Top 27 Japanese Short Bob Hairstyles You Should Try

Take your hair game up a notch with these badass, chic, and stylish hairstyles from Japan.

Reviewed by Tuera A. Jacobs, Licenced Cosmetologist
Written by Jyotsana Rao, BE
Edited by Madhumati Chowdhury, MA (English Literature)
Fact-checked by Manjari Uppal, MSc  • 

If you have ever seen Japanese anime, you know how big of a craze the bob cut is. Remember those dreams of sporting a badass bob cut inspired by your favorite anime character? Make them a reality with these 25 stunning Japanese short bob hairstyles!

Let’s be honest, long hair may look amazing, but it is a pain to style, manage, and care for. You need a scheduled hair care routine to make sure your long tresses look on point. Also, if you get the wrong haircut, your long locks look terrible! The best option is to keep your hair short and flaunt your silky tresses in a classy bob cut. And the best part is whether you style your bob neatly or leave it messy, it is always show-stopping! So, scroll down and keep reading to check out our top picks.

protip_icon Before You Get Started
  • Finer hair textures work better with Japanese short bob hairstyles as they make the hair appear thicker.
  • A short Japanese bob is much quicker to wash and condition and requires fewer hair products.
  • Unless you have perfectly obedient hair, this type of bob will take longer to dry and style.
  • You will need to make frequent salon appointments to maintain this look, especially if you have bangs or colored hair.
  • This bob cut suits faces with sharp jawlines and emphasizes the cheekbones.

1. Young And Free

Young-And-Free
Image: Shutterstock

This chin-grazing short bob hairstyle is super playful and flattering. For those who want a chic yet low-maintenance version of a bob, give it a try. You can style it in various ways and even experiment with the parting to change the look. And the best part, it suits all face shapes and hair textures!

2. Rose Quartz

Rose-Quartz
Image: Shutterstock

Need a fun and feminine short bob hairstyle inspired by your favorite anime character? This dreamy rose pink look might be perfect for you. The short bob hairstyle has blunt bangs and is ideal for oval faces. Also, when opting for such bright colors, follow proper hair care practices to maintain the hue for longer.

3. Peekaboo Bob

Peekaboo-Bob
Image: Shutterstock

Sick and tired of basic brunettes, but do not want a high-maintenance color? The peekaboo highlight trend is here to save your day. The turquoise peekaboo highlights add an extra pop of color to the natural dark hair and create a surprising contrast.

Licensed Cosmetologist, Tuera A. Jacobs says, “If you do not want the permanent commitment required to achieve this vibrant color, you can substitute by adding clip-in, tape-in, or sew-in extensions to achieve this fun and playful look!”

4. Purple Warrior

Purple-Warrior
Image: Shutterstock

This sleek, elegant, blunt bob in purple looks regal! Known as Murasaki in Japan, this color is just starting to take over the fashion world. The sleek asymmetrical bangs soften the face and highlight the eyes. This hairstyle seems to appear like a lob and is perfect for oblong faces.

5. Pixie Bob

Pixie-Bob
Image: Shutterstock

Flaunt your unique and one-of-a-kind personality with this freestyle tousled pixie bob hairstyle. You will never need to straighten if you have naturally wavy black hair. The choppy bangs add texture to the hair and give an ultimate sassy and modern look.

6. Platinum Ombre Bob

Platinum-Ombre-Bob
Image: Shutterstock

Here’s another off-beat anime/manga-inspired hairstyle! It’s picture-perfect and not for the faint-hearted, as the color is high-maintenance. This glamorous, sleek hair gives the bob a neat, round shape, and the slightly tapered sides add movement. This cut accentuates the volume bob haircuts are known for.

7. The Icy Queen

The-Icy-Queen
Image: Shutterstock

This ice-blue hairstyle will fit you if you have a cool undertone and finer hair. Adorned by various manga and anime characters, this cut is a win-win Japanese bob variant. Whether it’s in your wardrobe or on your hair, nothing says ‘chic’ like this stunning shade of blue.

8. A Hint Of Bowl

A-Hint-Of-Bowl
Image: Shutterstock

With a hint of the popular bowl cut, this messy, short bobbed hairstyle is ideal for a fiercely feminine look. The wispy bangs and the tapered layers add dimension and movement to the hair. This modern, edgy bob variation is easy to maintain and looks adorable. Women with thin hair can opt for this style for added texture.

Jazel Kristin, a blogger, shares her experience of getting a Japanese haircut in Tokyo to commemorate her time in Japan. She writes, “Getting a haircut in Tokyo is not cheap, but nothing is in general. But I’m in Tokyo man! I need a new ‘do.” She got an extremely short bowl cut and continued, “I tell you, this kind of haircut never crossed my mind. I must say it’s original…. Slowly, I am beginning to get used to it. In fact, I’m really liking it (i).”

9. Milk Tea Bob

Milk-Tea-Bob
Image: Shutterstock

Who would’ve thought you could choose your favorite sweet refreshment to describe a trendy hairstyle? Yes, that’s right! Milk tea hairstyles have been a massive trend in all parts of Japan. This short bob cut features a creamy beige undertone and is ideal for people with warm undertones.

10. Spring Queen

Spring-Queen
Image: Shutterstock

A fun, vibrant Japanese short bob that can brighten your mood! This funky anime-inspired hairstyle is a picturesque spring look. Shades of pink go well with most skin tones and depict a warm, feminine, flirty, and caring personality. Opt for this style and show that you’re into taking risks.

11. Snow White

Snow-White
Image: Shutterstock

What can enhance the charm of a pure and simple white look if not an edgy short bob? The sharp and choppy ends make the hair color more dramatic and outstanding. The eye-grazing bangs make this cut perfect for round and oval face shapes.

12. Shades Of Purple

Shades-Of-Purple
Image: Shutterstock

Opt for this funky choppy bob, and give a textured appearance to your otherwise flat and dull hair. If you can’t choose a shade of purple for your next Japanese short bob haircut, try this daring unicorn color blend. The look will suit fair to medium skin tones.

13. Wavy Bob With Baby Bangs

Wavy-Bob-With-Baby-Bangs
Image: Shutterstock

All naturally wavy and curly-haired ladies can opt for this short bob hairstyle. The baby bangs add charm to your face, visually elongate it, and give you a youthful look. The length is ideal for managing and maintaining the curls, and the layers add volume and life to them. Go for this trendy look and let your natural curls shine!

14. Skunk Stripe Bob

Skunk-Stripe-Bob
Image: Shutterstock

This sharp, angular bob hairstyle features a skunk-inspired white stripe that is angled towards one side of the head. The undercut and long front layers add a twist to the regular inverted bobs. And the contrasting colors make it super edgy. This style is perfect for those wanting a little drama.

15. Sun-Kissed

Sun-Kissed
Image: Shutterstock

This drool-worthy melting brown Japanese bob has us dreaming of sunlight and sandy beaches. The stacked inverted bob is stylish and layered to make it appear voluminous. The incredibly flattering shade of sunny brown hair color demonstrates suaveness and looks sophisticated. Choose this look, and give your hair the natural angularity that doesn’t need much styling.

16. Red Raven Hairstyle

Japanese red short bob hairstyle with bangs
Image: Freepik.com

This lustrous haircut gives a sleek look and the bob falls softly, with the rounds and the layers tapering towards the edges. Since the bangs are missing, it gives a simple and subtle look.

17. Creamy Cut Hairstyle

Japanese short bob with bangs to the side hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

The rear portion of the hair falls just above the shoulders and the hair slides down gently towards the front. The subtle curves are highlighted through the big bangs and the layers are reduced to slope well.

protip_icon Quick Tip
The creamy cut hairstyle suits people with round, diamond, and oval face shapes.

18. Chocolate Delight Hairstyle

Japanese chocolate delight short bob hairstyle
Image: Getty

Now what do we say about the Chocolate Delight hairstyle? This Japanese bob haircut gives luster to the hair with layers,from the back, blending beautifully with the long layers in the front. The layers in the front fall towards the jaws and a voluminous look is attained through the short layers.

19. Short Whispers Hairstyle

Japanese short bob with side bang hairstyle
Image: Getty

The hair remains parallel to the chin and the bangs fall like feather over the forehead. This hairstyle gives an airy feeling because all the layers are spaced so well and there is a proper blend.

20. Short Wavy Hairstyle

Japanese short wavy bob hairstyle
Image: Getty

A lot of feathery layers make the haircut look subtle and the layers fall just above the chin, giving a wavy texture. This haircut is suitable for people who do not want to go for bangs.

protip_icon Quick Tip
You may try this short wavy hairstyle if you want to make your hair look more voluminous. The feathered layers can give it a thicker appearance.

21. Sleek And Smooth Hairstyle

Japanese slick short bob layer hairstyle
Image: Getty

This Japanese bob hairstyle displays a strong character! A dense layer of hair fall till the eyes and the hair frames the face beautifully. A sleek look and an adventurous statement can be made by adding bold highlights.

22. Vampress Hairstyle

Japanese bleach blonde short bob hairstyle
Image: Getty

The layers are slightly tapered and the length is even all around. The layers are slightly longer towards the shoulders and the chin. The hairstyle can work on any face making it look strong yet feminine!

23. Berry Bob Hairstyle

Japanese short berry bob hairstyle
Image: IStock

Adding color to the hair creates a great impact to a hairstyle. To attain an attractive and flattering look, the bangs can be highlighted with the color of choice. The unsharpened bangs can give a perfect shape to the hairstyle. This is apt for girls with thin hair.

24. Platinum Ice Hairstyle

Japanese platinum ice short bob hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

This hairstyle suits people with blonde hair and can make your hair look straight. This hairstyle is quite short at the back and is a little longer in the front. The length of the hair is an inch longer than the chin.

25. Asymmetrical Haircut

Japanese short asymmetrical bob hairstyle
Image: Getty

Asymmetrical haircut looks very smart and defines a charismatic personality. The length of the layers is long towards one side of the head, falling below the face and touching the neck. On the other side the length is very short and is till the ear lobes. A very adventurous and cute Japanese bob hairstyle indeed!

26. Layered Haircut

Layered Haircut
Image: Shutterstock

This Japanese layered haircut with hints of blonde is stunning. Its rich, brown base exudes elegance, while the strategically placed blonde highlights add a touch of vibrancy to the entire look. The subtle layers cascade beautifully, creating a textured look that frames the face and adds movement to the hair. You can wear this versatile style casually or style it up for special occasions, making it the perfect choice for those who desire beauty with practicality.

27. Blunt Haircut

Blunt Haircut
Image: Shutterstock

This Japanese blunt haircut looks effortlessly stylish. It features a rich hue that adds warmth and depth to the hair. The precision of the blunt cut adds a sleek and modern touch to your overall appearance. With this haircut, you will not only turn heads wherever you go but also feel confident and stylish in every moment.

Infographic: Top 7 Face-Framing Japanese Short Bob Hairstyles

Japanese short bob hairstyles are known for their chic and sophisticated appeal. These timeless haircuts have gained immense popularity not only in Japan but also around the world. With its precise lines and clean cuts, the Japanese short bob exudes effortlessness and grace. Check out the infographic below to find out the seven most popular face-framing Japanese short bob hairstyles one must try.

top 7 face framing japanese short bob hairstyles(infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Are you thinking of getting a Japanese short bob hairstyle? A short bob is a highly finished hairstyle and looks sweet. It suits all face shapes, including circular, square, and oval face shapes, whether it has soft, bouncy curls or dazzling hues. Japanese bob styles emphasize natural sweetness, unlike Korean ones. So if you want to be a punk girl, make yourself look younger, or give your child a fresh look at school, don’t be scared to attempt a Japanese bob style today. I hope we have covered the list of top Japanese short bob hairstyles and may find one that you might like to try on your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Japanese short bob hairstyles so unique and stylish?

The Japanese short bob is unique and stylish because people express themselves with their hair by choosing colors like pink, purple or blue, or bleaching them to contrast their face and body.

What are the most popular short bob hairstyles in Japan and how can I recreate them?

An asymmetrical bob with fringes and layers is the most popular haircut. To achieve the look, you would need to get bangs. Let your hairstylist know the specific cut to get the look.

How can you add some personality to a basic short bob with Japanese-inspired styling?

Try getting a fringe or coloring your hair red, teal, or platinum.

Can Japanese short bob hairstyles be worn by people of all ages and hair textures?

Yes, the bob is a classic and universal style; any person can get this haircut.

How do you style a Japanese short bob hairstyle to make it look modern and trendy?

To add modernity to the classic bob, you can get an asymmetrical cut or get wispy bangs.

What are some of the most common styling tools and products used to achieve a Japanese short bob hairstyle?

The most common styling tools are a blow dryer and a round brush.

Key Takeaways

  • The Japanese short bob haircut accentuates your cheekbones and especially suits those with a sharper jawline.
  • Go for choppy ends rather than blunt cuts to create movement and texture in your Japanese short bob hairstyle.
  • Opt for wispy side-swept bangs or blunt straight-across bangs to add drama to your Japanese short bob haircut.
  • While it is convenient to take care of the hair, one needs to frequently get it trimmed to maintain the look.

Japanese Short Bob Hairstyles

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team



Learn how to get the perfect Japanese bob texture haircut in the following video. Follow along with the step-by-step instruction provided in this tutorial.

Personal Experience: Source

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