’90s Layered Bob Is Back Again, But This Time Make it 2025
The ’90s are back, including the era-defining hairstyles of the time! Among the looks is the supermodel favorite ’90s layered bob in every style from the Rachel to the flipped-ends look. An instant boost of volume and texture for short hairstyles, this is the ultra-versatile look experts love to see back in action. Discover how they’re welcoming back the ’90s layered bob and making it modern, too.
Featured Experts
- Eduardo Ponce is a celebrity hairstylist and Balmain Hair US ambassador
- Bradley Leake is a celebrity hairstylist and Color Wow ambassador
- Marc Mena is a celebrity hairstylist and Great Lengths ambassador
- Kylee Heath is a celebrity hairstylist and V & Co. Beauty brand ambassador
What is a ’90s layered bob?
“The ’90s layered bob stood out for its effortless, unstructured appeal that embraced natural hair movement,” explains hairstylist and Color Wow ambassador Bradley Leake. “This versatility allowed it to complement various hair types and face shapes, making it a widely adopted style.”
And boy is this look versatile!
You can think of this bob style as a big umbrella, and beneath it, are looks like the face-framing Rachel cut, feathery layers, flipped-ends, subtle layers and more. The difference comes down to how bold or natural the layers are as well as your styling choices. Are you a chin-length girlie or more of a just-brushing-the-shoulders kind of gal?
“The ’90s layered bob was an iconic hairstyle that combined structure, volume and a touch of edge,” Leake explains. “It typically featured a chin-to-shoulder-length cut with soft, face-framing layers that added movement and dimension. The layers were often feathered or flipped out at the ends, giving it a bouncy, carefree vibe. I personally love the ’90s bob for its styling versatility.”
“I’m obsessed with this trend, I’m glad it’s back,” says celebrity hairstylist and Balmain US ambassador Eduardo Ponce. “I truly love this bob as it is, kept full and above the collarbone.”
Updating the Look for 2025
“I am loving the ’90s bob; I think it is so chic and like a built-in accessory,” says hairstylist and V & Co ambassador, Kylee Heath. “Honestly, I prefer when the ’90s bob isn’t over-styled. I think what makes it cool is when it is worn with an ‘effortless’ vibe to it.”
While plenty of experts love the ’90s layered bob just the way it is, you can make it feel new by opting for more textured layers.
“To update the classic ’90s bob, modernize it with soft, textured layers and a slight wave for movement,” says celebrity hairstylist and Great Lengths ambassador, Marc Mena. “Embrace a more lived-in, effortless feel, while keeping the sharp edges for that signature bob shape.”
Leake explains that the finer details will make your bob feel modern. “Keep the layers subtle and blended for a more natural, lived-in effect rather than the choppy, dramatic layers of the ’90s,” he advises. “Incorporate loose, tousled waves for a relaxed, effortless vibe. This gives the bob a contemporary, undone feel. Finally, experiment with your part, with either a deep-side part or a clean middle part. You want to avoid the poofy crown volume of the ’90s in favor of a flatter, smoother root.”
Is the ’90s layered bob for you?
“There’s something timeless about the ‘90s bob—it’s sleek, stylish and effortlessly cool,” Mena says. “I’m loving its return because it’s a cut that blends nostalgia with modern flair, offering both structure and versatility for every personality and lifestyle.”
This cut can also be adapted to nearly any face shape.
“A bob can work with every face shape. It all depends on the length,” Ponce explains. “The best face shape would be pear or oval. For heart-shaped and round faces, I’d keep it longer. And for the square face shape, I’d elevate the back a bit and keep the front slightly longer.”
“The beauty of the ’90s layered bob is that it flatters every face shape,” Mena adds. “Whether you have round, square or oval features, this cut creates balance and enhances natural beauty with its sharp lines and versatile length—making it a universally flattering choice for all.”
Styling Your Bob
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