39 Trendy Bob Hairstyles for Women Over 50

Have you ever wondered why bob hairstyles seem to never fade from the spotlight? Their timeless charm and unmatched versatility make them a perennial favorite among women of all ages, especially those over 50. Whether you’re reinventing yourself or simply looking to refine your look, the right bob can be transformational.

In this post, we delve into the world of bob hairstyles specifically tailored for women over 50. From sleek, sophisticated cuts to playful, textured styles, our list of 39 trendy bobs promises to inspire your next hairstyle choice.

Choosing the right hairstyle is more than just a cut—it’s about expressing who you are. A well-suited bob can not only highlight your best features but also boost your confidence and showcase your personal style. Let’s explore how these varied bob cuts can help you shine at any age.

Classic Bob Styles for Women Over 50

1. Straight Bob

The straight bob is a polished and elegant hairstyle that cuts off evenly around the jawline. Its simplicity makes it a timeless choice that emphasizes facial features like cheekbones and eyes. This style is extremely versatile, easily transitioning from day to night looks.

Best for: Women with fine to medium straight hair looking for a sleek, easy-to-manage hairstyle.

Styling Tips: Achieve a pin-straight look with a ceramic flat iron and use a lightweight hairspray to maintain sleekness throughout the day.

For products that help maintain a sleek look, check out this review of the top lightweight hairsprays on Sephora

2. Layered Bob

A layered bob includes various lengths of layers cut throughout to create movement and volume. This style is dynamic and can be tailored to flatter any face shape, making it one of the most customizable bob cuts.

Best for: Thin or fine hair as it gives an illusion of thickness and volume.

Styling Tips: Blow dry with a round brush to enhance the layers and finish with a texturizing spray for added body and movement.

For more variations on medium-length hairstyles that could beautifully complement these classic bobs, check out our guide on Top 46 Medium-Length Layered Haircuts for 2024.

3. A-Line Bob

An A-line bob is shorter at the back and gradually lengthens towards the front. This angled cut adds a contemporary edge to the traditional bob, providing movement and a unique silhouette that draws the eye.

Best for: Most hair types, particularly flattering for round and oval face shapes.

Styling Tips: Style with a blow dryer and a large round brush to smooth the ends and enhance the angled cut. Finish with a light hold hairspray.

4. Blunt Bob

Characterized by its straight, precise cut at the ends, the blunt bob is a bold and stylish choice. This bob provides a strong frame for the face and is often complemented by a striking, even length around the head.

Best for: Straight or slightly wavy hair types that can maintain a clean, sharp line.

Styling Tips: Use a smoothing cream before blow-drying and finish with a shine-enhancing serum to emphasize the bluntness of the cut.

5. Asymmetrical Bob

Featuring lengths that are longer on one side, the asymmetrical bob is a modern and chic hairstyle that stands out. It’s perfect for those looking to make a fashion statement while keeping the versatile styling of a bob.

Best for: Anyone wanting to add an edge to their style, suitable for all hair types.

Styling Tips: Straighten your hair to accentuate the asymmetrical cut, and apply a light pomade to define the ends and keep them in place.

Textured Bob Styles Ideal for Women Over 50

6. Wavy Bob

The wavy bob combines the traditional bob cut with soft, romantic waves, adding texture and a playful feel. This hairstyle is perfect for a casual, effortless look that still appears put-together and stylish.

Best for: Naturally wavy or curly hair, though it can be styled from straight hair as well.

Styling Tips: Use a curl enhancing cream on damp hair and scrunch it as it air dries or use a diffuser for more defined waves. Finish with a light hairspray to hold the waves without making them crunchy.

7. Choppy Bob

The choppy bob is all about adding texture and modern flair with uneven, jagged layers cut throughout. This hairstyle is designed to look edgy and youthful, providing a lively, dynamic appearance. The choppy ends can be styled to look sleek or tousled, depending on the occasion.

Best for: Perfect for those who want a low-maintenance style that adds volume and personality to fine or limp hair.

Styling Tips: Use a texturizing or volumizing spray on damp hair and rough dry with your hands or a blow dryer. Style with a wax or pomade to accentuate the choppy layers.

8. Curly Bob

The curly bob embraces the beauty of natural curls by structuring them into a manageable, stylish bob length. This cut reduces bulk while enhancing the spring of the curls, creating a flattering shape that frames the face beautifully. It’s a playful yet elegant hairstyle that highlights natural texture.

Best for: women with naturally curly hair, from loose curls to tighter coils.

Styling Tips: Apply a curl-defining cream or gel to damp hair, scrunching to activate curls. Let air dry or use a diffuser for more control. Avoid brushing to maintain the integrity of the curls.

9. Feathered Bob

The feathered bob features light, wispy layers that mimic the look of feathers. This style adds movement and softness to the hair, giving it a fluid, airy appearance that is both graceful and youthful. The layers are usually cut at a slight angle to enhance the feathered effect.

Best for: Great for medium to fine hair, as it creates volume without weighing the hair down.

Styling Tips: Blow dry with a round brush, lifting at the roots and curling the ends inward to enhance the feathered layers. Finish with a light hairspray or serum to add shine and control flyaways.

10. Shaggy Bob

The shaggy bob is a modern twist on the classic bob, incorporating multiple layers to create a textured, tousled look. This style is heavily inspired by the retro shag cut but shortened to bob length, offering a chic yet rebellious vibe. It’s particularly effective at adding volume and depth to the hair.

Best for: Ideal for those with thicker hair or anyone looking for a style with lots of body and movement.

Styling Tips: Apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow dry using your fingers to tousle the hair for a messy, undone look. Use a texturizing spray to enhance the shaggy layers.

Bob Styles with Bangs

11. Bob with Curtain Bangs

The Bob with Curtain Bangs offers a stylish and versatile look, where soft, parted bangs frame the face gracefully, invoking a sense of 60s glamour with a modern twist. This hairstyle lightens up the classic bob, making it more dynamic and approachable, suitable for both casual and formal settings.

Best for: Ideal for those wanting to soften their facial features or conceal a larger forehead. It works well with most hair textures.

Styling Tips: Blow dry the bangs with a round brush to achieve a smooth, sweeping curve. Use a light hold hairspray to keep the bangs in place without stiffening them. This style benefits from minimal product to maintain a light, airy feel.

12. Bob with Side-Swept Bangs

Elegant and universally flattering, the Bob with Side-Swept Bangs incorporates longer bangs that sweep across the forehead, creating a sophisticated and polished look. This style adds a touch of mystery and can be tailored to highlight your best features, such as the eyes or cheekbones.

Best for: Works well for all face shapes, particularly oval and heart-shaped faces. It’s versatile across various hair types but particularly effective on straight to wavy hair.

Styling Tips: Use a flat iron to sleekly style the bangs and tuck them behind one ear or let them sweep across the forehead. A smoothing serum can help keep frizz at bay and add a glossy finish.

13. Bob with Straight Bangs

Featuring a precise and clean cut across the forehead, the Bob with Straight Bangs presents a bold and chic look that highlights the eyes and enhances the facial structure. This hairstyle exudes confidence and timelessness, making it a popular choice for those seeking a dramatic update.

Best for: Best suited for those with straight hair and well-defined features. It’s particularly flattering for round and square face shapes as it helps elongate the appearance.

Styling Tips: Regular trims are essential to keep the bangs sharp. Use a straightening iron to maintain a sleek, polished look and finish with a light mist of hairspray to control flyaways without weighing down the hair.

14. Textured Bob with Wispy Bangs

This bob variation combines the laid-back, textured feel of a traditional bob with the lightness of wispy bangs. The bangs are feathered and light, blending seamlessly into the rest of the hair to create a soft, modern silhouette that’s both youthful and stylish.

Best for: An excellent choice for fine to medium hair textures, as the wispy bangs do not overwhelm the style and add a gentle, flattering frame to the face.

Styling Tips: Use a texturizing spray on damp hair and scrunch the bangs lightly while drying to maintain their feathery appearance. A touch of dry shampoo at the roots can help add volume and keep the hairstyle looking fresh all day.

Bob Styles for Various Hair Types

15. Sleek Bob for Straight Hair

The Sleek Bob for Straight Hair is characterized by its smooth, straight lines that radiate a polished and sophisticated charm. This haircut is cut at a uniform length, offering a sleek, mirror-like finish that’s both chic and striking. It’s perfect for showcasing the natural luster and silkiness of straight hair.

Best for: Ideal for women with fine to medium straight hair looking for a style that’s both elegant and easy to maintain.

Styling Tips: Use a flat iron to achieve the ultra-smooth finish and apply a light serum or gloss enhancer to amplify the shine. Maintain the style with regular trims every 6-8 weeks to keep the ends crisp and clean.

16. Voluminous Bob for Thin Hair

Designed specifically for enhancing volume, the Voluminous Bob for Thin Hair incorporates layers and texturing to create a fuller appearance. This bob uses clever cutting techniques to add body and bounce at the crown, making the hair look thicker and more voluminous.

Best for: Perfect for individuals with thin or fine hair who want to add an illusion of thickness and volume without extensive styling or use of heavy products.

Styling Tips: Apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow dry with a round brush, lifting at the roots to maximize volume. Consider using a lightweight texturizing spray to add extra body and hold the style in place without weighing it down.

17. Dense Bob for Thick Hair

The Dense Bob for Thick Hair is tailored to manage and elegantly shape thicker hair types. This bob is often cut to remove excess bulk while still allowing the natural density of the hair to shine through. The layers are internal and strategically placed to control the shape and flow of the hair.

Best for: Best suited for women with thick or coarse hair who need a manageable style that balances maintaining volume with reducing bulk.

Styling Tips: Use a smoothing cream or anti-frizz serum when styling to tame any unruliness and keep the hair looking sleek. Blow drying with a paddle brush will help smooth the cuticle and enhance the natural density of the hair while maintaining its shape and movement. Regular maintenance cuts are crucial to prevent the style from becoming too heavy.

Modern and Chic Bob Styles

18. Angled Bob with Undercut

The Angled Bob with Undercut combines sharp, clean lines in an angled bob cut with a hidden undercut beneath. This style not only adds an edgy twist but also reduces bulk, allowing the top layers to lay smoothly over. It’s a modern take that offers a unique silhouette and easy maintenance.

Best for: Ideal for those with thick hair looking to remove weight or anyone seeking a bold, avant-garde style.

Styling Tips: Style the top layers sleek or with a slight wave to contrast the undercut. Use a lightweight pomade or wax to define the texture and keep the undercut neat.

19. Long Bob (Lob)

The Long Bob, or “Lob,” is a universally flattering style that ends anywhere from just above to just below the shoulders. This versatile cut is longer than a traditional bob and can be styled in numerous ways, from poker straight to tousled waves.

Best for: Great for all hair types, but particularly effective for those transitioning from long to shorter hair, as it offers length without the heaviness.

Styling Tips: Use a curling iron to add loose waves for a casual look, or a flat iron for a sleek, polished appearance. A texturizing spray can add volume and grit for a more lived-in look.

20. Balayage Bob

The Balayage Bob features soft, hand-painted highlights that blend seamlessly into the base hair color, creating a natural, sun-kissed look. This technique adds dimension and depth, enhancing the textural details of the bob haircut.

Best for: Excellent for those looking to add visual interest to their hair without frequent touch-ups, as balayage grows out beautifully.

Styling Tips: Enhance the balayage highlights by styling with waves or curls; use a heat protectant spray and a medium-barrel curling iron. Finish with a light hold hairspray to keep the style in place and highlight the color variations.

21. Two-Tone Bob

The Two-Tone Bob is a striking style that uses two contrasting colors to create a bold, fashion-forward look. This can involve coloring the underlayers a different shade from the top or having one half of the hair a different color from the other.

Best for: Suitable for those who enjoy standing out and expressing their personality through their hair. It works well with all hair types.

Styling Tips: Keep the hair smooth to showcase the sharp contrast in colors. Use color-protecting shampoos and conditioners to maintain the vibrancy of the colors. Regular touch-ups will be necessary to keep the two-tone look fresh and vibrant.

Special Feature Bob Styles

22. Tucked Bob

The Tucked Bob is a refined and polished style characterized by its clean lines and the ability to tuck hair neatly behind the ears. This look offers a streamlined silhouette that enhances the jawline and cheekbones, providing a sophisticated and understated elegance.

Best for: Ideal for professional settings or formal occasions, suitable for straight to wavy hair types that can be easily styled for a sleek appearance.

Styling Tips: Use a light smoothing serum or cream to keep the hair sleek and tuck the strands behind the ears. A medium-hold hairspray can help maintain the tidy look throughout the day.

23. Flip Out Bob

The Flip Out Bob features ends that are styled outward, creating a playful and retro-inspired look. This style adds a touch of whimsy to the classic bob and is reminiscent of hairstyles from the 60s and 70s.

Best for: Perfect for those looking to add a fun, vintage vibe to their appearance. Works well with most hair types but is particularly effective on straight or slightly wavy hair.

Styling Tips: Use a flat iron to flip out the ends. Apply a volumizing mousse before drying to add body, and finish with a light hairspray to keep the flipped ends in place.

24. Pinned Up Bob

The Pinned Up Bob involves creatively pinning sections of the hair to create the illusion of an updo while maintaining the length and versatility of a bob. This style is great for special occasions or when you want to add an artistic touch to your look.

Best for: Anyone looking to experiment with updo styles without committing to a full updo. It’s especially suitable for medium to thick hair that can hold pins well.

Styling Tips: Use decorative pins or small clips to secure sections of the hair. Lightly tease the roots before pinning to add volume and texture, ensuring the pins stay secure.

25. Half-Tied Bob

The Half-Tied Bob combines the practicality of a bob with the flair of longer styles by tying back only part of the hair. This style is both functional and stylish, keeping hair away from the face while showcasing its length and volume.

Best for: A fantastic choice for those with thicker or wavier hair types who want to manage their hair without fully styling it up.

Styling Tips: Pull back the top section or sides and secure them with a stylish clip or band. Leave some strands loose around the face for a softer look. Use a texture spray for added grip and a natural finish.

26. Accessorized Bob

The Accessorized Bob allows for personal expression through the use of various hair accessories such as clips, scarves, or headbands. This style can transform from simple to sophisticated with the addition of well-chosen embellishments.

Best for: Perfect for anyone looking to change their look frequently or add a pop of color and texture to their style. It works well with all hair types.

Styling Tips: Choose accessories that complement your outfit or occasion. For a secure hold, backcomb the section of hair where clips will be placed. For scarves, wrap around the head or incorporate into a braid within the bob for a bohemian touch.

Unique and Adventurous Bob Styles

27. Reversed Bob

The Reversed Bob flips the traditional bob concept, featuring a longer length at the back and shorter at the front. This inversion creates a unique silhouette that challenges conventional hairstyling norms and adds an element of surprise.

Best for: Suited for daring individuals looking for a distinctive style that stands out. It works well with most hair textures.

Styling Tips: Use a straightener to emphasize the sleekness of the cut, ensuring the back layers fall smoothly. A light pomade can help define the unique lines and maintain the structure of the reverse.

28. Layered Inverted Bob

This style involves an inverted bob cut where the hair is shorter at the back and longer at the front, with added layers for enhanced volume and movement. The layers help lighten the weight of the hair, allowing for a bouncy, voluminous finish.

Best for: Ideal for those with thicker hair looking to reduce bulk and increase manageability, while still enjoying a full-bodied look.

Styling Tips: Blow dry with a round brush, lifting at the roots for volume and curling the ends under. Finish with a volumizing spray to keep the layers lively and defined.

29. Asymmetrical Curly Bob

Combining asymmetry with curls, this bob varies in length from one side to the other and incorporates natural curls for a dynamic, textured look. The asymmetry accentuates the curls, making this style both playful and chic.

Best for: Great for those with naturally curly or wavy hair who want to embrace their texture in a modern cut.

Styling Tips: Use a curl-enhancing cream or mousse to define and separate curls while keeping frizz at bay. Diffuse dry to maintain the integrity of the curls and apply a light hairspray for hold.

30. Stacked Curly Bob

The Stacked Curly Bob features shorter layers at the back that create a “stacked” effect, adding volume at the crown. This cut is perfect for enhancing the natural volume of curly hair and offers a stylish, easy-to-manage hairstyle.

Best for: Especially suitable for curly-haired individuals who desire a voluminous, sculpted look without the length.

Styling Tips: Use a diffuser to dry the curls from the roots upwards to enhance the stacked effect. A curl-defining product will help maintain the shape and structure of the curls throughout the day.

31. Bob with Peek-a-Boo Highlights

This playful bob includes hidden streaks of color that peek through the base hair color. Peek-a-boo highlights can be bold or subtle, adding a layer of depth and intrigue to the hairstyle.

Best for: Anyone looking to add a splash of color to their style without committing to a full head of dyed hair. Works well with all hair types.

Styling Tips: Style hair with waves or curls to more prominently display the highlights. Use color-protective shampoos and conditioners to maintain the vibrancy of the highlights.

32. Geometric Bob

The Geometric Bob is characterized by sharp, precise lines and angular shapes, giving it a structured and contemporary appearance. This style is all about bold edges and a clean silhouette.

Best for: Perfect for those with straight hair who desire a sleek, avant-garde look that makes a statement.

Styling Tips: Use a straightener to keep the edges sharp and defined. A high-gloss serum will enhance the angular cuts and give a polished finish.

33. Mullet Bob

Merging the retro appeal of a mullet with the modernity of a bob, the Mullet Bob features shorter hair at the front and sides with longer lengths at the back. It’s a rebellious style that combines business in the front with party in the back.

Best for: Suited for the fashion-forward and those unafraid to experiment with unconventional styles.

Styling Tips: Emphasize the texture with a sea salt spray for a tousled look, or use gel for a sleeker, more defined finish. Regular trims are necessary to maintain the distinct shape of the mullet.

Elegant Bob Styles

34. Slicked Back Bob

The Slicked Back Bob offers a chic, polished look by styling the hair back away from the face, showcasing clear and unobstructed facial features. This style exudes sophistication and is perfect for both formal gatherings and professional environments.

Best for: Ideal for any hair type, especially those looking for a versatile hairstyle that transitions effortlessly from day to night.

Styling Tips: Apply a strong-hold gel or mousse to damp hair and comb it back for a sleek finish. Use a spray shine for added gloss and a hairspray to secure the style in place.

35. Smooth and Straight Bob with Side Sweep

This bob style features a smooth, straight cut with a side sweep, offering a refined and graceful look. The side sweep adds a soft, asymmetric touch that enhances the facial structure, making it suitable for various professional and social settings.

Best for: Works well with straight hair or hair that can be easily straightened, providing a neat and tidy appearance.

Styling Tips: Use a flat iron to achieve perfect straightness. Apply a lightweight serum to enhance shine and finish with a light hairspray to maintain the side sweep throughout the day.

36. Angled Lob Bob

The Angled Lob Bob is a longer version of the classic bob, cut at a subtle angle to add a contemporary edge. It’s sophisticated and sleek, perfect for those who prefer a longer length but want to maintain a structured and modern look.

Best for: This cut is versatile and suitable for all hair types, particularly flattering for those with oval or longer face shapes.

Styling Tips: Blow dry with a round brush, curling the ends under slightly to emphasize the angle. Use a smoothing cream to keep flyaways at bay and add a finishing spray for lasting hold.

37. Bob with Waves and Highlights

Combining soft waves with subtle highlights, this bob enhances texture and dimension, creating a vibrant, dynamic look. The highlights accentuate the natural flow of the waves, adding visual interest and depth.

Best for: Excellent for naturally wavy or curly hair, or for straight hair that can be easily styled with heat.

Styling Tips: Use a curling iron or wand to create waves, then apply a light mousse or sea salt spray for texture. Highlight the waves with a color-enhancing shampoo to keep the highlights bright.

38. Bob with Blunt Bangs

This bob features a precise, straight fringe that creates a bold and fashionable statement. The blunt bangs frame the face dramatically, focusing attention on the eyes and providing a youthful, modern vibe.

Best for: Ideal for those with fine to medium hair, as the blunt bangs can make the hair appear fuller at the front.

Styling Tips: Regular trims are crucial to keep the bangs sharp. Straighten the bangs and the rest of the hair to highlight the cut’s clean lines, using a light touch of hairspray to keep everything in place.

39. Soft Curls Lob Bob

The Soft Curls Lob Bob features a long bob cut with gentle curls, adding a touch of elegance and softness. This style is perfect for adding volume and movement, making it look both sophisticated and playful.

Best for: Works beautifully on medium to thick hair, especially those looking to soften their look with curls.

Styling Tips: Use a medium-barrel curling iron to create soft curls. A curl-enhancing cream can help define the curls without making them crunchy. Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray to allow movement while maintaining the style.

Conclusion

Choosing the right bob means considering your hair’s natural texture and your lifestyle needs, but it also opens up a delightful realm of possibilities for reinventing your look. With the right care and a little creativity, these bob hairstyles can keep you feeling current and confident at any age. Remember, the perfect hairstyle is not just about following trends; it’s about crafting an image that is uniquely yours. So, whether you opt for soft waves or a sharp geometric cut, let your bob be a statement of your individuality and a testament to the enduring allure of the bob.

If you have any questions or need further advice on choosing or styling your bob, feel free to drop a comment below or consult with a professional stylist. Embrace the change, and let your hair shine as a symbol of your personal evolution and sophisticated taste.

Explore more age-defying hairstyles in our feature on 73 Stunning Medium Length Hairstyles for Women Over 60 and 36 Chic Shag Hairstyles for Women Over 50 for further inspiration.

FAQ 1: What is the best bob hairstyle for thinning hair?

Layered bobs are ideal for thinning hair as they add volume and depth. A voluminous bob for thin hair, with strategic layers, can make your hair appear thicker and fuller.

FAQ 2: Are bob hairstyles suitable for older women?

Absolutely! Bob hairstyles are versatile and can be tailored to flatter any face shape and hair texture, making them perfect for women over 50 who seek both style and manageability.

FAQ 3: How do I style a bob hairstyle with natural curls?

To style a curly bob, use a curl-enhancing cream or mousse to define the curls. Let your hair air dry or use a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer to minimize frizz while boosting volume and shape.

FAQ 4: Can bob hairstyles be modified for very thick hair?

Yes, a dense bob for thick hair, often cut in a layered fashion, helps manage and shape thick hair while maintaining a stylish look. It’s all about incorporating layers to reduce bulk and enhance the hair’s natural movement.

FAQ 5: What are some trendy ways to color a bob hairstyle?

Balayage highlights are popular for adding depth and dimension to bob hairstyles. For a bolder look, consider two-tone coloring or peek-a-boo highlights, which offer a surprising flash of color with each movement.

FAQ 6: How often should I trim my bob to maintain its shape?

To keep your bob looking its best, schedule a trim every 6-8 weeks. Regular trims help maintain the shape of the bob and prevent split ends.

FAQ 7: What styling products are recommended for maintaining a bob hairstyle?

A lightweight volumizing mousse can help add body, while a smoothing serum or spray can tame frizz and add shine. For textured or choppy bobs, consider using a texturizing spray or clay.

FAQ 8: Are there any bob hairstyles that require minimal styling?

Yes, simpler cuts like the classic straight bob or the sleek bob for straight hair are low-maintenance and easy to style, requiring just basic drying and light product use for a polished look.

For personal experiences and advice on managing thinning hair, the r/HaircareScience subreddit is a vibrant community where you can join discussions.