin, helps soften the point of the chin and gives a little weight to the lower half of your face.
Bonus Tip: Face-framing layers or a side part can break up a wider forehead and make your cheekbones pop even more.
Square Face
Strong jawlines = strong hair moments.
Square faces are known for their striking, angular features. Think defined jawlines and broad foreheads. The goal here is to soften those lines while showing off your bone structure.
Your Bob Match: Long, Layered Bob
Go for a collarbone-length bob with soft layers to add movement and dimension. Avoid harsh, blunt chin-length cuts as they can exaggerate the squareness of the jaw.
Bonus Tip: Waves or tousled texture are your secret weapons. They add softness and keep the overall look from feeling too severe.
Round Face
Time to elongate and elevate.
Round faces tend to be soft and symmetrical, with the widest point at the cheeks and a more subtle jawline. To create balance, the key is adding length and avoiding too much volume at the sides.
Your Bob Match: Long Bob (Lob)
A long bob that hits just below the jawline or even grazes the shoulders creates the illusion of a longer face. Add a center part to emphasize vertical length.
Bonus Tip: Tuck one side behind the ear or use a deep side part to break up the symmetry and add a little edge.
Long or Oblong Face
Let’s bring in some balance.
Long faces tend to have similar widths at the forehead, cheeks, and jaw, with more vertical space. The goal is to shorten the appearance of the face and add volume horizontally.
Your Bob Match: Chin-Length with Volume
A chin-length bob with bounce or soft waves is your go-to. It adds width at the sides and brings focus to the middle of your face. Avoid anything too long or straight, which can make the face feel even longer.
Bonus Tip: Bangs (especially blunt or curtain styles) are game-changers here. They shorten the face and draw attention to the eyes.
Honorable Mention: Your Neck & Shoulders
Face shape is major, but don’t forget about your neckline and shoulder width. A bob that exposes the neck or hits at just the right place can totally transform your silhouette.
If you have a long neck, a short bob can highlight it in the most elegant way.
If your shoulders are broader, try a bob that hits at or just below the collarbone to soften the proportions.
Final Word: Go With What Makes You Feel Good
At the end of the day, these guidelines are just that: guidelines. Face shape is helpful to consider, but it’s not the whole story. Your personality, styling habits, hair texture, and overall vibe matter just as much.
Want a chin-length bob even though you’ve got a round face? Do it. Want a blunt cut despite a square jaw? Power move. The best haircut is one that makes you feel amazing.
