23 Chic Asian Bob Hairstyles That Will Inspire You To Chop It All Off

Bob haircuts are definitely here to stay, and not just for practical reasons. The eternally trendy hairstyle continues to be popular, and whether you have finer or thicker hair, there's a beautiful bob hairstyle to suit you. Don't believe us? 

Take it from hair expert Toshihide Mori, representative director of Japan’s Tricca Salon and an ambassador of Shiseido Professional Beauty Creative Team, who shares his advice on short hairstyles for Asian women.

"Many have the perception that it's difficult to maintain short hair. Hence, it's best to try out a bob cut with a trustworthy hairstylist," suggests Toshihide, who has over 20 years' experience in the hair industry.

"Over the years, there has been a rise in women attaining short and chic classy hairstyles," he says. Bob hairstyles help create form, and adding a fringe to it helps compliment the entire look. "Having a longer fringe creates a more feminine look," he says.

Toshihide also recommends layering your hair to suit your particular face shape. "Cutting your hair short without layers to accentuate volume will create a flat hair look which should be avoided," he says.

What should you do before going to the salon?

Toshihide recommends bringing along photographs of your desired looks to share with your stylist, and then hear your stylist's recommendations for you based on them. This helps your stylist understand your intentions, so they can recommend a cut that most suits you.

How should you care for your hair right after cutting?

After your haircut session, ask your hairstylist to teach you how to care for your hair. Haircare is different depending on the person, due to factors like how damaged your hair is and the quality of your hair, he says. Toshihide recommends products like leave-in treatments, like the Shiseido Professional Airy Flow Refiner and the Shiseido Professional Aqua Intensive Oil Unlimited Velvet.

Without further ado, here are 23 chic bob hairstyles that suit Asian faces, many of which are seen on our favourite Korean celebs:

Sleek lob

When it comes to short hair, one of the first Kpop idols that enters our mind has to be Choi Sooyoung. If you’ve never taken the leap of faith to chopping your locks off, take inspiration from her and opt for a long bob. Otherwise known as a lob, down or up in a hairdo, this sleek look is a stunner.

Long bangs

You might know Kim Se Jeong from the “The Business Proposal” that was released in 2022. In the same year, her other drama “Today’s Webtoon” came out. Having taken a pair of scissors to her hair, Kim Sejeong rocked short hair with wispy bangs that framed her eyes beautifully in the drama.

Wavy deep part

If you want a more sultry take on the bob, go for this wavy deep part. The deep parting helps create the illusion of more volume in the hair, and the waves add to the overall shape.

Rounded ends

The trick of this hairdo is more in the styling than in the actual haircut itself. Round out the ends with a styling tool so that your hair frames your jawline and creates the illusion of a longer face. We love how the long fringe adds an extra touch of dimension as well.

Shaggy centre part

Bobs are no stranger to “Love in the Big City” actress Kim Go-eun. In 2024, she wowed us with this textured and wavy hairdo that adds a twist to the otherwise common sleek bob.

Voluminous bob with long fringe

51 year old veteran actress Kim Seo Hyung is a testament that you’re never too old for a bold cut. Look chic and elegant in this style which gives your hair some shape whilst retaining volume. Keep the fringe long for easier styling.

Straight messy bob with bangs

Lisa’s thick hair is perfect for this messy bob with bangs. Besides perming or curling, you can use a hair texturising spray to give straight hair some movement and oomph.

One-length wavy bob

Reminiscent of pin-up styles, this wavy bob with long fringe and short ends frame the face and accentuates the jawline. For those who want a more chic version of a bob, you should definitely save Park Shin-hye’s look.

Lightly-layered bob with braids

This chin-grazing bob hairstyle is super flattering. Add a braid to it for a fast and simple way to elevate your look.

Long, shoulder-sweeping lob

A lob with a middle parting may just do the trick of giving you a slimmer-looking face. Opt for permed ends like Uee’s to give your hair more movement.

Short pixie cut

Try going even shorter with a pixie cut that’s suitable for both thick and thin hair. Lee Joo-young’s is a good starting point for someone who wants a simple everyday look that is easy to style. It’ll help bring out your cheekbones and jawline too.

Short, soft bob

Go Joon Hee’s known for embracing short hairstyles. This soft and feminine variety is enhanced by the work-friendly amber brown that instantly peps up the entire look.

Chin-length bob

Twice’s Park Ji Hyo’s chin-length bob creates a more sophisticated appearance that enhances her mature and sultry look. And if you’re looking to elevate your style, this side-fringe bob is one to consider.

Blonde pixie

We love how this asian-friendly blonde cut allows the rest of the face to pop. Fluffy enough for everyday wear, it accentuates the nose and the jaw for a bit of a sharper edge to the look.

Chin-length bob with bangs

Complement your new short hair with bangs that are a surefire way to take at least ten years off your face.

One-length bob

Or go au naturel, and switch your parting to make your hair look fuller. Curl in the ends to frame the face and add movement to the look.

Layered and wavy

This ‘do creates a fuller and more triangular shape around the face. This helps create the illusion of a slimmer and sharper face. If your fine hair needs a little extra boost, consider getting a perm to add volume and set this style in place.

Layered pixie

This mod haircut is very reminiscent of its Parisian classics. Plus, the soft, baby bangs are the icing on top.

Balayage lob

We love how Hyolyn’s ashy colours blend together to this beautiful shade fitting for Asian skin tones. If you want to get this look, simply ask your hairdresser to stick to ashy tones, and a balayage will help make your hair look seamless even as your roots grow out.

Straight ends bob

If the soft, fluffy style is not what you’re going for, this blunt cut is a statement on its own with it’s perfectly lined ends. Use a flat iron to copy the straight no-nonsense ‘do that will add an edge to your person.

Micro fringe bob

It can certainly feel scary to commit to a micro fringe. However, those with oval faces like Kim Go Eun can wear it with confidence and show off your brows and eyes.

Face-framing fringe bob

Song Hye Ko’s most recent chop for her new series “Dark Nuns” has gone viral in the Korean entertainment world. Featuring a middle parting and long face-framing pieces that blend seamlessly into the rest of her hair, this boyish look is currently what everyone is talking about.

Slicked-back behind-the-ear tuck bob

Jung Ho Yeon shot to fame after her role in “Squid Game”, but the messy bob in the series is not the only way she has worn the hairstyle. This mature and elegant style is perfect for those who want to feel and look like they’re on the cover of a magazine.