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A shaggy layered bob is full of movement, texture and rebellious vibes. With its artfully undone layers and lived-in finish, this style is designed to look beautifully unstructured while still feeling polished. To guide you through everything you need to know, Laura Elliott, Head of Education here at Neäl & Wølf, shares expert answers to your most-asked questions about the layered bob - from how to style it, to which face shapes it flatters most.
What is a shaggy layered bob?
Shaggy layered bobs are an effortless, textured hairstyle that gives you a rebellious edge. Unlike traditional bobs that have a sleek, uniform shape, these bobs don’t follow the rules. Characterised by tousled layers, feathered ends and soft movement, this cut adds volume and personality to every single strand.
How do you cut a shaggy layered bob?
Although shaggy layered bobs are all about unstructured form, they do require a level of precision when cutting. For this reason, we’d recommend visiting a salon to achieve this look! Your stylist will pair face-framing pieces with strategic layers to create a style that’s perfect for you, no matter your personal aesthetic. Book in at your local salon today: Neäl & Wølf Salon Finder
What face shape suits a shaggy bob?
If you have a diamond, oblong, or a heart shaped face, a shaggy layered bob could be for you. Ultimately, the key lies in tailoring the length and layers to suit your unique bone structure - for round faces, choose an angled bob that is longer than your chin. For more information, read our blog: What is the Best Haircut For Your Face Shape?
What’s the difference between a shaggy bob and a classic bob?
Whilst both classic and shaggy bobs follow the iconic bob design, they differ in style and feel. The classic bob is sleek, symmetrical, and polished - often styled completely straight with blunt ends. It gives a crisp, clean-cut and sophisticated vibe. In comparison, a shaggy bob is textured and layered, designed to look slightly undone. It exudes that careless ‘cool girl’ vibe, for a very low maintenance look.
How do you style a shaggy layered bob?
Styling a shaggy bob should feel as relaxed as the cut itself. When at home, look after this style by prepping with a nourishing shampoo and conditioner duo, add styling products, and boost with a blow dry.
1. Start with volumising care
Set the foundation for your shaggy bob by cleansing locks with volumising products. Our AMPLIFY Volumising Shampoo and Conditioner give your hair a weightless lift, helping to enhance the natural movement that defines this layered style. These hair-washing essentials prep your hair for volume and bounce, from crown to ends.
2. Layer in volume-boosting formulas
Once you’ve gently towel-dried your hair using a microfibre towel to reduce frizz, reach for any styling products that support body and control. Work our ELEVATE Volumising Lotion through mid-lengths to ends for a lightweight lift, or opt for our ENHANCE Volumising Mousse to add more structure and texture. For a fuller finish, you can layer both, depending on your hair’s needs.
3. Focus your volume at the roots
To give your shaggy layers a lift and airy movement, apply our UPLIFT Volumising Mist directly to the roots. This adds essential volume at the base, supporting the tousled shape of the bob and creating a long-lasting body that doesn’t fall flat throughout the day.
4. Blow dry for shape and softness
Before applying heat, protect your strands with MIRACLE Rapid Blow-Dry Mist - a lightweight spray that reduces drying time and shields against heat damage. Then, use a diffuser attachment on your HERØ Ionic Technology Hair Dryer to encourage natural texture and amplify your layers. For a sleeker look, use a round brush to shape the ends and define your silhouette.
5. Define with texture
Once dry, bring out the beauty of your layers with TEXTURE Dry Finishing Spray. Mist it lightly through the mids and ends to add lived-in separation and definition. It’s perfect for enhancing that effortlessly undone finish the shaggy bob is known for - and it works beautifully to refresh your style between washes.
6. Set with flexible hold
To maintain your style without stiffness, finish with CONTROL Flexible Styling Spray. Its lightweight, buildable hold keeps your layers in place while preserving their natural movement. Ideal for creating a look that feels free, touchable, and utterly luxurious.
The shaggy layered bob is all about texture, volume, and soft structure—a style that looks polished without trying too hard. With the right products and approach, you can bring your bob to life with body and bounce. Explore the full Neäl & Wølf volumising styling range: Volumising Hair Products
