From the laid-back French bob to the endlessly versatile lob, there seems to be an endless array of bob hairstyles to suit everyone, but the shaggy bob is arguably the coolest interpretation of them all.
“The shaggy bob is the perfect fusion of sophistication and ease—it takes the precision of a classic bob and adds a modern, undone texture,” says Jordan Jones, color director and stylist at Taylor Taylor London.
Tosin Johnson, stylist at Afro hair salon SimplyGorgeous, agrees. “Shaggy bobs are great for getting that undone glam. They’re about edge but also a softness,” Johnson tells ELLE. “It’s giving ’70s soul with a modern twist. We love them because they celebrate texture and movement.”
What is a shaggy bob?
Unlike the sleek graduated bob or the retro-chic Italian bob, the shaggy bob is a beautiful chaos of natural, lived-in texture, volume, and choppy layers.
“What makes it particularly appealing is its relaxed vibe. It’s effortlessly cool, yet still polished enough to feel put together—only getting better as it grows out. It’s rebellious yet refined, with that subtle rock ’n’ roll edge that feels current without trying too hard,” says Jones. “Shaggy bobs are perfect for people who love volume, texture, and a little bit of carefree attitude to their style. When it comes to Afro hair, it’s best when the hair is ideally stretched or straightened or on a wig or weave.”
Why should you get a shaggy bob?
Thanks to its undone, layered nature, the shaggy bob requires less upkeep than a more precise haircut such as the blunt bob. It’s also a versatile chop that can easily be tailored to your hair type and facial features.
“Whether you’re looking to soften a square jawline or bring balance to a rounder face, the right placement of layers can completely transform the effect,” says Jones, who often recommends the style to clients who prefer haircuts that are high on impact and low on maintenance. “It’s especially great for those who want movement and volume without a lot of effort,” Jones adds.
How to cut a shaggy bob
A great hairstylist will respect and enhance the natural texture of your hair, no matter what the haircut is. There really is no one-size-fits-all approach.
“The key is to customize. For looser curls or waves, we might razor or point-cut to enhance movement. For tighter curls and coils, we cut dry so we can see exactly how the shape falls in real life—that way, we preserve volume and definition,” shares Johnson, who notes that this hairstyle is truly about working with “what your hair naturally wants to do.”
“We usually work in sections, carving out layers that frame the face and release the weight.” On curls and coils, we go curl by curl to respect the pattern and bounce,” they add.
According to Jones, the shaggy style is a game-changer for anyone looking for a bob haircut for thin hair, as the light layers add volume and create the illusion of fullness. “Strategic layering can add volume without sacrificing body. Texturizing products and clever cutting techniques also help build the shape without thinning it too much,” he says.
For thicker hair, a good shaggy bob can help remove excess bulk. “Strategically placed longer layers can reduce heaviness without making the style look boxy or overstyled,” adds Jones.
How do style a shaggy bob
A great cut should do a majority of the work for you. “Let the hair live!” concurs Johnson, who recommends a lightweight curl cream to define curls without weighing them down and a diffuser to restore body. “If you’ve got tighter Afro curls, a soft twist-out or finger coiling in a few key places can bring extra definition where you want it,” adds Johnson.
If your hair is straight, try using a curling wand to introduce movement to the lengths. “Sea salt sprays or texture mists are also ideal for adding body and definition. The key is to keep the finish relaxed and lived-in,” says Jones, so resist the temptation to do too much.
On finer hair, the combination of mousse and texture spray will deliver lift and volume, while diffusing on low speed with a heat-protectant cream helps enhance natural waves and manage volume for thick hair types.
What is the difference between shaggy and layered bobs?
Essentially, the shaggy bob appears much more deconstructed, with shorter, choppier layers while a classic layered bob tends to have more blended, longer layers. Most shaggy bobs also fall into the “bob with bangs” category.
“Where the layered bob offers elegance, the shaggy bob delivers character and a bit of rebellious charm,” says Jones. We couldn’t agree more.
ELLE Edit: Shaggy Bob
The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam
moroccanoil Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream, 2.53 Fl. Oz.
Amika Un.done Volume & Matte Texture Spray
From: ELLE UK
