Yes, the bob haircut is classic - but it's also a style that changes drastically throughout the year. In fact, the bob is arguably the most seasonal haircut of them all, with the most popular shapes changing monthly. Spring saw bobs with baby bangs and razored finishes take centre stage, with celebs like Hailee Steinfeld and Pamela Anderson becoming poster girls for the cut. Now, summer hair trends season is officially a go, and we're turning to expert hairdressers to dictate our next dramatic trim.
Luckily, the endless options mean there's genuinely a summer bob haircut for everyone. Whether you like a tousled French bob to give off that effortless 'cool girl' energy, or sport a short, layered crop simply because it's convenient, there's a unique style for every texture and face shape. More often than not, your hairstylist will need to cater a trend to fit your personal features, but having a starting reference is essential to capture the bob vibe you're going for.
'Bobs are back in a big way this summer - sharper, shorter, and more versatile than ever,' says hairdresser Luke Benson. 'The key with all of these looks is tailoring the cut to your face shape and lifestyle. Your bob should feel easy, not high-maintenance.'
Read Next
Here, top stylists break down the best 5 bob haircuts for summer 2025, including how to style them now.
5 Bob Haircuts To Try For Summer
The Cowboy Bob
If you're looking for a bob haircut with a fringe, this Texas-ready, tousled styling is one of the chicest trims for summer. Already sporting some Bardot-inspired curtain bangs? This is the logical next bob for you.
'Undone, lived-in, and effortlessly cool - this is texture with edge,' says expert stylist Melissa Timperley. 'It’s slightly longer, with shaggy layers and a curtain fringe or sweeping front to frame the face. Ask your hairdresser for a longer bob with choppy texture and those signature face-framing layers. Style it by rough-drying with a bit of salt spray or mousse to keep it looking tousled and low-key.'
The Snap Bob
A blunt bob will always be chic, and summer's graphic update is no exception. This is the minimalistic haircut that self-proclaimed 'clean girls' crave. Its most appealling factor? An undeniable timelessness that looks effortlessly expensive when paired with a fresh summer colour.
'Sharp, minimal, and all about impact - this is a micro bob that sits just above the jawline,' says Timperley. 'Ask your stylist for a one-length, jaw-skimming bob that’s square through the perimeter. For lower hairlines, you could even add a subtle undercut. To keep it sleek, straighten it and consider adding a fringe if you fancy a more fashion-forward twist.'
The Modern Midi Bob
If you're not quite ready to commit to a super short crop, a lob is the ideal cut for summer - particularly for anyone who still wants to tie their hair back during an unexpected heatwave.
'The bob is an eternally shifting enigma of its own and this summer, the latest iteration is the modern midi bob (as seen on Hailee Steinfeld),' says celebrity hairstylist Halley Brisker. 'Think luxurious and face framing just like the bobs of recent times, except this one is designed to gently settle slightly longer in length with less of a bombshell blowout feel and more of a relaxed air dried, easy vibes finish.
'If you have naturally tousled hair, you could try leaving this to dry tucked behind the ears to encourage natural movement around facial features using a cream or foam based gentle styler,' he says.
If you're a fan of a layered haircut, this medium length style is also ideal for that.
'A layered midi bob is a cross between a bob and a lob, hitting just above the shoulders with soft, shattered layers,' says session stylist Abigail Constanza. 'It’s ideal if you want a lighter, more versatile shape without going really short.'
The Soft Crop Bob
While we'll always be fans of a dramatic, razored bob, it's arguably easier to wear a style that's softer in the summer months.
'The soft crop bob is a shorter, modern take on the classic bob - sitting just around the jawline but with the corners removed for a softened shape,' says Constanza. 'It still has structure but feels relaxed and effortless. Ask for a jaw-length bob with minimal weight at the corners and slight internal layering for movement. Use a texture spray on dry hair and tuck behind the ears for a natural, undone finish. A quick bend with straighteners adds soft shape without looking overdone.'
The Bellucci Bob
An Italian bob was red hot for spring; this is summer's ultra-chic updated version.
'The luxe Italian Bellucci bob is a polished, voluminous and oozing old-school glamour, it's 2025 does Italian sophistication,' says celebrity hairstylist Dom Seeley. 'Think Monica Bellucci meets Hailey Bieber. The length usually hits just above the shoulders with a generous, rounded shape and glossy finish. It’s incredibly flattering on thicker hair and anyone looking for a little more drama. This bob enhances volume, so it’s brilliant for square or heart-shaped faces and works across all hair types with the right styling routine.'
According to Seeley, this style is all about about volume, shine and that soft ‘C’ curve under the chin. 'Use a large round brush, volumising mousse and a shine spray to finish. For a more editorial finish, add soft waves with a large barrel tong and brush them out with a bristle brush.'
Ask your hairdresser for a full-bodied bob with a softly rounded shape, cut to just above the shoulders, he says. 'Let your stylist know that you want weight at the ends as this cut needs a luxurious fullness to it, not choppy layers. Your hair needs to be in top condition to really channel this look so we will often add a quick gloss treatment in the salon as it really does create that high glamour look.'
ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.
Katie Withington (she/her) is the Beauty Writer, at ELLE UK and Harper’s Bazaar. Working alongside the ELLE UK Beauty Team, she covers all things beauty for both print and digital, from finding backstage make-up trends at London Fashion Week and investigating buzzy skincare ingredients, to unzipping the beauty bags of Hailey Bieber and Margot Robbie. Prior to joining ELLE UK in 2022, Katie studied (BA) Fashion Journalism at London College of Fashion and has previously contributed to Red, Good Housekeeping and Prima.