Bob haircuts are usually tapered.
While there are a variety of types of haircuts available, many people prefer a taper haircut over other styles. A taper haircut starts with longer hair on the top of the head and gradually tapers to shorter lengths, with the shorter lengths resting along the ears and neckline. Both men and women can wear a taper haircut, although the cut requires the wearer to wear shorter hair.
Traditionally, a taper haircut is short and wraps around the crown of the head. The layers of the haircut go from the crown of the head to the neckline. Each layer tapers into the next, with a slightly shorter length than the previous line. The hair around the neckline is the shortest. Often barbers or stylists cut the hair around the neckline so that the hair is almost invisible compared to the hair on the top of the head.
Both men and women can wear a taper haircut style. Men in the military often wear a classic version of the taper haircut, which features hair less than an inch long around the crown of the head tapering to a short bob or full shave around the earline. Other classic styles also feature shorter hair on top. In some cuts, the hair on the top of the head is styled to 0.5 inches in length or less, with edges that taper into a shaved style around the neckline.
Many stylists have added their own variations to the classic taper haircut. For example, a stylist might keep the top part of the hair a little longer, but still cut the bottom wedges much shorter. Men can pull the top of their hair to the center and up, creating a mohawk. With the longer style, men can also add products to their hair to make the top part stand up at different angles.
Women can also wear taper haircuts. The hair is usually cut at ear length and styled into a bob. The layers below the main bob taper in descending lengths to the neckline. Longer strands of hair can be curly or spiky. The stylist may also add products to the hair to add volume and change the look of the cut.
Stylists often use hair cutting scissors and an electric clipper to achieve a tapered look for both men and women. Beauty specialty stores offer these hair clipper sets. These sets can be used at home to create an effect similar to what a hairstylist might achieve.