You know that moment when you look in the mirror and think, “Okay, it’s definitely time for a change”? That was me last summer—staring at my flat, lifeless hair like it had betrayed me.
So, I did what any curly-haired gal in a mini-crisis would do: I Googled curly bob hairstyles at 2 a.m. And let me tell you—best impulsive decision ever. It was like discovering the holy grail of volume, bounce, and sass. Short, chic, and endlessly playful? Sign me up!
In this post, I’m breaking down 20 curly bob hairstyles that don’t just look amazing—they actually work. Whether your curls are soft and wavy or tight and springy, there’s a curly bob with your name on it.
I’ve personally tried half of these styles (yes, really—shoutout to my trusty diffuser and that one time I overdid the mousse), and I’ll walk you through what flatters your face shape, what keeps your curls happy, and how to style each look without needing a glam squad.
Amazon Finds That Changed My Hair Game
1. Defined Curly Bob
Ah, the defined curly bob—aka the hairstyle that finally made me fall in love with my curls instead of trying to “tame” them.
This look is all about enhancing your natural curl pattern with shape, structure, and just enough bounce to make strangers ask, “What’s your routine?” (True story: it happened at Target.)
If you’re exploring more ways to style your curls, check out these curly haircuts for fresh inspiration.
2. Side-Parted Curly Bob
The side-parted curly bob is my go-to when I want to feel extra dramatic with minimal effort.
Shifting your part even slightly to the side gives your curls instant volume and flair—like your hair is throwing a little attitude (in the best way).
This style flatters almost every face shape, but it’s especially great for round faces since the side part elongates the look.
Want more options? Browse these side-part hairstyles for women.
3. Voluminous Curly Bob
If you want your curls to enter the room before you do, this is the look.
The voluminous curly bob is all about that big, bold, unapologetic shape—and I live for it.
It’s perfect for naturally thick or dense curls that don’t like to be tamed.
I like to flip my head upside down while diffusing to really max out volume.
For more shape-boosting cuts, these layered haircuts for volume are worth a peek.
4. Curly Bob with Bangs
Okay, I’ll admit—I was terrified of curly bangs at first. But once I took the plunge? Total game-changer.
A curly bob with bangs adds instant personality and softness around the face, especially if you’ve got high cheekbones or a long forehead.
Just be sure to shape the bangs while they’re dry so you can see how the curl pattern falls naturally.
5. Half-Up Curly Bob
The half-up curly bob is my lazy day hero.
It’s one of my favorite curly bob hairstyles because it keeps curls out of your face while still showing off all that natural volume.
I wear this when I’m working from home but still want to look cute on Zoom without committing to a full style.
Use a scrunchie or small claw clip to secure the top half.
6. Textured Curly Bob
Think of the textured curly bob as the “cool girl” of curly hairstyles.
It’s not overly styled, not too neat—just effortlessly tousled curls that say, “Yeah, I woke up like this.”
Great for beachy waves or loose ringlets that don’t want to follow the rules.
I usually go in with a sea salt spray on second-day hair to refresh and rough it up a bit.
7. Curly Bob with Headband
When I want to look put together in under 60 seconds, I grab a headband.
A curly bob with headband combo is cute, functional, and low-effort—especially on a wash day when my curls are a little… unpredictable.
Thick cloth headbands work best for texture, but skinny ones add a retro vibe.
8. Loose Curl Bob Style
Not all curly bobs need high definition. This loose curl bob style is perfect if you’ve got waves or soft curls that don’t always cooperate.
It’s relaxed, romantic, and ideal for casual days or when you want a little movement without full glam.
I find it works best with layered ends to avoid a triangle shape.
9. Curly Bob with Hair Clips
Hair clips are having a major moment, and I am so here for it. A curly bob with hair clips is playful and practical—especially when you’re growing out your bangs or side pieces.
I like to pin one side back with a bold barrette for that asymmetrical, edgy vibe.
Go for metallics or colorful clips to match your outfit.
10. Asymmetrical Curly Bob
Want to look effortlessly fashion-forward? The asymmetrical curly bob has entered the chat.
This cut features one side longer than the other, giving your curls a modern, stylish edge that’s super flattering on oval and square faces.
It’s especially chic with tighter curls or coils.
11. Curly Bob with Scrunchie
Yes, the humble scrunchie is still a curly girl’s best friend.
I often wear my curly bob in a loose half-pineapple using a silk scrunchie to avoid breakage. It’s practical, protective, and gives a cute 90s vibe.
Great for gym days or Netflix marathons—honestly, I might be wearing this look right now.
12. Middle-Part Curly Bob
Switching to a middle-part curly bob felt like a rebellion against everything my mom told me about face symmetry.
But hear me out—it works. It brings balance to the face and creates a sleek, minimalistic aesthetic even with voluminous curls.
I like to define the part when my hair’s wet and let it dry naturally for a clean finish.
13. Curly Bob with Pin Tuck
For something a little vintage and polished, I love a curly bob with pin tuck.
It’s simple: just tuck one side behind your ear and secure it with a discreet pin or bobby. Elegant, easy, and very French-girl chic.
I wear this when I want to show off earrings or fake the illusion of a side shave without the commitment.
Pair this look with one of these messy updo ideas for a playful transition to evening glam.
14. Bouncy Curly Bob
Nothing says healthy curls like bounce. The bouncy curly bob is vibrant, youthful, and full of movement.
If your curls are springy and love to show off, this is your style.
I use a curl-enhancing foam and diffuse with medium heat to avoid weighing the hair down.
15. Curly Bob with Braided Accent
If you’re feeling creative, add a small braid to your curly bob for a boho twist.
I’ll braid a tiny section near my temple and pin it back for a subtle but fun detail.
This look works great for festivals, date nights, or just switching things up mid-week.
Try more braid-friendly ideas with these easy messy braided hairstyles.
16. Soft Curl Layered Bob
Layers in a bob? Absolutely yes. A soft curl layered bob gives your curls room to move without turning your head into a pyramid.
It’s especially flattering for thick or coarse curls that need shape and lift.
Ask your stylist for graduated layers and avoid razor cuts. I love how this style makes my curls look intentional—even on frizzier days.
17. Curly Bob with Side Sweep
This is my flirty-date-night favorite. The curly bob with side sweep takes about 10 seconds to do but gives that instant romantic look.
Just sweep one side of your hair across your forehead and pin it behind your ear.
A little volume on top makes it even more glam. Perfect with bold lipstick or dramatic earrings.
18. Tight Curl Bob Look
If your curls are tight, coily, or Type 4, the tight curl bob is your power move. It’s structured, gorgeous, and puts your natural texture front and center.
I love how defined this style looks when you shape it into a rounded or slightly tapered bob.
Deep conditioning is a must here to keep curls juicy and full of life.
19. Curly Bob with Ribbon
There’s something delightfully retro about a curly bob with ribbon.
Whether it’s a black velvet ribbon or a satin bow, it turns any curly hairstyle into something sweet and feminine.
I tie it at the base of a pony or use it as a headband. It’s giving Audrey Hepburn—but make it curly.
20. Diffused Curly Bob
The diffused curly bob is the ultimate wash-and-go champion.
If you’ve got curls that frizz when air-dried, a diffuser is your best friend.
It defines, volumizes, and gives you that “fresh from the salon” finish at home.
I always use a heat protectant and dry my roots first to lock in volume.
