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 looking at pictures of 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 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. Sometimes, 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.
#1: Messy Side-Parted Blonde Bob
If you have blonde hair, you should try a messy bob. Stylists give the hair medium to long layers for easy styling and fluidity. A messy bob, parted deeply at one side, looks full-bodied and can help to elongate a round face. Lightly spritz the hair, from root to end, with Kenra’s texture spray, then flip your hair over to achieve that sought-after tousled look.
#2 Layered Bob with a Middle Part
This layered bob with a middle part is perfect for those seeking a low-maintenance yet stylish look. The soft waves and subtle layers add texture and movement, making it ideal for fine to medium hair types. The middle part frames the face beautifully, enhancing facial symmetry and softening features. This cut works well for both round and oval face shapes. The layers provide volume and a modern, tousled finish, making it a versatile option for everyday wear.
#3 Cute Shoulder-Length Beachy Bob
This shoulder-length messy bob showcases a chic, boho-inspired style with effortless waves. The long inverted bob hairstyle features textured layers that add volume and movement, ideal for medium to thick hair. The natural, tousled waves enhance the overall casual and modern look, perfect for those seeking a low-maintenance yet stylish haircut. This cut complements oval and heart-shaped faces, providing a flattering and versatile option for everyday wear.
#4 Razored Bob for Fine Hair
This razored bob is perfect for fine hair, offering a soft yet edgy look. The textured layers and choppy ends add volume and movement, making it ideal for those with finer tresses. The subtle waves create a relaxed, tousled appearance that is easy to maintain and style. This cut suits oval and heart-shaped faces, providing a modern and dynamic look. The razored technique ensures the ends are light and airy, giving the overall hairstyle a fresh, youthful vibe.
#5 Messy Long Bob
This messy long bob is a stunning example of a long inverted bob hairstyle. The cut features soft, tousled waves that add texture and movement, perfect for creating a voluminous look. The dark roots transitioning into lighter ends enhance the depth and dimension, making it ideal for medium to thick hair types. The style suits oval and heart-shaped faces, providing a modern, effortless vibe. It’s a versatile and low-maintenance choice, perfect for those wanting a chic, lived-in look.
#6 Jaw-Length Cut Bob
This jaw-length messy bob cut features soft, tousled waves and a fringe that beautifully frames the face. Perfect for fine to medium hair types, this style adds volume and movement, making it ideal for oval and heart-shaped faces. The effortless, unkempt look is both modern and chic, requiring minimal styling. This cut is great for those seeking a casual yet fashionable hairstyle that enhances natural texture and adds a playful edge to their look.
#7 Short Wavy Bob for Women Over 50
This short unkempt bob for women over 50 showcases a chic, wavy style that adds texture and volume to fine to medium hair. The soft waves create a youthful and dynamic look, perfect for women wanting a modern yet easy-to-maintain haircut. The side part and subtle layers enhance the natural movement of the hair, making it ideal for oval and round face shapes. This messy bob is low-maintenance and perfect for adding a touch of effortless elegance to your daily style.
#8: Lived-In Blonde Layers
Lived-in blonde layers are one of the best ways to wear your hair for lots of movement. For this messy blonde bob cut, the back has more layering and lots of texture, while the front has more texture and less layering. The layers in the back keep the profile of this style sleek and more hugged to the neck. If you want to make it look more lived-in, try a texture spray like Dry Bar Triple Sec 3-in-1 Texturizing Spray.
#9: Wavy Short Hair with Choppy Ends
The hairstyle is a short, messy bob cut featuring minimal layers. This bob cut is styled with loose curls to create a textured appearance.
#10: Light Blonde Feathered Bob
A short-length bob can possess little to no layers. This hairstyle is perfect for thin hair, especially after curling, to add texture. The hair is colored with bright highlights for a natural-looking blonde effect.
#11: Textured Micro Bob with Fringe
We call a micro bob a short micro bob that sits higher than the jawline. If you prefer more texture and volume over smooth, sleek shapes, choose layers. To achieve an edgy, raw look, either let your hair dry naturally or opt for a blow-dry. Make sure to pair your hairstyle with a soft fringe that can perfectly frame the face.
#12: Grey Bob with Shorter Layers
A bob haircut that reaches your chin with added layers gives more volume. Bob haircuts with layers make finer hair appear thicker.
#13 Undercut Bob for Thick Hair
Consider an undercut disheveled bob if you have thick hair. This haircut is cool, fresh, and very edgy. This chop has a shaved side to remove 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. The short, messy bob has a slight stacking in the back and shorter layers for volume. For a messier bob style, add side-swept bangs to the cut.
#14: Shoulder-Length Black Boho Bob
A shoulder-length black bob with a bohemian touch is a popular choice for a stylishly tousled short hairstyle. The diverse textures of the waves blend well with the length, giving off a casual, ‘I woke up like this’ look.
#15: Edgy and Choppy Messy Bob
A messy bob with an edgy and choppy style is a great choice for girls with dark hair. The layers in this haircut add texture and movement, creating an effortless and gorgeous vibe. Due to its choppy ends, this disheveled bob hairstyle has a modern and playful feel. It’s perfect for those aiming for a stylish and carefree look. This choppy bob style is ideal for those with dark hair, as the layers and texture bring out the richness and depth of their hair color.
#16: Textured and Messy Short Bob
A textured and messy short bob with a center part can give you the best of both worlds, but only if you’re looking for a low-maintenance and chic haircut. This ruffled bob haircut works well on straight, wavy hair textures and flatters most face shapes. The layers are placed to add volume and create a tousled look without always looking messy. To style it, consider using a texturizing spray or a sea salt spray from the mid-lengths to the ends of your hair. Then scrunch your bob messy with your hands, and air dry or diffuse with a blow dryer on a low setting.
#17: Tousled and Voluminous Bob
The tousled and voluminous bob is an attractive shape that is complimentary to almost everyone. If you love volume, the short to medium layers help create fullness. Remember the deep side part for an added lift on the top. I suggest you scrunch-dry your untidy bob hairstyle and avoid blow-drying it too straight. This will give you more fluff, and you can touch it with an iron for your finish.
#18: Platinum Messy Side-Parted Bob Cut
A platinum messy bob with a side part might not be for everyone. You might want to try it if you like the idea of short hair that you can still pull back into a ponytail. This edgy, effortless, and messy bobbed hair is perfect for those who don’t want to spend too much time on their locks. To achieve this look, ask your stylist for an a-line bob with layers. Layers should be slightly shorter in the back and longer in the front. For extra texture, a razor can remove weight and make the ends tapered. This allows movement in the perimeter. Add some beachy waves or smooth straight for polished styles.
#19: Side-Parted Messy A-Line Bob Style
To achieve a modern, boho side-parted a-line bob, you’ll want to start with a triangular cut at the nape of your neck and over-direct everything to the back. Use a high-quality hairspray such as Oribe Volumista Mist or Life Hair Spray. Each will add volume along the crown and body through the mid-lengths. A SERi Professional Styler Brush & Attachment Set is ideal for textured waves. For an evening look, pin back some face-framing pieces or fringe layers using bobby pins.
#20: Cute Bob with Tousled Waves
If you’re ready to make a big chop, an unruly bob with tousled waves might be for you! When working with your natural texture, getting a haircut to match is important. You don’t have to round brush or style your hair to have a short haircut. It’s important to choose a style that best suits your lifestyle.
#21: Dark Messy Bixie
Create thicker-looking locks with a dark, messy bixie (bob + pixie). Messy tousled layers will help your hair look fuller and more voluminous. Face-framing layers will look soft and feminine however you decide to style.
#22: Modern Messy Blunt Bob
A modern, messy bob is a fun twist on a classic cut. When it comes to a blunt bob, all your hair is one length and cut straight with no texture on your ends. You could add texture throughout the top sections of your hair to give this style more movement and swing. Adding a bend in the mids of your hair, whether with a curling or flat iron, is one of the easiest ways to change the look of a blunt-cut bob.
#23: Side-Parted Bob Style
If you have wavy hair, a textured and d compliments your wave shape and adds volume. Perfect for diffusing. If you can, add some defining paste to add more definition to your curls.
#24: Deeply Side-Parted Messy Short Bob
A disheveled short bob is ideal if you have fine to medium hair density with straight to wavy texture. If you’re deciding on the exact length, consult your hairdresser.
#25: Short Brown Bob with Blonde Balayage
Rock a bedhead bob with a blonde balayage. If your hair is naturally brown, a balayage will grow out seamlessly with salon visits less often. Balayage color is a soft freehand technique done with foils for a graceful grow-out, but it will cost you. I advise keeping your bob layers long to maintain your beautiful color for as long as possible.
#26: Voluminous Side-Parted Wild Bob
A voluminous side-parted bob is a great style for medium-length thick hair. When it comes to a messy bob, you will want to use a large barrel curling iron, always curling away from your face. To create the most volume, use a volume mousse at the root and blow dry before styling. Finish with a texture or sea salt spray.
#27: Tousled Blonde Bob
This hairstyle is an increasingly popular take on a classic bob. Messy textures and a more lived-in look are becoming more and more common among hair trends. To achieve an all-day messy texture with volume that does not fall limp, use a volume powder at the roots and a dry texture spray through the midshaft and ends.
#28: Messy Red Chin-Length Bob
A messy red chin-length bob is a fierce color and cut combo that will turn heads. If you’re looking for maximum volume, add a deep side part and loose beach waves for texture. Depending on your skin tone, various copper shades create the perfect customized color melt.
#29: Medium-Length Bob Cut
A medium-length bob cut is one of the best lengths to pull off a sloppy bob. 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 with fine tresses, part this bob on one side to offer extra volume.
#30: Brown Neck-Length Messy A-Line Bob
This neck-length messy A-line bob is super chic. The waves, the texture, and its rich hair color—everything works well together. The movement 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 ladies who are always on the go.
#31: 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.
#32: 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.
#33: 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, adding width to the hair and giving it a styled, but not overdone, everyday look to your bob. Finish your look with some Aveda Dry Shampoo for extra texture and a soft hold to the hair.
#34: Bob for a 70-Year-Old Woman
A messy bob for a 70-year-old woman is a great option to help brighten the face and draw attention. 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. Prepare messy bob haircuts by naturally drying your hair with salt spray, and be on your way.
#35 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, providing a style packed with volume. It will look super cute on ladies with a diamond face shape.
#36: Texturized Bob with Bangs for Thin Hair
Rock a texturized bob with bangs if you want to try a tousled style. This hair idea is a chic choice for women 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!
#37 Messy Short Bob with Wispy Ends
This short messy bob features textured waves and wispy ends, adding volume and movement to fine to medium hair types. The layers create a tousled, effortless look that suits oval and heart-shaped faces. Perfect for those seeking a modern, low-maintenance style, this cut offers a playful, casual finish that enhances natural texture. Ideal for women wanting a chic, everyday hairstyle that’s easy to manage and style with a texturizing spray.
#38: 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.
#39: The Wavy Stacked Bob
Featuring the wavy stacked bob that matches a slightly messy look! Mimic this messy bob 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.
#40: Messy Chin-Length Bob
A messy chin-length bob can look superb on any woman with a 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.
#41: 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 is perfect for fine tresses. The length that reaches the chin creates strands that can frame the face. This makes it ideal for ladies with round faces. Opt for a red hair color to create an even edgier style.
#42: A Messy Inverted Bob with Balayage
Try a messy inverted bob 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.
#43: Textured Bob with Loose Waves for Fine Hair
Textured for fine hair is workable with a tousled, loose waves style. It may appear messy, but it still looks elegant—thanks to the beach waves. The texture isn’t enough to add a dramatic touch to fine tresses. Part the hair to one side instead and see a more voluminous finish.
#44: Messy Pixie Bob
Here’s a messy pixie bob chop that displays an edgy and sophisticated look! This cut 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.
#45: Flattering Messy Bob for Women Over 50
This flattering mussed bob hairstyle for women over 50 is easy, current, and beautiful. If you’re over 50 with draped hair lacking style, try this messy bob hairstyle.
#46: 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. Follow the Curly Girl method for styling.
#47: Shaggy Bob
One of the most popular haircuts is the shaggy bob. It 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.
#48: 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 not ready for an ultimate makeover.
#49: Edgy Mid-Length Messy Lob
This mid-length messy bob haircut 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 and fit oval faces. A side-parted lob also helps to break up the roundness of the face.
#50: Bob with Middle Part and Waves
You can never go wrong with a chic, messy bob with middle-part and waves. A collarbone-length bob is an extremely versatile haircut that gives an all-it-girl feel. Add tousled waves to highlight the curves of your face, or blow-dry sleek for a classic bob vibe.
#51: Long Bob with Straight Bangs
The long, unkept bob with straight bangs is a trendy hairstyle particularly good for wavy hair. The textured layers enhance the natural wave and five-movement and volume. If your face is rounder, opt for a fringe that sits above the eyebrows, and if your face is long, get longer and softer bangs. Spray texturizing hairspray and mess up the waves.
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