Nataly is an experienced freelance writer well-versed in lifestyle, beauty, and fashion. She enjoys testing new hair products to tame her long locks. Believing in the power of self-care, Nataly collects styling tips like gems. Currently, she delivers exclusive content on the latest hairstyle trends and transformations.
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Meet Mary Allen, a writer at The Right Hairstyles Magazine with a passion for the artistry of hair, who first joined our editorial team in January 2022. With a keen eye for trends in haircutting and coloring techniques, Mary Allen explores the diverse spectrum of beauty, ensuring that her articles resonate with women from all walks of life.
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@styled_by_carolynn
Let’s work that balayage magic on your chic messy bob haircut. Embrace your slightly wavy hair and let loose waves take center stage with a perfect tuck. Effortless glam? Check!
Messy bob hairstyles are super chic, convenient, trendy and easy to style. All you need is to get a flattering bob haircut and select the right hair product for your hair type. Naturally wavy hair is the direct indication for a messy bob. But even if your locks are straight, there are ways to achieve the popular messy texture. Here are 60 cool ideas for messy bob enthusiasts!
Wondering how to style a messy bob? The following examples will give you all the clues on messy bobs and lobs for different hair types and textures as well as some styling tips. Get inspired and plan your next chic bob cut or a cute messy bob hairstyle!
@anhcotran
This shaggy medium length bob with disconnected ends is amazing in its carefree vibe. It looks like the hair you woke up with! Think of an interesting hair color to move your style to the next level. Subtle ombre highlights are a great solution.
The choppy layers of this medium-length bob seamlessly blend with the long side bangs, and the metallic copper balayage highlights placed randomly throughout the style assemble the shattered strands into one harmonious whole.
@butterflyloftsalon
Your trendy bedhead hairstyle can be not so messy, just slightly imperfect but still maintaining its rounded bob shape. A bit of extra backcombing will help to boost the volume and achieve that special effortless feel. Go for a sophisticated hair hue to raise your style score even more.
@thenesthairboutiqueperth
In the world of blondes and brunettes, a caramel cut is unique, and the shade lends itself well to the overall trendy vibe of the bob cut. Placing strategic subtle highlights, or babylights, throughout the hair helps create the look of texture without having to style for everyday wear.
@johnnyramirez
This sassy layered bob features both volume and movement. The bottom layers are carved out with a razor to keep the ends wispy, and a round brush is used to achieve those adorable light flips at the ends. Those with thick hair, who struggle to maintain their tresses, should embrace this cut, as it takes the bulk off at the expense of expertly done layers.
@hair_by_kristi_
The sun-bleached waves of the messy long bob look sporty and natural. At this comfortable medium length, they barely graze the shoulders, and the wispy layers add to the texture of the hairstyle. The sliced ends keep the cut looking healthy and carefree.
@habitsalon
Having a messy bob with a fringe doesn’t mean you look like a little girl. Jaw-length combover bangs and a deep side part gently frame the face and lend an air of romance to the messy bob cut. The blonde babylights let each twisty curl shimmer and shine.
@karahurston
The straggly waves with disconnected ends of the choppy bob are playful and effortless. Tousle the top and finger comb the curly tresses to restore volume and movement in your hair. The bright blonde balayage looks healthy and shiny.
@hair.by.craig_parkinson
The feathered layers of the longer bob keep the hairstyle looking natural and casual. It’s a great way for busy moms to wear their hair because it’s not as precise and demanding in styling as a blunt bob can be. A cut with a lot of wispy ends also works well for women with fine or thinning hair, and the wavy texture adds to the overall sense of volume.
@anhcotran
When the ends of your bob are maximally thinned out with a razor, you get a super sharp cut that will look awesome in messy hairstyles. Add some delicate balayage for a color variety and interest points. Dark brown and chocolate is always a winning color combo.
@drelefevre
Your curly, shaggy locks feel even better when you arrange them into a messy bob haircut with bangs. The uneven face-framing waves ooze a tomboyish vibe and make you look more down-to-earth. The messy bob haircut is super-easy to style, and the neutral brown color looks great on most women.
@jessisemcken
Ready to rock that chic undone vibe? For fine hair, turn up the charm on your classic bob by tousling curled hair with your fingertips for a messy hair look. Consider adding intrigue with an interesting hair color and curtain bangs. Effortless meets edgy in no time!
@aerielengland
A lot of bobs are styled with messy waves or beachy curls, but that isn’t the only way to wear them. The best part of a bob is its effortlessness thanks to the shorter length, so don’t be afraid to let it air dry, and embrace a little frizz as part of the overall messy-sexy vibe.
@chrisjones_hair
To style a messy bob in a way that feels fun and not too prim and proper, go for a slightly disheveled, carefree texture. To master the tousled bob, keep the ends straight and use a 1 1/2 inch curling iron to create a few loose curls. Then run fingers through the hair to separate the curls and create effortless waves.
@kearybladel
A long bob with choppy ends is a worthy medium-length haircut option for thick hair. How to style a bob messy? Barely-there waves done with a straightener are a wonderful styling solution that flatters the silhouette of the cut and natural texture of thick hair.
@modernsalon
Hairstylist and owner of an organic concept salon DNA Lab Ana Maria elevated this blonde bob with a touch of magic – babylights! Those delicate highlights work wonders on choppy layers, adding dimension and depth to your fabulous straight hair.
@a.in.dna_
Stylist Romeu Felipe from Brazilian Rom Concept hair salon gave this inverted bob a dose of fabulousness with a messy twist. Those wispy layers are your secret weapon – simply tousle them up for that perfect messy bob vibe. Thin hair, don’t care – you’re about to rock this style like a pro!
@romeufelipe
A razored bob is an edgier take on the classic cut. Ask your stylist to do choppy layers—they can either use a real razor or shears to mimic the slicing style. Keep this look shorter in the back, and don’t be afraid to go all the way up to the nape of the neck, gradually lengthening layers towards the front.
@hairbyteya
Carolynn, a short hair expert and educator from Utah, gave that choppy bob heaps of texture and volume with chunky layers. “With the chunky texture, she appears to have heavier more dense hair but still movement and body,” points out Carolynn.
@styled_by_carolynn
A side part can amp up a messy bob haircut and give it a little something extra. Work a texturizing pomade through the hair to mould piecey, shattered waves, and embrace the side part to create a faux side bang.
@domdomhair
A shaggy lob with a middle part is a great idea of a low-maintenance hairstyle for literally any face shape. It’s going to slim and elongate a full face, soften jaw angles of a square face, and add volume on the sides to balance out a long face. The light blonde front pieces illuminate facial features and flatter your complexion. Don’t miss it! Consider and customize the cut if you like it.
@hairbymacey
The so-called traditional messy bob is anything but boring: a straight cut at the front and shorter angled layers in the back, it’s totally wearable and works for all hair types. This is the ultimate wake-up-and-go hairstyle for women on the move.
@anhcotran
Thick hair looks amazing with some balayage highlights to brighten it up. If you’ve got dark brunette locks, adding in a warmer touch can transform hair instantly. Pair a highlighted style with beachy waves done with a 1 inch curling iron, and shake it out for a tousled finish.
@aalbinhair
Play with lengths, colors, and finishes to get the bob of your dream. There are no two bobs alike. The smooth, baby-soft locks of this bronde cutie beg to be touched. The messy bob is so alluring and feminine!
@headrushdesigns
The combination of black roots and blonde textured lengths adds a unique grunge touch to this short messy bob. The graduated colors and choppy ends give the hairstyle an urban edge that lets you express your individuality. It’s a hairstyle that looks great with a side part, and by tucking some strands behind one ear, you can soften the sharpness of the cut.
@anhcotran
Messy bob hairstyles are incredible for hair with a naturally wavy texture, as the styling is practically built in. Have your hairdresser assess your natural wave or curl pattern and cut layers in accordingly. Short layers coupled with side-swept bangs can provide some extra bounce with ease.
@lucadrellis
And if you are not a fan of grunge, don’t worry – messy bob hairstyles don’t have to look sloppy. Create a gentle flared silhouette with chin-length layers and style some loose feminine waves. The youthful hairstyle is easy to manage and long enough to complete with some decorative barrettes or bobby pins.
@kellymassiashair
A messy bob can have a fun, slanted shape when it is shorter at the nape of the neck and longer where it frames the face, and the style paired with choppy layers is the ultimate rocker-chic look. Platinum blonde color with dark roots adds yet another layer of cool — think Christina Aguilera’s Dirrty era, chopped short.
@giadoeshair
When it comes to nailing edgy bob haircuts, an uneven layered cut is best. Super-short layers in the back give some volume to the crown, while the length towards the front tends to be universally flattering. Keep the very front pieces a tiny bit shorter for a cute face-framing finish.
@styled_by_carolynn
Let’s work that balayage magic on your chic messy bob haircut. Embrace your slightly wavy hair and let loose waves take center stage with a perfect tuck. Effortless glam? Check!
@styled_by_carolynn
V-cut layers separate a disconnected bob from other traditional shapes. Keep the face-framing pieces as well as those at the back equally short, and have the longest length in the middle, mimicking a V shape. Emphasize babylights with waves, but leave the ends straight to preserve the cut’s shape intact.
@erinchatshair
A straight-across super short messy bob is a carefree cut that suits thick hair in particular, as it can hold the shape without looking too flat or fine. A dirty blonde shade with dark roots and platinum tips lends itself to the style’s shaggy-chic vibes.
@rodrigopimenta_hair
A long messy bob is charming when worn as a free-flowing hairstyle, but with this length you can also pull your locks up and enjoy a variety of creative updos. Balayage is used almost in every modern look, because it really adds a lot to any basic style.
@kittydoeshair
A messy texture always pairs well with light waves. In this case your messy hairstyle looks maximally natural and effortless. Sun-kissed balayage is an optimal hair color for such a texture. And, of course, it’s beautiful when your tousled waves stop right above the shoulders, grazing your collarbone and softly framing your face.
@buddywporter
If Marilyn Monroe needed her hair styled in the present, we can almost guarantee she’d rock this haircut. A wavy texture and buttery blonde color with bright highlights are refreshing in their clean simplicity, and the bob cut keeps it modern and stylish.
@kearybladel
Not all shorter hairstyles have to fall into the category of super-short or super-long, blunt cut or layered. Pair a straight across cut with bangs and wispy V-layers, add a platinum blonde hue and darker roots to achieve a unique, customized look.
@buddywporter
Metallic makeup and clothing often flash on runways and red carpets. So, why shouldn’t the trend be applied to short messy haircuts, too? We recommend weaving shades of dark brown, purple and grey throughout.
@rebeccataylorhair
This brown blonde bob is ultra modern and super chic thanks to its texture and color. A medium shaggy cut is the base to start with. And then you just choose a hair color you love and style some loose random waves. Blending ombre and balayage in one style is often a very good idea.
@stylist.dana
Layers and the right length of your bob haircut are the factors that guarantee beautiful texture, even if you do not spent time on styling on a daily basis. This haircut works equally great for fine and thick hair. Bangs are a harmonious compliment to the cut.
@modernsalon
This short messy hair is all about layers and color nuances. Try gentle, sweeping highlights across your crown and through the tips, in addition to wispy layers for extra volume. After drying, finish with a texturizing mist and light hold hair spray to achieve an unkempt (but still sexy) appearance.
@kccarhart
Thinking of a quality messy bob haircut, keep in mind choppy layers that can be either rough and chunky or delicate and finely chopped. Make your choice depending on your facial features and, certainly, you can’t neglect your hair type.
@singi.vo
This trendy bob is perfect for those who don’t mind making a bold statement. The style works best on fine to medium-textured hair, and will make fine hair look thicker than it actually is thanks to its one-length cut. Use a styling putty or hair wax to create the dishevelled, messy texture.
@modernsalon
A long messy bob is sometimes better than its shorter counterpart, because you get more freedom to sport different hairstyles, including updos, while a free-flowing hairdo like in the photo is still a very pretty option you’ll enjoy when being short on time or styling inspiration.
@erin_mckay
A blunt bob doesn’t have to be so prim and proper. Barely-there waves, like the ones in this messy bob, give off a relaxed and casual vibe. Using a flat iron to give your strands a bit of a bend makes it easy to re-create this look.
@noemiehair
A messy bob with layers is initially easy to style, since the ends of the layers give you some cute natural flicks. If you want to enhance them and create more depth within your locks, consider caramel, dark blonde or light brown balayage for dark brown hair.
@modernsalon
Messy waves sometimes look rather rough, but a wispy bob with tousled waves is traditionally feminine and tender. An excellent way to upgrade a traditional style is to pick a trendy hair color, like silver blonde or light ash brown.
@eshed_dahan
Every girl who hasn’t got long locks or extra short hair, wants a gorgeous wavy brown blonde bob like this. It’s a truly harmonious style with bouncy waves and lovely, smooth transitions of hair hues, close to natural ones and appealing to the eye.
@hairbyamberjoy
This long shag will work for fine and medium textured hair. Style with a texturizer and no previous combing to preserve the natural pattern of every lock. The messy has never been so pretty! Want more visual volume? Subtle balayage is the key thing.
@matthewdoeshair
Unlike the flawless teased bobs of the past which were heavily backcombed and then covered with a smoothed out top layer, the modern teased bob has no secrets hidden beneath. It’s pointedly messy and imperfect. Such a texture looks best when you have a shaped haircut, like this cute rounded bob, for instance.
@itsmebethb_
To make sure a medium length bob doesn’t appear too mom-like, make it shaggy and effortless when styling. Apply a salt spray to those piece-y layers to rough up the look without styling curls, and consider classic straight-across bangs to contrast the rest of the texture.
@jusbelezaeestetica
Bobs are often classified as carefree and messy, but elegant curls can offer a more polished approach, while a slightly disheveled finish keeps things from looking too “done”. The angled cut paired with a traditional wave is a fun look for a big event or day at work.
@lobaocontrasthair
A short messy bob is easy to style and maintain with hair care and styling products suitable for your hair type. And although it looks rather destructed in texture with disconnected, uneven ends sticking out in different directions, its silhouette is readable and highly appealing.
@shelleygregoryhair
Shaggy ends and soft flowing waves are a winning combo, as this hairstyle demonstrates. Style some random loose waves with a curling iron or a straightener, leaving the ends straight for the cute fringy lower edge. A bit of honey-colored balayage highlights will only bring in more charm into your final look.
@hairby_casandra
The layered bright blonde waves are reminiscent of Christina Aguilera’s bob. The face-framing waves aren’t too curly but have just enough texture and body to create a thick and voluminous bob that seems to be healthy and vibrant.
@lorietherrien
Universally flattering for nearly all face shapes and hair textures, angled bob haircuts present the perfect mixture of polished and edgy. To create this style, opt for a volumizing mousse before drying. Next, move piece-by-piece to style 1” sections of hair with a straightening iron, finishing with a light hold hairspray.
@hairbynoora
If an idea of rocking bright, pastel wavy bob hairstyles makes you slightly nervous, but you still want to try something fresh color-wise, dark violet tresses are your best bet. Gentler under natural daytime lighting than lavender hues, this bold color will undoubtedly help you stand out in a slightly understated way.
@nikki_makes_hair
When choosing a color for messy bob hairstyles, grey might seem like a stretch — after all, the most typical protocol for grey hair is to cover it. But thanks to countless beauty bloggers and fashion-forward celebs, the color is making a serious entrance. Try mixing blonde and brown shades for a more natural appearance.
@kuthaus_claremont
This cut and color are giving us serious #beachhairgoals. To achieve the sexy beach girl appearance, insert gentle highlights throughout, with a lighter concentration in the front. We suggest alternating larger and smaller waves for a natural, slightly undone finish.
@romeufelipe
Not all short hair comes paired with wild hues and textures. Casual short haircuts, including the one pictured here, provide an effortless, classically understated look that is surprisingly low maintenance. Straighten small sections of your hair piece-by-piece to add gentle waves, and finish with a setting spray.
@christinesilvermancolor
If it’s your first time with short hair, a long bob, or lob, is the safest option to try. When hair is about shoulder length, it can be styled as easily as longer hair, so keep it sweet and simple with waves or opt for braids, buns, ponytails and more to change it up.
@salon.nine
Messy bob is a true hairstyle gift of our time. Quick effortless styling and charming natural looks are something contemporary girls on the go heartily welcome and enjoy. So, let’s take advantage and make the best out of the current hair trend!
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