20 Gorgeous Bob Haircuts for Oval Face Shapes

We’re firm believers that you should wear whatever you want—that goes for clothing, makeup, and hairstyles. Nevertheless, when it comes to haircuts, some lengths and layering techniques can look more flattering on certain face shapes. With that in mind, we chatted with a few professional hairstylists about the best bob haircuts for oval faces.

Meet the expert

• Adam Federico is a hairstylist and the Vice President of Technical Education at R+Co.
• Valery Joseph is a celebrity hairstylist and the owner of Valery Joseph Salons.
• Franck Izquierdo is a hairstylist and a co-founder of IGK Hair Care.

Ahead, peruse over a dozen bob haircuts designed to make oval face shapes shine.

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Emma Stone’s Classic Bob

According to Federico, a classic bob is suitable for oval face shapes, like Emma Stone’s. “A classic bob is typically chin-length and features blunt ends,” he explains. “It’s straightforward and timeless.” To get the look, he says to ask for a bob that ends just at or below your chin, with minimal layering. “Make sure the ends are cut straight across,” he adds. “It accentuates the natural balance of an oval face and draws attention to your jawline.”

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Kerry Washington’s Side-Swept Bob

Kerry Washington’s side-swept bob looks old Hollywood chic. “This bob features a deep side part with longer, swept-over bangs,” Federico explains. “Request a side part and longer front sections that can be styled to the side. It adds asymmetry and softens the face shape, drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones.” Izquierdo is also a fan of side-part bobs. “A side part and waves will add edge and more definition to the bob haircut for an oval face,” he explains. “This look can be worn for an event or at night, or even styled with a gel for a wet look.”

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Margot Robbie’s Blunt Bob

Blunt bobs are one of the most popular short styles out there, worn by Barbie herself! According to Federico, a blunt bob is characterized by straight, blunt ends and minimal layering. “Ask for a sharp, blunt cut that ends evenly around your chin or jawline,” he instructs. “The blunt ends provide a modern and edgy look while keeping the face’s proportions balanced.”

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Zendaya’s Curly Bob

Another curly bob we love for oval face shapes? Zendaya’s! “A bob with natural or styled curls [makes] for a more voluminous and playful appearance,” Federico says. “Have your stylist cut the bob to work with your natural curl pattern or use curling tools to create defined curls. The curls add texture and volume, which can enhance the natural curves of your face and create a lively look.” Joseph tacks onto this, calling the style the “old money bob.” “It’s classic meets trendy,” he points out. “This cut is perfect for anyone who likes a more uniform style but with a twist.”

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Gigi Hadid’s Wavy Bob

Gigi Hadid’s wavy, center-part bob is about as effortlessly chic as it gets. “This bob features loose, natural waves that give a relaxed and effortless vibe,” Federico points out. “Use a large-barrel curling iron or texturizing spray to create soft waves, and ask for a cut that maintains a bit of length for more styling options. The waves add softness and movement, which helps frame the face and can make it appear more dynamic.”

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Rita Ora’s Flipped-Up Bob

Flipped-up ends are having a moment and Rita Ora’s playful bob is a perfect way to lean into the look. “Sophistication and drama,” Joseph exclaims. “I love the flipped-up ends on this style since it really modernizes the cut. Style with a flatiron and curve the ends gently upwards.”

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Naomi Watts’s Softly Waved Bob

Here we have another wavy, side-swept bob that Joseph says can serve as major oval face shape hair inspo. “A romantic bob is great for those who want to enhance natural texture and waves,” he says, referencing Naomi Watts’s style. “This bob is stunning on all hair types and face shapes which makes it a go-to when considering a new look.”

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America Ferrera’s Effortless Classic Bob

Joseph loves America Ferrera’s effortless classic bob. “The beauty of the classic bob is that it’s short, easy to maintain, and looks great on everyone,” he exclaims. “A center part and chin-length cut read ultra-chic.”

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Natasha Bedingfield’s Bob With Bangs

Joseph and Izquierdo agree that bangs are a great add-on when creating the ideal bob for an oval face shape. “Bangs are perfect to add softness to any style, and the bob is no exception,” Joseph says, pointing to Natasha Bedingfield as an example. “I recommend bangs to create a visual break, and make the face feel less long—think Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface, kind of look,” Izquierdo adds.

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Kelly Rowland’s Asymmetrical Bob

For a chic, red carpet-ready hairstyle, Joseph recommends trying on an asymmetrical bob (like Kelly Rowland’s, above) for size. “An asymmetrical bob is ideal for anyone who is daring and likes a bit of an edge,” he exclaims. “Ask your stylist for a sleek, geometric shape that compliments your face shape.”

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Karlie Kloss’s Shaggy Bob

For a supermodel-chic jaw-grazing cut, consider recreating Karlie Kloss’s shaggy bob. “After you remove the length, make sure to ask your stylist how to incorporate waves,” Joseph says. “Texture will really accentuate the layers with this cut.”

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Penélope Cruz’s Mid-Length Bob

Another lob we love? Penélope Cruz’s. “Short to medium-length cuts always look good on an oval face shape as they accentuate the jawline,” Joseph says. “Penélope’s mid-length bob is perfect for anyone looking to get the trend without doing a drastic chop.”

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Julianne Hough’s Micro Bob

For a super low-maintenance bob, opt for a micro-cut like Julianne Hough’s.  “Julianne’s super short, super sleek micro bob is perfect for those who like to make a statement,” Joseph says. “Hold the layers and style either super straight or tucked behind the ears.”

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Jennifer Lawrence’s Face-Framing Chin-Length Bob

You can highlight your face’s slim, sharp nature with a face-framing, chin-length bob like Jennifer Lawrence’s. “Request a chin-length bob with layers that start at the front and gradually blend with the rest of the bob,” Federico suggests. “The face-framing layers accentuate your features, adding depth and dimension to the overall look.”

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Victoria Beckham’s A-Line Bob

Victoria Beckham’s A-line bob is one of the Spice Girls star’s most memorable hairstyles. “An A-line bob is shorter in the back and gradually gets longer towards the front,” Federico says. “Request an A-line cut with a clear angle, with the back significantly shorter than the front. It elongates the neck and highlights the cheekbones, which complements the proportions of an oval face.”

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Rihanna’s Inverted Bob

Love the look of the A-line bob but craving something a bit bolder? Federico suggests an inverted bob like Rihanna’s, above. “[It’s] similar to the A-line bob but with more dramatic graduation and layering in the back,” he says. “Ask for a steep angle and graduated layers at the back to create a pronounced lift. The volume at the back adds balance and frames the face beautifully.”

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Taylor Swift’s Textured Bob

Taylor Swift might rock a long, natural, wavy mane much of the time these days but once upon a time, she was a major proponent of the shapely textured bob. “This bob has added layers and texturing for a more tousled and voluminous look,” Federico says. “Ask your stylist for a bob with choppy layers and use a texturizing product to enhance the natural waves. It adds dimension and volume, which can make the bob appear more dynamic and lively.”

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Bebe Rexha’s Edgy Bob

Don’t be afraid to take your side part extra deep—the style may have gone out of style in the late 2010s but it’s coming back with a bang. “Edgy and sassy, this deep side-parted bob is the perfect complement to an oval face shape,” Joseph says. “The deep part can especially enhance facial features, cheekbones, and jawline.”

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Jessica Alba’s Lob

Hoping to maintain a bit more length? Federico recommends opting for a lob like Jessica Alba’s. “The lob is a longer bob that typically reaches just above the shoulders,” he explains. “Request a lob with subtle layers to add movement. You can add some beachy waves for a relaxed feel. It adds length without overwhelming the face, enhancing your facial features without elongating it too much.”

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Jourdan Dunn’s Cheekbone-Grazing Bob

For an even shorter bob, skip the chin-grazing ends in favor of a cheekbone-leveled cut. According to Izquierdo, bobs cut just above the chin can highlight the jawline and cheekbones, “adding definition and structure,” he explains.