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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The Different Types of Bobs
A-Line Haircut
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
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
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:
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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
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
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
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
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!
“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.
A bob haircut with graduated layers in the back, giving it a “stacked” look.
Lob is a shortened way to say “long bob.”
Final Thoughts
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,
RELATED:
- What is a Lob Haircut?
- The Sexiest Medium-Length Hairstyles of 2019
- 13 Different Types of Haircuts
- 12 Different Types of Braids You Should Totally Try
Last update on 2021-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Right now my wavy hair is about 4 inches below my shoulders when it’s wet, it tends to bounce up a couple inches when it dries. I t is basically all one length & i usually wear it tied back.
I have been considering taking some length off, and a bob was suggested by a coworker. I’m open to the idea, but had no idea there were so many variations…
That being said, what would be good length & style for me to possibly try?
Thanks!
It really all depends on your face shape, how much effort you want to put into styling, etc… but you can always start with a long bob with little-to-no layering. That should be pretty low maintenance and easy to start with. Hope that helps!
What do you say to a hAir dresser to get them to cut your hair so that the layer of hair closest to the hairline ends at a shorter length thAn the layer of hair just above the hairline and so on unTil the hair from the crown ends at the lowest length? This was how the Surf Cuts from the mid 70’s were done to get the hair to NATURALLY turn under without having to fuss extensively with styling tools. I don’t want a surf cut, but I Think i need a short Pointed a-line bob cut with inverse layer cutting teChnique…but not sure what to say as hair-stylists appear to stop listening and watching what one does with your hands the moment you are sitting in the cHair. They also seem to not hear words like kinda likE a hMmmm Type hair cut and focus on the hmmmm hair cut. I am Very traumatized about salon visits and want to know what to aSk for and what the exacT words are.
I think you’re referring to undercutting or inverse layering, where the underneath layers are slightly shorter than the hair on top… which pushes the hair to flip under. Here is a good article I found to explain it better: https://www.hairfinder.com/hair4/inverse-layering.htm
I do want you to be aware that even though this technique can be called “undercutting,” there is a modern hairstyle called an “undercut” that is completely different… so be cautious when using that term. I’d probably just print out that article I sent you and bring it with you to the salon. Hope that helps!
Thank you. I had found the picture and the definition separately, but not both together (This link will be very helpful.). And yes I do know about An “undercut” as a hairstyle so will take great pains to maKe suRe that there is no confusion.
I have since found two photos that come close to what I am looking for which will help immensely.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/4071613358/in/album-72157622601692755/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/2931839186/in/album-72157637305557535/lightbox/
Thank you again.
That’s an interesting vintage haircut… almost like a combo between a pixie haircut and wedge. I’d say that it probably is cut with the technique I mentioned, but there’s also some styling that goes on with it.
Sorry for all caps – I’m not sure what is wrong but I can’t change it no matter what i try!
this is exactly the type of haircut I have been trying to get as well – so glad I’m not alone. i am also traumatised by salon visits and tend to put it off for as long as i can.
I’ll be taking the article with me next time.
Thanks!!
I love the staked bob- I have fine hair with a cow-lick in the back at the crown-very hard to cover up-
Hello
I have that same problem. do you still have the stacked bob? I’m going to get mine cut by a different stylist on Wednesday I sure hope she listens.
I have Fine hair I have tried a couple of bobs. The one with long hair one one side. That was awful. Now i have one that doesnt have alot of layers but it is shorter
Than i like but i know to get the lift Thats what i need. Any sUggestions
You need to try Head Kandy product’s !! This hair line of product’s will give you any kind of help you need to maintain any hair style !!!!
What would you RECOMMEND for a curly hair bob? Thanks
I think long bobs with super light layering looks amazing on curly hair!
Hey THERE, I HAVE A ROUND FACE AND MEDIUM HAIR (iN TERMS OF TEXTURE AND THICKNESS). I WANNA GO FOR THE KIND OF bOB THAT JENNA COLEMAN HAS WITH THE BANGS. should I go for it or not? also, an acquaintance suggests that I merge the look with a slightly inverted bob. what are your thoughts regarding this?
Note: I’m trying for a hairstyle that falls under the chin, but above the shoulder, that is neck- length.
It’s hard to say for sure without seeing you, but it sounds like that would work well. Her hair is a medium texture, so it should be similar… bobs tend to look good on round faces but adding texture will soften up your face. Also, it’s up to you whether or not to invert the back, but I think the longer front would help frame the face and cut out the roundness. Last, but not least, I’d go for side-swept or wispy bangs to soften up your face.
Hope that helps 🙂
I have fine hair that i s very wavy what kind of bob woulD Be best for me?
A blunt bob with some slight graduation would add body to your hair! Hope that helps!
I am fed up with bobs what other haircuts are available. My hair is a short bob presently
Hey Patricia! I have another post about different types of haircuts you should check out!
there is a blunt haircut that was cut 5cm above the chin. is it considered a bob hair?
I would consider that to be a short bob haircut 🙂
I am fortunate to have a hairdresser that unDerstands tgese terms., but my sister cOmplains of hairdressers unable to cut it Correctly. I will pass this info along to her. ThAnks for explaining the differences. .