This Is Your Sign to Try the Ever-Flattering Lob Haircut
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Few haircuts are as distinguishable and famous as the bob. It's the go-to cut in Hollywood when you want to make a statement and portray a real badass character, but equally timeless is the long bob — also called the lob — haircut.
This style is a classic medium-length cut, but the real appeal of the lob is its versatility. (That's what makes it a celebrity favorite.) The length is a happy medium for anyone who doesn't want to chop their hair too short or have it grow too long. It's just right, like the third bowl of porridge that Goldilocks had at the three bears' house. But really, if you're not sure exactly what haircut trend to try at your next salon appointment, the lob is a great option. It can satisfy your need to change without being too dramatic.
Keep reading to find out more about this ever-flattering cut, and then keep scrolling for inspiration photos to bring to your next salon appointment.
Experts Featured in This Article
Dhiran Mistry is a hairstylist based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Jennifer Korab is a celebrity hairstylist and colorist.
What Is a Lob Haircut?
A lob haircut typically hits at your collarbone or rests right on your shoulders. "As it's growing down the neck, it's still a bob, and then it gets to a certain point where it bounces off the shoulders in a weird flick," Dhiran Mistry previously told PS. "As it gets past that, it will start settling again, and you'll start entering mid-length hair space."
There are a few different types you can choose from: a lob haircut with layers; a lob haircut with bangs; a shoulder-length lob; a curly, blunt, wavy, or choppy lob; and even a super-short lob. Proof that it works across all hair textures is how many celebrities have tried the trend for size, from Chrissy Teigen to Megan Thee Stallion, Khloé Kardashian, Simone Biles, and Ashley Benson.
"The ever-flattering lob will work on any hair type," says Jennifer Korab. It's short enough to be low maintenance in terms of styling but long enough to still play with. No matter what hair type or texture you have, the style can complement your hair and accentuate your facial features without being too much of a commitment like your classic bob or even a pixie.
Long Bob Haircut Ideas
Lob Haircut With Bangs
Not only does this long bob haircut feature layers, but it also includes eyebrow-grazing bangs. Talk about the embodiment of rocker-chic.
Curly Lob Haircut
This style is extremely versatile and works across all hair textures, as evidenced by this curly lob haircut.
Straight Lob Haircut
Similarly, the long lob haircut looks great on straight hair types. The style ends at the perfect location: below the chin but above the shoulders.
Angled Lob Haircut
The a-line bob was a huge trend in years past, which is why it only makes sense that you'll be seeing more angled lob haircuts as well.
Curly Lob Haircut With Bangs
Curly lob haircuts are great for those with bangs. Be sure to have your hair cut when it's curly, so that you can you can see why the tyle will look like with shrinkage.
Lob Haircut With Layers
Try a layered lob haircut to give the hairstyle extra movement. This look also feels particularly '90s-coded.
Long Lob Haircut
Looking for a slightly longer lob haircut? Try one that grazes just below the shoulders.
Wavy Lob Haircut
The long bob haircut looks great with beach waves, as seen here. This also makes the look feel super low maintainance.
Short Lob Haircut
If you have straight hair, a choppy, short lob haircut can be styled with a texturizing spray.
Shoulder-Length Lob Haircut
Somewhere between a short and long lob, this shoulder-length lob haircut touches just above the shoulders.
Lob Haircut With Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs are as popular as ever and they pair perfectly with lob haircuts. Add a cute hair accessory like a scarf to take the look up a notch.
Blunt Lob Haircut
Blunt lob haircuts with an inverted shape look great when styled sleek and straight. They also work for virtually any occasion, formal or otherwise.
Lob Haircut With Highlights
You can personalize your lob haircut with highlights, like this one with money pieces.
Choppy Lob Haircut
This choppy lob haircut has long face-framing pieces. It highlights the face beautifully.
— Additional reporting by Ariel Baker
Jessica Harrington is the senior beauty editor at PS, where she writes about hair, makeup, skin care, piercings, tattoos, and more. As a New York City-based writer and editor with a degree in journalism and over eight years of industry experience, she loves to interview industry experts, keep up with the latest trends, and test new products.
Ariel Baker is the associate editor for PS Beauty. Her areas of expertise include celebrity news, beauty trends, and product reviews. She has additional bylines with Essence and Forbes Vetted.