How to Rock a Stacked Bob Haircut

If there’s one thing we know to be true, it’s that everything old is new again—and the stacked bob is a prime example of that. The bob haircut first became popular in the early 1900s, then became a huge hit again in the 1960s (thanks to the supermodels of the day), and is now back in favor once more. These days, though, there are plenty of fresh new ways to wear this short hairstyle, like in an asymmetrical hair cut or—our favorite—the stacked layered bob. Keep reading to learn all about the stacked bob haircut, including how you can get one that flatters your hair type and how to style it for an on-trend beauty look.

WHAT IS A STACKED BOB?

In case you need a refresher, the traditional bob haircut is one that is cropped at jaw level. The stacked bob, on the other hand, can vary a bit in length. A short stacked bob resembles that classic look, ending at jaw level, while a long stacked bob falls a bit lower, ending around an inch or so above your shoulder. Aside from length, a stacked bob haircut also varies in the cut itself. While a traditional bob is usually one length, a stacked bob has stacked layers in the back. What that really means: With this bob haircut, your hair is angled and longer in the front and shorter and rounded at the back with gradual layers for a textured, voluminous finish. Sounds pretty, doesn’t it? We certainly think so!

WHO DOES A STACKED BOB LOOK BEST ON?

Just about anyone can wear a stacked bob and have it look great—it’s all about finding the right version of this hairstyle trend for your hair type and texture. Stacked bobs work particularly well for those with thin hair since they can help add volume thanks to the cut being A-line and featuring layers. That being said, having thick or curly hair doesn’t mean you can’t sport a stacked bob—with the right layering technique, you can absolutely pull off this haircut without having it make your hair look too poufy. Talk to your stylist about what you want out of a stacked bob so that you leave the salon happy. Make sure to bring inspiration photos with you so that your stylist has a good sense of what you want your stacked bob to look like. It’s certainly not a one-size-fits-all cut!

HOW DO YOU STYLE A STACKED BOB?

One of the reasons why we love the stacked bob so much is that there are a variety of ways to style it, from smooth and sleek to carefree and wavy. Keep reading for tips on creating both looks, depending on your preference. A stacked bob is versatile, so you can wear it smooth one day and curly the next. It’s all about how you’re feeling! A straight, sleek look requires more work because you’ll have to blow-dry your hair, while a beachy stacked bob is easily achievable as you can just let your hair air dry to get the look. Want some style inspiration? Below, find five ways to style a stacked bob.

STACKED BOB STYLE OPTION #1: SMOOTH AND SLEEK

Want a sleek ‘do? Here’s how to get a slick stacked bob look.

Step #1: Prep your strands. To execute this look, it’s important to start with a smoothing shampoo and conditioner, like the L’Oréal Paris EverSleek Keratin Caring Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverSleek Keratin Caring Conditioner. You know what they say—good hair starts in the shower!

Step #2: Smooth it out. Apply a frizz-fighting hair serum, like the L’Oréal Paris EverSleek Frizz Finish Oil-In-Serum, and blow-dry your hair smooth with a round brush. Take your time doing so as to create super-sleek, smooth layers throughout your stacked bob.

Step #3: Seal the deal. Smooth any leftover frizz or flyaways with a bit more hair spray, then finish with a generous mist of the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray. How edgy and chic!

STACKED BOB STYLE OPTION #2: CAREFREE AND WAVY

Want something a little more effortless? Give beachy, air-dried waves a try.

Step #1: Wash your hair. Hop into the shower and wash your hair with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz-Defy Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz-Defy Conditioner.

Step #2: Grab your wave spray. Once you’re done with that, blot your hair dry with a cotton T-shirt, then spritz your damp hair with the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Wave Swept Spray. Weave your damp strands into a traditional three-strand braid.

Step #3: Wait it out. Let your hair air dry, remove the braid, then rake your fingers through your hair to tousle your waves. All done!

STACKED BOB STYLE OPTION #3: MESSY AND TEXTURIZED

If you want to go full-blown messy, give this texturized, bedhead look a shot!

Step #1: Wash and rinse. You know the drill. Start by shampooing and conditioning your locks. Give the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner a try.

Step #2: Define your layers. Once your strands are dry, grab a hair pomade or paste, like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Overworked Hair Putty, and get to work! Take a dime-sized amount of putty, rub it between your palms, and work it throughout your mane, focusing on your stacked layers. Add more product as needed, tousling your strands to complete your messy look.

STACKED BOB STYLE OPTION #4: BOUNCY AND CURLY

If you have naturally curly hair, you may be wondering about the best way to style your curls after getting a stacked bob haircut. Here’s what to do.

Step #1: Prep your hair. Start your style in the shower by washing your strands with the L’Oréal Paris EverCurl HydraCharge Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverCurl Hydra Charge Conditioner.

Step #2: Tame your curls. Apply the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Curve It Curl Taming Cream to damp strands to help soften, tame, and define your curls. Then, blow-dry your hair—upside down—with a hair diffuser. Flip your hair back over and show off your curly stacked bob.

STACKED BOB STYLE OPTION #5: FLIRTY AND VOLUMIZED

Last but not least, consider giving your stacked bob some body and life with a voluminous hairstyle.

Step #1: Hop in the shower. Start with clean, voluminous strands by washing your hair with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Volume Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Volume Conditioner.

Step #2: Boost your roots. For a volumized stacked bob hairstyle, the key is to focus the majority of the volume at your roots. This is because the hair at the back of your head should already have a good amount of volume from your layered cut. To boost your roots, grab the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT High Lift Creation Spray. Spritz the volume spray onto your roots to give them instant lift. Oh la la!

Step #3: Lift your length. While the length of your cut won’t be in need of too much extra volume, use the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Boost It Air-Blown Texture Mist to add body where needed.

The stacked bob isn’t the only trendy, layered hairstyle of the moment. For more haircut inspiration, here are The 40 Best Layered Haircuts.