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We asked three celebrity hair experts how to style the cut.
The bob haircut is one of those classic styles that never disappoint. Perhaps most notable about the cut is not only its wearability but also its adaptability. The bob has remained relevant thanks to its constant evolution à la hybrid styles and spinoffs. Among them? The inverted bob. Fresh, modern, and versatile, this graphic cut features shorter hair at the back of the head that gradually lengthens toward the front along a gradient.
Regardless of your hair type, texture, and face shape, you can pull off an inverted bob haircut. The key, of course, is tailoring it to your features and personal taste. For instance, this style cuts a sharp angle, which can be more or less dramatic depending on whether it's worn straight or wavy. With that in mind, we asked a trio of pros—hairstylists Nelson Solivan, Vernon François, and Joseph Maine—to share their expertise on the cut.
Meet the expert
- Vernon François is a celebrity hairdresser, educator, and founder of Vernon François Haircare.
- Nelson Solivan is a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago.
- Joseph Maine is a celebrity hairstylist based in Los Angeles.
Keep scrolling for 15 of our favorite inverted bob haircuts.
Cropped Curls
Joey King's inverted bob is a masterclass in beautiful bouncy curls. “To achieve her look, use a 1-inch curling iron,” Solivan says. “For added texture, alternate every other curl past the ear. Finish the look off with a texturizing spray."
Lots of Volume
Ciara's swooping side part adds instant volume—not to mention, a face-framing effect—to her inverted bob. It will work wonders on limp, fine tresses. To keep angles fresh and defined, regular trims every six to eight weeks are recommended.
Curls for Days
A curly inverted bob, like Yara Shahidi’s here, combines the boldness of the cut with the natural volume of her coily texture. Style the look with a curl cream to define and enhance curls (read: all bounce, no frizz). And don’t forget to stay on top of a weekly deep conditioning treatment for good measure.
Relaxed Waves
Kaia Gerber’s wavy ‘do breaks up the structure of an inverted bob. “You can recreate her style with a flat iron,” says Solivan. “Prepping the hair for this look is essential. I like to use Invisible Defense Universal Protection Hair Spray by Oribe. Then, you can style it by bending the hair for a curl effect.”
When using your flat iron, start about halfway down your hair strand, so that the style stays smooth up top.
Asymmetrical Bob
Changing up her hair is Taraji P. Henson's MO—and this asymmetrical style of hers is chef's kiss. “You can tuck one side behind your ear for an asymmetrical vibe or accessorize with hairpins to elevate the look," Maine says. "Remember, the key to a great inverted bob is to work with the cut's natural shape and angles. Since everyone's hair is different, it might take some trial and error to find the products and techniques that work best for you.”
Tucked and Polished
For a tidy take on the inverted bob, look no further than Katie Holmes, whose side bangs are the perfect complement to this shiny, blown-out look. “To recreate this style, I would use a larger round brush to get that long and subtle bend in the hair,” says Solivan. He also recommends applying Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream to land shine and mask split ends.
Perfectly Undone
For Eiza Gonzalez’s soft, textured take, Maine recommends using a curling iron to add loose waves or curls to the longer sections of the hair: “My favorite iron for these looks is The Sunny Styler from Trademark Beauty. Its slim design makes it easy to both straighten or curl short hair, and its air cooling feature reduces thermal damage and locks in the style.”
Face-Framing
Jodie Turner-Smith’s sleek, sharp-edged bob with bangs earns her hair Hall of Fame status. According to Maine, this look typically requires some heat so make sure you prep it with a heat protectant spray before styling. “My favorite heat protectant is the Dream Coat Supernatural Spray Anti-Frizz Treatment by Color Wow. It protects from thermal damage and humidity while adding a ton of shine.”
Long Bob
Selena Gomez flaunts an inverted lob that can easily be styled with a good boar bristle brush and a blow dryer. “The key to finishing a look like this with no flyaways is going over the hair with a hairspray and a brush,” Solivan says. “I start by spraying my Mason Pearson brush with Superfine Strong Hair Spray from Oribe. Then, I lightly brush the hair, root to ends, to keep any flyaways down.”
Choppy Yet Elegant
Jennifer Lawrence’s stunning platinum bob combines the edginess of the inverted cut with the allure of choppy waves, creating a chic and carefree look. To style, apply a texturizing spray to enhance the waves and create a tousled effect, then use a flat iron to add definition and polish.
Très Chic
Lizzo’s inverted French bob is totally on trend, especially alongside her ’90s beauty look. To play up volume, Maine suggests gently teasing the hair at the roots with a fine-tooth comb. But be careful not to overdo it, as this can lead to breakage.
Wet Look
Tyla’s wet, tousled hairstyle from the 2024 Met Gala was the perfect accessory to her nearly-naked Balmain sand dress. They key to this undone look? A lightweight cream like the Vernon François Styling Cream, which will give you a light hold and a healthy moisturized finish.
"S" Waves
“S” waves soften up Karlie Kloss’s inverted bob while also boosting body. “You can use a tool like the Babe Waves hair waver from Trademark Beauty to create the shape,” says Solivan. “To prep the hair, I use the L’incroyable Blow-Dry Reshapable Hair Lotion from Kérastase. Its 450-degree heat protection will keep the integrity of your hair.”
Micro Bangs
Recreate Halle Berry's inverted bob by using a texturizing spray or serum to enhance the layers, and a flat iron or curling wand to create soft waves and define the wispy fringe. As for the fashion-forward micro bangs? Be prepared for frequent trips to the hair salon, Solivan says.
Honey Blonde Wig
If you’re curious about an inverted bob haircut but aren’t ready to go for the big chop, take Mary J. Blige’s lead; opt for a non-commital wig version instead. This sleek honey-blonde wig allows you a quick, stylish transformation sans shears.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the inverted bob suit every face shape?
Our experts agree that the inverted bob can work on any face shape as long as it's tailored to your individual characteristics. “I’ve never really subscribed to the idea that a haircut can only work for one face shape,” Solivan says. “This, like every other haircut, can be tailored to the individual in so many different ways.”
- Does the inverted bob work on all textures and densities?
“The inverted bob is best suited to straight, wavy, or curly hair with loose-to-medium intensity curls that are well moisturized to help keep the dimension of the hairstyle,” François says. “Some weight is needed towards the front of the hair to keep the shape of an inverted bob, meaning it’s less suited to tightly curled or coily hair, which springs up more.” The stylist adds that the volume of your hair shouldn’t be an issue as an experienced hairstylist will be able to boost or lessen it to suit your hair and face shape.
- What’s the best way to maintain an inverted bob?
This cut isn’t for the yearly haircut goer. “Cuts like this will need a visit to your nearest salon about every other month or so, depending on how your shape holds up,” Solivan says. “How often you have to go to the salon will depend on the rate at which your hair grows,” adds François.