An inverted bob, also known as a graduated bob, is a distinctive and stylish haircut. Unlike other bobs, it features a unique cutting technique where the nape is cut in an arc around the neck, creating a stacked and tapered crown for added volume. The center back is slightly shorter, and the hair gradually lengthens toward the front, starting about half an inch behind the ears. This creates a soft, thick nape and longer, textured pieces that fall forward. Viewed from behind, the haircut resembles a horseshoe shape.
Now that you know what sets the graduated bob apart, let’s explore fashionable ways to rock this versatile style! Each look below includes who it suits best, what hair textures work well, and simple styling and maintenance tips so the cut stays sharp between salon visits.
Medium Inverted Bob for Soft, Light Curls
This medium inverted bob shows how layering and blonde balayage add instant dimension to soft curls. The stacked back builds volume at the crown, while the longer front pieces frame the face and keep the silhouette feminine. It suits wavy to curly textures and oval, round, or heart-shaped faces that benefit from a little length around the cheeks. Diffuse with a curl cream and finish with a light oil to define spirals without weighing them down. Maintenance is easy—schedule a trim every 6–8 weeks to keep the graduation crisp and the curls bouncy.
Layered Inverted Bob Transformation
This multi-layered inverted bob delivers that trending “undone” texture with a polished outline. The shorter, stacked back lifts fine hair, while the face-framing lengths soften jawlines and cheekbones. A peachy or warm copper glaze highlights skin tone and makes the movement of the layers pop. It flatters straight to slightly wavy hair and is great for round and square faces seeking subtle elongation. Blow-dry with a round brush for smooth volume, then add a texturizing spray to accent the airy layers.
Angled Short Curly Bob with Extra Lift
This angled short curly bob uses a tight stack at the back to create height and fullness through the crown. Longer pieces at the front sweep forward to spotlight the eyes and cheekbones for a flattering, modern shape. It’s a smart pick for naturally curly or permed textures and anyone with fine curls who wants a thicker-looking silhouette. Scrunch in a curl-defining mousse and diffuse on low heat to keep curls frizz-free and lifted. Refresh on day two with a hydrating curl mist and a few finger-wrapped spirals.
Inverted Bob in Jet Black, Sleek and Polished
Go ultra-sleek with a jet-black inverted bob that shows off every angle of the cut. The sharply stacked nape flows into longer, face-framing pieces for a refined, editorial finish. This version shines on naturally straight or easily smoothed hair and complements oval, heart, and diamond face shapes. Prep with a heat protectant, blow-dry smooth, and pass a flat iron once for glassy shine. A drop of serum at the ends keeps the look glossy and prevents flyaways.
Inverted Bob with Fringe and Lived-In Texture
A wispy fringe adds playful movement to this softly inverted bob. Layering around the crown builds volume, while the side-swept bangs blend seamlessly into the longer front pieces. Blonde highlights brighten the overall look and give the fringe a feather-light finish. It suits fine to medium hair and balances longer or oval faces by shortening the forehead visually. Dry with a vent brush for lift, then tousle with a matte paste for that effortless, messy-chic vibe.
Inverted Bob with Bangs and Face-Framing Layers
Soft, side-swept bangs and gentle layers give this inverted bob a fresh, youthful edge. The graduation at the back lifts the crown, while the brighter pieces around the face mimic the effect of a subtle balayage. It’s ideal for straight to wavy hair and particularly flattering on heart and round face shapes. Blow-dry the bangs with a small round brush for a smooth bend, then add a light texturizer through the ends. Keep trims regular to maintain the bang length and the bob’s precise shape.
Short Layered Bob with Stacked Back
This short layered bob features a dramatic stacked nape for that coveted wedge effect. The back is cropped close to maximize lift, while the sides sweep longer to create a graceful, elongated profile. It’s a go-to for fine or medium hair and complements round, square, and heart-shaped faces. Style by blow-drying the nape with a round brush to build volume, then smooth the sides for contrast. A light hold spray will keep the structure crisp without stiffness.
Short Layered Bob with Bangs in Pastel Tones
Pair a short layered bob with soft bangs and a pastel hue for a modern, fashion-forward twist. The stacking through the back builds volume, while the fringe softens the forehead and highlights the eyes. Pastel pinks and lilacs work beautifully on cool skin tones and add instant personality. Best for straight to slightly wavy hair, this cut is easy to style with a blow-dry and a bit of smoothing cream. Touch up color glosses regularly to keep pastel shades fresh and luminous.
Casual Stacked Bob with Beachy Waves
This casual stacked bob proves how versatile the inverted shape can be. A centered or soft off-center part keeps things balanced, while loose beach waves add movement and texture. The stacked back gives instant crown lift, making fine hair appear fuller. Use a heat-protecting texture spray, blow-dry rough for grit, then bend the mid-lengths with a curling wand. Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray so the waves stay touchable and airy.
Long Inverted Bob (Lob) with Subtle Graduation
A longer inverted bob—often called a lob—keeps the front lengths below the chin for extra versatility. The graduation at the back is softer, offering volume without losing length. Caramel ribbons and bright blonde pieces enhance texture and give the cut a sunlit glow. It suits straight, wavy, or softly curled hair and flatters round and square faces by elongating the neckline. Style with a center or deep side part and finish with a lightweight shine spray for a polished, wearable look.
