Contents
- 1 Sleek A-Line Bob
- 2 Asymmetric A-Line Bob
- 3 Soft Blunt Bang Bob
- 4 Voluminous A-Line Bob
- 5 Ultra-Smooth A-Line Bob
- 6 Wavy A-Line Bob
- 7 A-Line Curly Bob
- 8 Tousled A-Line Bob
- 9 Sculpted A-Line Bob
- 10 Subtle A-Line Bob
- 11 Deep Side Part A-Line Bob
- 12 Icy Platinum A-Line Bob
- 13 High-Shine A-Line Lob
- 14 Chin-Hugging A-Line Bob
- 15 Low Maintenance A-Line Lob
- 16 Effortlessly Chic A-Line Bob
- 17 A-Line Bob With Feathery Fringe
- 18 Jaw-Grazing A-Line Bob
- 19 Honey Blonde A-Line Bob
- 20 Bouncy A-Line Bob
Inspo courtesy of Taylor Swift, Zendaya, and more celebs.
An A-line bob is a short, structured style that can be worn by all face shapes—not to mention most hair types. Logistically, an A-line bob is characterized by an angular shape that’s longer in the front and shorter in the back for a more stacked silhouette. It can be worn center-parted or off to the side, and it can feature mirrored face-framing strands or an asymmetrical appeal.
Meet the expert
- Valery Joseph is a celebrity hairstylist and founder of Valery Joseph Salons.
- Andrew Fitzsimons is a celebrity hairstylist and founder of Andrew Fitzsimons Hair.
All in all, it’s a pretty universally flattering short haircut. If you’re worried about rocking the divisive style, know this: Dozens of A-listers have worn it with style and grace. Keep reading to see 20 of our favorite A-line bob haircuts.
Sleek A-Line Bob
When someone mentions Victoria Beckham, the first things to come to mind are the Spice Girls and her iconic A-line bob haircut. “Victoria Beckham is renowned for her sleek A-line bob, characterized by sharp angles and a glossy finish,” says celebrity hairstylist Valery Joseph of Valery Joseph Salons. To get the ultra-smooth look, he says to use a flat iron followed by shine-enhancing, frizz-fighting hair oil.
Celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons, of Andrew Fitzsimons Hair, points out that Beckham has worn her signature A-line many different ways, including with more of a piece-y finish. To get the look, he recommends using a texture spray on the mids and ends with a root spray or dry shampoo at the crown for added volume and lift.
Asymmetric A-Line Bob
Rihanna rocked this glossy asymmetrical A-line bob to the set of MTV’s TRL back in 200, and now, over 15 years later, we’re still swooning over the bold style. “This classic asymmetrical bob that Rihanna wore in the early aughts was so good,” Fitzsimons says. “To get the look, start by using a smoothing serum on damp hair. While blow drying, make sure you are turning your round brush in towards the ends to allow for some movement and volume. Once styled, I recommend using a finishing spray so the style can last all day.”
Soft Blunt Bang Bob
Taylor Swift ruled the red carpet in 2016. We still dream about her show-stopping pink and orange two-piece from the 2016 Grammys, as well as this sultrier look from the Vanity Fair Oscar Party that same year. “If I were to recreate Taylor Swift’s 2016 Vanity Fair Oscar Party look, I would prep the hair with the Prism Shine Softening Creme ($12) followed by a quick blow dry, bending the ends towards the face,” Fitzsimons says.
Voluminous A-Line Bob
For more of an old Hollywood appeal, consider recreating Zendaya’s voluminous A-line bob from the 2023 SAG Awards. “Zendaya has flaunted glamorous Hollywood curled A-line bobs with retro-inspired elegance,” Joseph says. “Set hair in large rollers or use a large-barrel curling iron for voluminous curls.” To ensure the look lasts, Joseph says to finish with hairspray. “This style exudes timeless sophistication and is perfect for red carpet events or special occasions,” he adds.
Ultra-Smooth A-Line Bob
Taraji P. Henson has been a fan of A-line bobs for years. Back in 2015, she rocked this ultra-smooth, high-shine A-line to the Emmy Awards and we can all agree that she looked like red-carpet royalty. To recreate her blinding shine, coat your strands in the Color Wow Extra Mist-ical Shine Spray ($29).
Wavy A-Line Bob
Hailey Bieber’s hair always looks effortlessly chic and her wavy A-line bob from the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party is just further proof of that. “Hailey Bieber's A-line bob exudes a sleek and polished finish with subtle waves or curls for added texture,” Joseph says. “To mimic her style, start by blow-drying your hair straight using a round brush. Then, use a flat iron to create soft waves or curls, focusing on the ends.” To complete the look, he says to use a tiny bit of hair oil to enhance shine and control flyaways.
A-Line Curly Bob
Taking things back to 2006, we have Penelope Cruz’s A-line curly bob from the 59th International Cannes Film Festival. “Penelope Cruz's A-line bob epitomizes natural elegance with soft waves and understated sophistication,” Joseph says. “Recreate her look using a curling wand to create loose curls or waves, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.” Finish with flexible-hold hair spray to ensure the look lasts.
Tousled A-Line Bob
If you’re concerned that A-line bobs look a little too structured for everyday wear, take a peek at Charlize Theron’s perfectly imperfect tousled rendition. “Charlize Theron’s A-line bob with a side part and loose Hollywood waves exudes timeless sophistication,” Joseph says. “Achieve this look at home by blow-drying hair straight with a deep side part, then using a large-barrel curling iron to create loose waves.” Finish with texture spray and hairspray to enhance the piecey-ness and hold of the look.
Sculpted A-Line Bob
Prefer to wear a center part without bangs? Copy Kelly Rowland’s sleek A-line from earlier this year. The cut hugs her face and aligns perfectly with her chin for the ultimate face-framing allure.
Subtle A-Line Bob
Even Barbie herself has hopped on the A-line bandwagon, albeit in the most subtle fashion. “Margot Robbie attended the 2018 Academy Awards with this bombshell waved bob,” Fitzsimons says. “To achieve this look, loose flat iron waves are your best bet. Use a texture spray like the Andrew Fitzsimons Après Sexe Texture Spray ($12) for a bit more of a piecey look and a finishing hairspray to provide all-day hold for the curls.”
Deep Side Part A-Line Bob
Mindy Kaling’s A-line from the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party is another more subtle take on the silhouette, proving yet again that there are so many ways to embrace this flattering cut. “Mindy Kaling’s deep side part shiny A-line bob is stunning,” Fitzsimons marvels. “To recreate this look, use the Nature Lab. Tokyo Repair Leave-In Treatment ($14)—which doubles as a heat protectant—to have a long-lasting, smooth style. I would then part the hair to the side for the desired effect, then blow out the hair with a round brush making sure to curl the ends in a bit for some bounce. To finish the style I would go in with Nature Lab. Tokyo’s Perfect Shine Oil Mist ($19).”
Icy Platinum A-Line Bob
For an ethereal A-line bob, follow Jennifer Lawrence’s lead and opt for an icy platinum color styled with soft, romantic waves. “Jennifer Lawrence's versatile A-line bobs range from straightened to textured finishes,” Joseph says. “Mimic her polished look with a blow-dry and straightening iron, or embrace natural texture with a salt spray.”
High-Shine A-Line Lob
Selena Gomez’s A-line bob from the 2017 Met Gala was sharp and practically glowing. We loved it! “To recreate Selena’s chic 2017 Met Gala look, wash and then condition the hair with the Nature Lab. Tokyo’s Perfect Volume Thickening and Conditioning Hair Masque ($19)—it adds volume, shine, and moisture without weighing the hair down,” Fitzsimons says. “It’s important to blow dry the hair away from the head for volume while curling the round brush on the ends for the desired look. Finish with hairspray, and you’re ready for the Met Gala!”
Chin-Hugging A-Line Bob
While A-line bobs come in many lengths and shapes, we’re especially fond of the ones that cling to the chin and jawline. Just look at Julianne Hough’s haircut above (which she showcased at NYFW earlier this year) and you’ll see why. It beautifully frames her facial features and looks effortlessly chic overall. “If you want to recreate this look, a volume powder is a great option to add to a sleek style like this,” Fitzsimons says. (We’re currently obsessed with the Dae Fairy Duster Volumizing Dry Shampoo Powder, $30). “Using a flat iron to get the hair straight with a little curl towards the ends adds a nice finishing touch to the look,” Fitzsimons adds.
Low Maintenance A-Line Lob
If you prefer a bit more length, you can apply the A-line technique to lobs, too. Here, you can see how the style looks on Vanessa Hudgens. “Vanessa Hudgens’s hair looks lustrous and healthy with this shiny A-line bob,” Fitzsimons says. “This style has volume while maintaining a sheen finish. Spray the Andrew Fitzsimons Body Volume Blowdry Hold Spray ($12) on damp hair to create the body for a perfect voluminous blowout before blow drying. Finish with a lightweight oil through the ends to seal the look.”
Effortlessly Chic A-Line Bob
Can we talk about how posh Keira Knightley looks with this A-line bob? “Keira Knightly is no stranger to the A-line bob,” Fitzsimons points out. “The way her hair falls around her face frames it perfectly. To recreate this look I’d recommend a smoothing product that will add shine, like the Prism Shine Softening Creme. I would use a hair dryer and a round brush to create the bend at the ends of her hair and then finish the look with the Nature Lab. Tokyo’s Perfect Shine Oil Mist to keep her hair looking healthy.”
A-Line Bob With Feathery Fringe
Here’s another of Zendaya’s flawless A-line bobs, this time with the prettiest feathered fringe. “To create this style, use a flat iron and flip the ends towards the face to create that rounded shape,” Fitzsimons says. “I would definitely recommend using oil throughout the mids and ends of the hair for a glossy, smooth finish. Set the fringe in place with a hairspray.”
Jaw-Grazing A-Line Bob
Here we have another example of just how alluring a jaw-grazing A-line bob can be. Michelle Williams's butter blonde makes it even more appealing thanks to how well it complements her fair skin tone.
Honey Blonde A-Line Bob
Speaking of how complementary hair color can really make jaw-grazing A-lines pop, check out Ciara's honey-blonde look. It pairs so perfectly with her warm complexion.
Bouncy A-Line Bob
Last but not least, we have Emily Ratajkowski’s bouncy A-line lob. The Dyson Limited Edition Airwrap Multi Styler in Pink and Rose Gold ($599) will make styling this look at home easier than ever. Simply pop on the round volumizing brush attachment and you’re good to go.