5 jaw-length bob haircuts to try and why they’re so flattering
Taking over from last year’s bold bob trend, 2025 is all about jaw-length haircuts.
Whether you’re growing out a short style or in the mood to chop off longer locks, there’s a jaw-skimming style to suit everyone, which is why they’re so popular now.
“I think part of the reason the jaw-length hair trend is so big right now is that it looks edgy and makes a bit of a statement but without chopping all your hair off,” says Paul Edmonds. “Plus, it’s not a one-size-fits-all look – it's about personalisation.”
By tailoring the length and style according to your hair type and face shape, your hairdresser can create the most flattering look that emphasises your best features – whether that be layered, graduated, rounded or all one length – and of course it’s got to suit your personal style too.
“Whether you go above or below the jawline is face shape-dependent,” Paul says. For example, if a client has a rounder face he would recommend a bob that lands just above the jawline: “It may sound counterintuitive, but if you go up above the jaw, you actually accentuate the cheekbone so it can actually make you look a bit more chiselled.”
If a client has long hair and wants to try a jaw-length cut, our stylists will always err on the side of caution and leave a bit more length to begin with. “Personally, I like to break it into two appointments sometimes,” says director Tasha. “Especially if a person has very long hair and it's a big transition for them.”
How often should you get a jaw-length cut trimmed to keep it looking neat and chic? Paul says: “If it’s a sharp bob then you're talking about every four to six weeks. If it's a longer bob then you can leave it probably a little bit longer, around six to eight weeks.”
To inspire your jaw-length cut, here are five versatile bob styles the team love and how to style them your way…
1. THE BLUNT BOB
All one length with no layering, a jaw-length blunt bob suits oval, heart and square-shaped faces and works with a variety of hair types.
“It's good unless your hair's exceptionally thick, then it can turn into a bit of a dense pyramid shape,” Paul says. “But even with very thick hair, we can cut through the ends to keep the bluntness but reduce the bulk.”
Concerned your hair isn’t thick enough for a jaw-length blunt bob? A few extensions can make all the difference, Paul says: “On fine hair, the sides are often quite weak. By placing just five or so extensions it can give that extra definition through the sides and bluntness to the ends. Or you can add a few to the back to give extra body and a bit more swing to it.”
To add extra volume, he recommends a sprinkling of Oway Volume & Texture Hair Puff at the roots: “I like powders because they help texturise the hair and keep fullness in it. But if you want really shiny, sleek hair, I'd probably use Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Overnight Serum.”
2. THE A-LINE BOB
Ideal for very straight hair, an A-line bob is a type of graduated bob where the front is longer than the back.
“If you've got someone with a long face, an A-line bob is going to make it look longer, which is why it’s really flattering for round and square face shapes,” Paul says.
Tasha notes that your posture makes a difference with this bob: “I would only recommend it to a person with good posture, because it drags everything forward.”
She recommends a cult classic product to blow dry an A-line bob: “Shu Uemura Essence Absolue oil – everybody loves it. It provides heat protection protection and gives great shine and shape.”
3. THE CURLY BOB
If you’ve been blessed with curly or coily hair, a jaw-length bob is particularly flattering for oval and round face shapes.
Our stylists will tailor the style according to your curl pattern, Paul explains: “It's a matter of deciding where you put the volume and the weight within the haircut. You do that to suit the face shape, depending on where you want to what you want to emphasise and what you want to play down.”
Plus, you’ll have the option to wear it straight as well, Tasha says: “That’s the definition of a good haircut: when you can wear it curly and straight and it looks good both ways. We’ll also instruct clients on how to style their hair at home using the right products.”
For example, a new favourite of Paul’s is Oribe Flash Form Finishing Spray Wax: “It adds a bit more guts to hair, especially on finer hair types.”
Nourishing treatments have been proving popular with curly-haired clients in salon recently, he adds: “We're doing a lot of smoothing treatments because people want to keep their curls but eliminate frizz.”
4. THE WAVY BOB
Whether it’s your natural hair texture or you create the waves yourself, a wavy bob is cut with layers to give an effortless, beachy feel and is ideal for square, oval and heart-shaped faces.
“There are lots of tools that can be used, like tongs, to enhance your natural waves,” Tasha says. “A blonde bob works really well with this texture, with maybe a little bit of elongation towards the face.”
Mousse is a must when styling waves, Paul says: “Shu Uemura Kaze Wave is really good for your wavy bob. It's a mousse but it’s not too strong when it's dry. It has a high moisture level, so it stops the hair fluffing up.”
Tasha adds: “I also very much like Oribe Hair Alchemy Fortifying Serum. I normally mix it with a little bit of Shu Uemura Essence Absolue to create shine and enhance the waves.”
5. THE REVERSE BOB
Essentially the opposite of an A-line bob, a reverse bob is graduated so it’s slightly longer at the back. A bit like a longer version of the page boy haircut, this style works well with oval and heart-shaped faces, and helps to create structure for fine or straight hair types.
“I really like the reverse bob, it's one of my personal favourites,” Tasha says. “It’s great if you're not really comfortable with going for a very strong, defined bob, but you want something that will sculpt your jaw line really well.”
Paul says the soft graduation makes the reverse bob really versatile: “It’s good for someone who doesn't want to lose too much length at the back but wants it shorter through the sides. Also it tucks behind the ear easily and if you muss up the back it looks like a short haircut, which gives you that adaptability.”
Whether blow-dried or straightened, Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Oil in Cream helps to give a reverse bob a smooth, glossy finish.
Custom cuts
There are so many options to choose from when it comes to jaw-length haircuts, and a good hairdresser will help you find your perfect look.
By considering your face shape, hair type and personal preferences, your stylist can recommend the best bob to flatter your features and make you feeling amazing.
Not sure which bob is best for you? Book a consultation at Paul Edmonds London.
