35 Best Hairstyles for a Messy Bob Look

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What Are The Best Hairstyles for a Messy Bob Look?

Long luscious locks have for years been admired by women around the world and considered beauteous and feminine. That is now an old story, and women are flaunting manes that look gorgeous just above shoulder length. Bobs are back and are in fact more popular than longer-length hairstyles. They can still look soft and feminine and they are so versatile with the many options of styling that we are spoilt with today.

The pleasingly disheveled look is in and we have found some great inspiration to help you choose the best bedhead-inspired bob. Carefree and fun, read on to find the one!

1. Soft Wispy Long Bob

The shattered ends are what bring that messy feel to this long bob. Hidden layers create that pop of texture and the blended, soft layering around the face provides some lift and shape. Longer bobs need that extra bit of feathering to really get a tastefully messy look.

2. Punk Style Bob

Business in the back, party in the front! This rock star haircut looks like a chic bob in the back, with disconnected pieces in the front that are much longer. They are super tapered and thin to create points, by cutting short layers in the top where all the fullness is focused. Paired with lots of texture and wispy bangs, this is one super cool, stylish bob.

3. Blunt A- Line Bob

A blunt one-length bob can look messy by opting for a razor cut. This splinters the ends of the hair to texture and softens the bluntness without losing that defined line. Blonde tones really add some texture and fullness to help create a tousled, messy bob.

4. Cute Choppy Bob

This messy bob has a pixie cut feel by razoring a lot of texture into the back. This creates a lot of lift that can be scrunched easily and leaves that part of the hairstyle to take care of itself. The front is left longer and less layered to create a contrast in texture and add versatility to the hairstyle.

5. Layered A-Line with Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs are so playful when paired with a fun, messy bob. They blend in well to the shorter layers and add to the overall texture. Curtain bangs serve well for breaking up any harsh lines or shapes that a bob usually creates, and softens and frames the face in a flattering way.

6. Short Choppy Bob with Choppy Bangs

Cute and sophisticated, a bob that sits in line with your chin can look dramatic and chic. Add some choppy bangs and tousled up waves to resemble an upgraded Dutch bob.

7. Topknot

Play with the way you wear your bob to keep things exciting. A scrunched up half topknot is a cute way to rock a messy bun while still showing off your bob. Perfect for a lazy day, this is minimal effort for a chilled day at home but can stay and still look cute for a last minute coffee date.

8. Angled Bob with Short Layers

A classic angled bob with some short layers focused in the back gives this haircut some height and makes it easy to scrunch and hold up a curl. Add some gentle teasing in the crown to ruffle up those strands so you can rock a tastefully messy bob.

9. Blonde Balayage Bob

This shaggy bob is bluntly cut with a slight angle, but what we love about it, is the seamless balayage of beachy blonde hues. It’s summery, bright and carefree and pairs beautifully with some surfer girl inspired waves to give it that messy bob vibe.

10. Bob Marley

How far are you willing to go with bohemian vibes. Dreadlocks can look super cool on shorter hair and they don’t have to be a long-term commitment either. You can go all-in or half-in with partial dreadlocks, but if you like the look and not the commitment, you can create faux locs by just twisting strands of hair with some wax, mixing them up with some thin braids in between.

11. Classic Wavy Bob

This bob works well for thicker hair as it is the fullness that gives it that messy feel. Simple layers coupled up with effortless waves make this hairstyle look windswept with a touch of  elegance.

12. Cute Shag with Curtains Bangs

Adding some curtain bangs can completely change everything. Without these gorgeous bangs, this bob would look less interesting and adding some extra texture and shorter layers makes this an epic shaggy cut bob. Scrunch in some mousse and you are good to go!

13. Half and Half Bob

Think Cruella De Vil with a twist. Two-toned hair is a new and popular trend and is such a fun way to amp up your bob. Choose two great contrasting colors for each side of your hair, perhaps one to match your alter ego and change your look when you change your direction. Add some tousled waves to softly blend the two colors and add some messy strands.

14. Layered Candyfloss Bob

A soft pink root smudge on a choppy bob is fun and sweet! Expand your comfort zone by braving some pastel shades and dialing up the cuteness. You will have such fun with this one!

15. Long Bob with Vintage Bangs

Bob cuts don’t always have to sit above the shoulders, longer length bobs or better known as a lob can also rock a tousled, messy look. Layer it up to create the wispiness on the ends and add texture to reduce weight and fullness. Vintage bangs add some personality to this cut and are perfect for finer hair.

16. Long Pixie Cut

This bob has a pixie cut resemblance by tapering into the neck, as well as the sides. By cutting in this way, it removes the bulk and creates that piecy, razored appearance. Use a small amount of hair wax on the fingertips to get that separation and finger tease the top to create a chic long pixie hairdo.

17. Medium Length Bob with Short Forward Cut Layers

This cute shoulder-grazing bob is leveled up by razor-cutting short layers that are directed toward the face. This creates a tapering face-framing effect that surrounds the face, as well as within the hair strands for texture and movement. Some chic, smartly placed colouring accentuates the texture and helps to show off the gorgeous shape.

18. Modern Shob

A shag cut crossed with a bob gives you a gorgeous shob! Spice it up with some subtle but bright highlights to show off the texture and layers and finger tease with some texturizing powder to create lift and separation to finish off your messy shob.

19. Mullet Bob

Is it long or is short? Actually, it’s both! Best of both worlds, this edgy cut has very short razored layers and the ends are over directed to maintain length and create a bob that could be considered a modern-day mullet. The layering is more connected to bridge the gap between the shortest and longest strands, and some disheveled waves blend it all together.

20. Mushroom Top Bob

This hairstyle is a more tasteful spin on the mushroom or bowl cut. It is improved by maintaining length in a bob shape with round layers on the top where the bulk of the hair is prominent. The top part of the hair is over directed to maintain the weight and create that full, mushroom top aesthetic, with blunt bangs to complete the shape.

21. Pixie Cut with Long Disconnected Lengths

This haircut may look like a cute and edgy pixie cut from the back, but length is maintained in the front to create a seemingly funky bob. The lengths and layers are disconnected and the bangs are shattered and serrated to add to the overall look of a trendy, messy pixie bob.

22. Platinum Blunt Bob

A bob well cut is one thing, but nailing platinum to go with it is close to perfection. Now throw in some tousled waves and you have found the perfect messy bob. Platinum hues add to the volume and texture, so they really go hand in hand to create a stunning messy bob.

23. Shaggy Bob for Grey Hair

Stay feeling young by flaunting your grey tresses with a sophisticated and messy bob. Grey hair provides the perfect texture for a disheveled feel as the hair strands are usually more coarse.

24. Short Bob with Steep Angle

Cutting a bob with a dramatic angle makes this haircut edgy and stylish. The back is short and neatly cut at the neck and textured layers are added to the rest of the hair. Waves sit beautifully amongst the layers and some finger teasing ruffles it up to the perfect amount of tease.

25. Short Curly Bob with Bangs

Curls are not just for longer locks, they can look so darn good on a bob-length haircut. They have that girl next door feel and look tastefully disheveled. Add some short bangs for extra cuteness and enjoy the effortlessness of this playful bob.

26. Short Edgy Bob

This unique and fun bob is razor cut to create that separated and feathery detail. A lot of texture is cut into the layers by slicing into sections of the hair creating hidden shorter strands that make it easy to ruffle it up. The sides are left slightly longer so the bob shape is maintained and is what makes this cute bob edgy and exciting.

27. Short Shaggy Bob with Moonbangs

Moonbangs are a thing! They are short and wispy micro bangs that gradually get longer around the sides to form a crescent shape. They are a cute addition to a short, shaggy and very textured short bob. Natural waves are ideal for this cut, so you can wash, scrunch and go!

28. Short Wispy Red Bob

This cute bob is layered and tapered to remove a lot of bulk from the ends. The layers are feathered to make the overall look wispy and shattered and the color choice is the perfect finish to this cheeky, disheveled bob.

29. Shoulder Length Bob with Short Face Framing Layers

Bring some attention to your features by cutting some feathery bangs, blending them down the sides with some razor-sliced layers for some fabulous face framing. Extra texturizing is needed to shatter the tips and create some separation in the hair strands. When styling, accentuate them by turning the hair inwards towards the face.

30. Softly Layered Blunt Bob

Blunt bobs don’t need to be sleek and perfect, by adding some soft blended layering and feathering the ends, you can create a messy bob that looks gorgeously disheveled after some magic with a curling wand and a dash of hairspray to matte it up. Let the ends turn up rather than tuck under, messy bobs are all about the perfectly imperfect details.

31. Textured Bob for Over 50’s

Lighter tones are softer and less maintenance for those sneaky greys that start sprouting when you reach your mid 40’s. They also create volume in the hair shaft which provides a lot more texture and holds movement. All these elements are perfect for a messy bob, together with some very subtle wispy bangs.

32. Textured, Graduated Bob

A graduated cut enhanced with some tousled waves, and brightened up with a beachy balayage will provide all the texture and tastefully unkempt elements that are needed to rock a messy bob. The tapering in the back creates some lift and the angle is gentle but edgy making this bob close to flawless.

33. Tight Curly Bob

Tight curls on short hair look beautiful and wonderfully wild! If you are lucky enough to be blessed with a mane of bouncy curls, then simply scrunch and go, but if not, I’m here to tell you that perms are making a comeback! The key to rock this style is extra moisture and smart texturizing.

34. Very Short Bob With Pixie Bangs

This haircut borders on a pixie cut but just enough length is left to be considered a bob, which makes it is a great balance between the two if you are undecided! Lots of feathering and texturizing provide that messy, wispy look and the razored bangs finish it off perfectly.

35. Wolf Cut Bob

A wolf haircut concentrates the volume on the front and top portion of the head and gradually gets less bulky and thinner towards the ends. Style it in a deep side path for some high volume and add some strategically placed caramel slices for a pop of colour and contrast.

Final Thoughts

These hairstyles definitely give a whole new understanding of the word messy. Messy is the new chic and short is the new long! Here are some final tips to maintain those pleasingly disheveled locks.

  • Master your curling wand. Curls mean texture and texture is the basis for messy.
  • Hairspray is your friend, but just a touch to matte up those tresses and dial down the sleek and polished finish.
  • Don’t be afraid of a little teasing here and there, the keyword here being little, don’t overdo it and end up looking like a Karen.
  • Sea salt spray is excellent for a quick scrunch and run if you are in a hurry.
  • Play with some color, it really helps add dimension, texture, and personality to your locks.

You simply can’t go wrong with a messy bob, whatever style you end up choosing, it will be a solid win.

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Author - Lauren Holland

Lauren always knew she needed to work in an industry that would nurture her creative and eccentric personality. She has run her own business for 7 years. After 2 years attending college, Lauren found herself an apprenticeship with one of the top salons in her province. This salon was popular for their more alternative and creative hairstyle ideas, taking part in many international competitions, photoshoots and shows where bright colors and Avant Garde styling were always the theme. She fine-tuned her skills throughout her 5 years there, achieving many awards including national finalist of the Goldwell Color Zoom competition. After qualifying, Lauren stayed on and grew in leaps and bounds in her art, training new apprentices and meeting some local fame and influencers. She got to experience various facets of the industry and built up a strong clientele. Lauren eventually found her way to owning her own salon and, in this time, she specialized in bridal and formal hair. Living in the Midlands meant she was in the hub of the wedding industry and was involved with collaborative shoots and bridal shows.