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The Difference Between an A-Line, Graduated Bob, Inverted Bob, & Asymmetrical Bob

Different types of bob haircuts are definitely on the rise, and they aren’t slowing down anytime soon.

These low-maintenance haircuts are the perfect choice for ladies all over the world, as they are crazy easy to style and even easier to keep healthy.

So with all the buzz about bobs, have you ever wondered what the difference between an A-line haircut and graduated bob is? Or any other types of bobs for that matter?

I mean… they look pretty much the same right? Well, I assure you that there are differences and don’t worry, we’ll definitely cover them.

Here is the comprehensive guide to bob haircuts and how to tell the difference between them all…


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8 different types of bob haircuts

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The Different Types of Bobs

8 Different Types of Bob Haircuts You Need to Know About

A-Line Haircut

Woman with an a-line haircut, one of the different types of bobs.
Instagram: @silcity_hair

The term ‘A-line bob’ generally refers to the perimeter of the haircut. It means that the hair is shorter in the back, and angles to a longer front.

A true A-line haircut will not have layers or “stacking” in the back. It will also frame the face in the front and curl under the chin.


Concave Bob

A concave haircut, by definition, is a haircut in which the hair is longer in front than it is in back. This basically means that a concave bob is just another way to say “A-Line.”


Graduated Bob

Woman with a graduated bob haircut, one of the different types of bobs.
Instagram: @cayliemariehair

Graduated bobs are one of the more common types of bobs I still see going strong.

A graduated bob basically means that it has stacked layers in the back; in fact, another name for this haircut is a “stacked bob.”

The back of a graduated bob can also be more curved (like a horseshoe) rather than a hard angle. The shape of the layers should follow the angle of the perimeter and get longer towards the front.

The amount of stacking can vary. I have some customers that like a very low, blended stack and others that like their layers so short, they can spike them.

The front of a graduated bob is typically a bit shorter, and less pointed than the front of an A-line haircut.

Here’s an awesome video I found that outlines the process of cutting a stacked bob haircut:

I don’t know about you, but I can watch hair videos all day long. 😍


Inverted Bob

Woman with a beautiful platinum blonde and black Inverted bob, one of the different types of bobs.

An inverted bob is just another term for a graduated bob. The same haircut has different names in different places of the world.

One of my favorite modern haircuts is the long inverted bob… a fun and trendy variation of the lob haircut.

For a graduated/inverted bob to take on the proper shape, it needs to be cut and styled to flip under. One of the best ways to do this is with the use of a hot air brush.

Hot air brushes are far less damaging on the hair than a flat iron. They style the hair by blowing hot air and not wedging it between two hot plates. You do the math.

Here’s another sweet video by Milabu that shows you how easy it is to style a short bob hairstyle with a Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer (which is a killer product for the price):

Check out the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer on Amazon:

REVLON One-Step Volumizer Original 1.0 Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush, Black
  • This product is non-sealed
  • STYLE AND DRY IN ONE STEP: Style, Dry & Volumize Your Hair in One Step, Max Drying Power...
  • IONIC + CERAMIC TECHNOLOGY: Unique Non-Detachable Oval Brush Design for Smoothing the...

Asymmetrical Bob

An asymmetrical bob haircut can be either non-layered or stacked in the back.

The only thing that really makes asymmetrical bobs different from the others is that one side in the front is longer than the other.

In my opinion, this type of bob only looks good with a ton of texture. If not done right, they can look unfinished, unblended and not pretty.


Typical Bob

Woman with a black typical bob haircut, one of the different types of bobs.

Unlike the other types of bobs, a typical standard bob (also known as a blunt bob or undercut bob)  will be the same length all around the whole head, and it should slightly frame the face under the chin.

There shouldn’t be layers with a typical bob, and it should be undercut all over. In other words, the underneath sections will be somewhat shorter than the sections on top, which makes your hair flip under on its own.


Lob

Woman with a blonde lob haircut aka long a-line haircut, one of the different types of bobs.
Instagram: @jessicagarnica_

A lob haircut is just a fancy way of saying “long bob,”  and they have been a major hair trend of the past few years.

In fact, I love them so much that I wrote a whole separate post about them. Check out “What is a Lob Haircut?”  to read more.


Layered Bob

Woman with a layered bob, one of the different types of bobs.
Instagram: @bounceblowdry

Last but not least, here is a layered bob, which could also be called a “textured bob.” It’s essentially the same thing as a standard bob, but with lots of layers, texture, and body.

All the texture in these haircuts really gives them movement. Different angles can also be used in this style to create different looks.


General FAQ

FAQ Icon
What are the different types of bobs?

A-line haircut, graduated bob, stacked bob, layered bob, asymmetrical bob, concave bob, typical bob, inverted bob, blunt bob, and long bob are all common types of bob haircuts!

What is the difference between an A-Line and Graduated Bob?

“A-line” refers to the shape of the perimeter of the haircut and graduation refers to the type of layering. It’s entirely possible for a bob to be an A-line with graduation.

What is a stacked bob?

A bob haircut with graduated layers in the back, giving it a “stacked” look.

What is a lob haircut?

Lob is a shortened way to say “long bob.”


Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts Icon

Bob haircuts are ultra-popular, and there are so many variations to choose from. Many people don’t realize what the difference is between an A-line haircut and graduated bob, but now you do.

A-Line refers to the perimeter of the haircut, while a graduated bob adds stacked layers to the hairstyle. Standard bobs should just be cut to flip under, or you can transform them into layered bobs with the use of texture and layers. If you want to go for an edgier look, remember the oh-so-popular lob haircut or asymmetrical bob.

YOUR TURN: Are there any other types of bobs you can think of? Let me know in the comments section below!👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

Until next time,

Hollee

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Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Aven

Sunday 16th of July 2023

I can think of two, The classic Short ‘French bob’ that sits between the cheek bone and the jaw line and the the longer ‘Italian bob’ that sits at any chosen length just below the jaw line. Both of these bobs are one length and may have graduation but no layers.

Connie Mumph

Monday 25th of April 2022

I Asked for little girls hairstYle. Short with bangs. I dont want any pieces to stick out. I want it to cup under. I broke shoulder and my husband Was washing my Long hair. At 68 yeaRs old i just said cut it. Now i wash, brush or comb and let it dry. Its perfect. My twin sister asked for bob and got a pici instead. We went tO two DIfferent places.

Tonia

Sunday 9th of May 2021

I get a stacked bob cut with layers in back and long in front. Beautician always asks me if I want height.When i say yes she cuTs Shorter on the crown i think. The problem is that when it starts to grow in i always end up with a roll at the bottom back. I do not want this roll. How do I explain this to her? Should i respond no when asked about height? Should i adk to have back textured? Please help.

Sarah

Thursday 15th of September 2022

Tonia

The reason the hair flicks out at the back is because she cuts it into your neck shape. As the hair grows, the hair comes onto the back/shoulders and is pushed out. The layers are not the reason.

If you would like a hair style to last you longer, I would suggest going for a longer style. Short styles require maintenance.

I hope this helps 💛

Amanda

Friday 9th of September 2022

SAme issues and i usually end up with a Mullet…my back ends up growiNg out faster then my sides grow.

Linda

Friday 2nd of July 2021

I wOuLd al so like a answer to this Question! Igo to the BEAUTY shop wiTh a PictuRe and they still do not UNDERSTAND I do not think anyone Knows how to cut a bob

Cindy Caretto

Wednesday 24th of March 2021

I have a shorter stacked bob. My ears tend to stick uo, or the air doesn't lay like it should over my ears. what can be done?

Sarah

Thursday 15th of September 2022

Hey Cindy

I would recommend having an A line/asymmetric Bob. Growing your hair longer to cover your ears. Hair needs weight to keep it down and we lose alot of weight with shorter styles. I hope this helps 💛

Kitty

Thursday 18th of March 2021

Do have any Blunt cut chin length bob slightly texturIzed pics