The Outdated Bob Haircut You Should Avoid In 2025, According To Our Stylist

Short hair isn't going anywhere in 2025, but like all things in the fashion and beauty space, it's getting a makeover. Bobs are as sought-after in the modern era as they ever were — after all, they're one of the hair lengths that will make you look younger — with some variations of the no-fuss cut rising to the height of popularity (looking at you, kicked bob). Inevitably, other bob styles have been left behind. 

In an exclusive chat with Glam, hairstylist Brooke Arana reveals that one previously popular bob style now has "can I speak to the manager?" written all over it. "The asymmetrical bob has fallen out of trend for a few years now," explains Arana, who is the salon owner and head stylist at Manes on Main in Angels Camp, California. "Mainly because it is also known as the 'Karen cut.' Many people stopped getting that so they wouldn't be called a Karen or seen as that." 

Aside from the association with being a Karen, the asymmetrical bob has fallen out of favor because of the general movement toward blunter ends — a departure from the wispier looks of the 2000s and 2010s. Still, Arana notes that this look may suit those with thin or fine hair, or those who want to build height with a taller style. If you love the asymmetrical look regardless, Arana advises "cutting the length/perimeter asymmetrical shape, however, not doing stacked layers." She shares that the feathery nature of the 'do is what dates it, so you can still look stylish with a similar outline as long as you keep the ends strong and blunt. "By not cutting short layers in it, you can also add waves/curls to it," she adds. And for those who do want to say goodbye to the asymmetrical bob for now, there are plenty of chic styles to go for instead.

The best thing about bob haircuts is that there's one for every face shape. For those moving on from the asymmetrical silhouette, there are many styles to choose from, with the majority tending to favor blunter ends. "The bobs that are looking more fashionable and in style with a youthful look as opposed to a 'mom cut' are textured one-length bobs," Brooke Arana tells Glam exclusively, "meaning they cut the perimeter/length at one length all around, but then add a lot of texture and piecey-ness to it with texturizing shears, not layers."

One of the most-stylish bobs of the year is slick with a flick, otherwise known as the kicked bob. Popular with the Kardashians, this bob sits at one length around the jawline with the ends flicking upward, creating a feminine aesthetic. Of course, you could also go the other way and get a bob with the ends curled under in an ode to the 1960s. Otherwise, ends that simply sit flat is a classic winner that still gives a youthful feel, and you can add interest with other details. The recent hair transformation that made Kris Jenner look so much younger included a slick one-length bob with a single forehead curl.

If you don't mind a little extra maintenance, a fool-proof way to add some personality to a one-length bob is with bangs. Micro bangs are having a moment in 2025, as is the French bob. To effortlessly rock a chic French bob, ask your stylist for tousled bangs paired with a one-length chin-grazing cut. Slick is certainly in, but there are equally stylish alternatives for those who want more body — namely, any blunt-end bob with texture will work, as will the tousled old-money-esque bob. Now, check out these outdated hair accessory trends to make sure yours aren't holding you back from being oh-so stylish.