21 braided bob hairstyles we love for every face shape

In the market for braided bob hairstyles? Here’s all the information and inspiration you need

braided bob hairstyles main stylized image of kiki layne on red carpet
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Braided bob hairstyles are a perfect look if you need a short break from styling your textured hair. Not only do they help prevent you from pulling, combing, —or otherwise touching—your tresses, they also keep you from using heat on your hair, which helps prevent damage. 

While those are all upsides, there are some negative aspects of these bob hairstyles to watch out for. Not only do longer braided styles take more time and require more braiding, they can also weigh down your natural hair, putting pressure on the scalp and the follicles. 

Amandla Stenberg in a braided bob hairstyle

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Luckily, with shorter braided bobs, such as the French bob or Italian bob, the weight is significantly less and the styles look just as good, making a case for putting down your best hair straighteners in favor of some pretty plaits. More and more women, like Amandla Stenberg and Kiki Layne, are enjoying the versatility of short hairstyles for women incorporating box and crochet braids. Women are opting to wear them down, embellished, in half-updos, with colored extensions, and even with loose ends, creating a myriad of unique looks and textures.

Best braided bob hairstyles—21 looks we love

1. Bob box braids

Face shape: heart | Type: box braids

2. Neck-length braided bob hairstyle

Face shape: round or oval | Type: box braids

3. Crochet bob hairstyle

Face shape: round or heart | Type: crochet box braids

4. Box braids, bob style

Face shape: round or oval | Type: box braids

5. Knotless box braids

Face shape: round or heart | Type: box braids

6. Knotted box braids

Face shape: any | Type: box braids

7. Bejeweled braided bob

Face shape: any | Type: box braids with hair rings and gems

8. Knotted with hair clips

Face shape: oval | Type: box braids with clips

9. Braids with faux locs

Face shape: any | Type: box braids, faux dreadlocs

10. Half-up braided space buns

Face shape: any, but especially round | Type: box braids with gems

11. Beaded braids

Face shape: heart | Type: box braids with beads

12. Shoulder-length bob braids

Face shape: oval | Type: box braids

13. Half braid-out

Face shape: any | Type: box braids with loose ends

14. Crochet lob with clips

Face shape: square or round | Type: crochet box braids with clips

15. Knotted braided lob with hair rings

Face shape: oval or heart | Type: box braids with hair rings

16. Thick braided lob

Face shape: round | Type: box braids

17. Micro braids with loose ends

Face shape: heart or round | Type: box braids with loose ends

18. Curled box braids

Face shape: any | Type: box braids

19. Curved lob with clips

Face shape: round | Type: box braids with hair clips

20. Tree braids

Face shape: round or oval | Type: box braids with loose ends

21. Half-up embellished lob

Face shape: all | Type: box braids with hair gems and headscarf


How to care for your hair before creating braided bob hairstyles

Like with any braided style, pre-care is important—you won’t be able to look after your hair as you normally would while it’s braided away. “Indulge in a strengthening hair mask on your last wash day before your appointment,” says Lorraine Dublin, celebrity hairstylist and co-owner of My Hair Bar. Anything rich in protein will help fortify your strands while they are in a protective style. We love having one of these best hair masks on hand for exactly that purpose.

Scalp care and braided bobs

Scalp care is crucial when donning a protective style like braided bobs. If you're prone to an itchy or flaky scalp, you might find it irritated due to the tightness of the braids at first. Keep your scalp hydrated with a soothing root spray, like Bouclème Root Refresh. These mists are especially great post-workout if your scalp gets particularly sweaty, because washing your hair often when in braids isn’t recommended or it'll run the risk of frizzing and taking apart the braids.

Our beauty editors recommend...

Image

Bouclème Root Refresh | RRP: $30/£22

Aimed at those with dry, irritable, and even sensitive scalps, it's the curly-girl's dry shampoo and is the perfect post-workout refresher, or just when your scalp needs a bit of TLC when wearing braids. 

Choosing the best braided bob hairstyles for you

Just like with any other bob hairstyles, you have to take your head shape into account—but luckily, there's a braided bob style for every face type. 

Something you also have to consider is how versatile you need your braided bob to be. If you want to be able to tie your braids up, then a "lob," a.k.a. a long bob, will be your best option.

woman&home thanks Lorraine Dublin of My Hair Bar for her time and expertise.

Keeks Reid

Keeks is a London-based beauty writer and content creator. She has worked with titles including Cosmopolitan, VOGUE, Refinery29, Red, Elle, OK! and woman&home. While she has a well-rounded beauty obsession, her specialism is all things hair.

When she’s not testing the latest hair tool on camera or waxing lyrical about styling tips, you’ll find her re-watching old episodes of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (or New York or Atlanta). She loves a social scroll as well as a romantic book, but nothing beats Sunday afternoon lunches with her friends and family. You can catch Keeks on all social platforms @keeksreid.