Boyfriend Bob

Boyfriend bob
Image: AI illustration
Q: I love the look of the boyfriend bob! Can you tell me everything about it: where the name comes from, why it's so popular, and why it might be a good choice for me?
 
A: The boyfriend bob is a fun, laid-back haircut that usually hits somewhere between the chin and collarbone. What makes it stand out is its relaxed, slightly tousled look. Think effortless and undone, rather than sharp and precise like traditional bobs. It often features soft layers that add texture and movement, giving the style that lived-in feel.
 
The name "boyfriend bob" comes from the idea that the haircut looks like it could’ve been borrowed from your boyfriend, much like the term "boyfriend shirt" or "boyfriend sweater." It takes inspiration from masculine styling but softens it with a feminine twist. The result is something that feels both cool and approachable.
 
This hairstyle became especially popular in the mid-2010s when beauty trends shifted toward more natural, low-effort looks. The boyfriend bob fit right in: structured enough to feel intentional, but relaxed enough to look like you didn’t try too hard.
 
There are plenty of reasons why this cut might be worth considering. For starters, it’s incredibly versatile. It suits a wide range of face shapes and hair types. With the right layering, it can soften strong jawlines, add shape to rounder faces, and work with straight, wavy, or even curly hair. It’s also great whether your hair is thick or fine.
 
Blonde girl wearing her hair in a messy boyfriend bob
Image: AI illustration
Another big draw? It’s low maintenance. The boyfriend bob looks great air-dried and doesn’t need much styling to look good. In fact, it often looks better the more "lived-in" it gets. Plus, since it's not a rigid, high-precision cut, it doesn’t require constant salon touch-ups and can save time on busy mornings.
 
Fashion-wise, the boyfriend bob hits that sweet spot between trendy and timeless. It has a cool, modern edge but is grounded in a classic shape, so you won’t look back on photos in a few years and cringe. It also draws subtle inspiration from vintage haircuts, which gives it extra style points.
 
From a flattering perspective, the length is super strategic. By sitting between the chin and collarbone, the cut frames the face beautifully and highlights your features, especially the jawline and eyes. You can also pair it with bangs (curtain bangs work especially well) to further customize the look.
 
Brunette, wearing her hair in an undone bob
Image: AI illustration
If you’re growing out a shorter cut or thinking about going shorter from long hair, the boyfriend bob is a great in-between option. It gives you styling flexibility while letting you experiment with shorter lengths, without the full commitment of a pixie or super-short cut. And if you change your mind, it’s easy to grow out.
 
When it comes to styling, there are several ways to wear the boyfriend bob. For a casual, textured look, you can scrunch in some sea salt or texturizing spray and let it air-dry or rough-dry it with your fingers. For something sleeker, use a round brush while blow-drying, then lightly pass a flat iron through the ends to keep it smooth but still soft. And don’t forget accessories. This cut looks great with clips, headbands, or barrettes for an extra personal touch.
 
At the end of the day, though, the key to getting the perfect boyfriend bob is working with a stylist who understands your hair texture, face shape, and lifestyle. They’ll be able to tailor the cut so it feels both on-trend and totally you.
 
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See also: Try on hairstyles