Lob (Long Bob)

Long bob, or lob, falling toward the shoulders or collarbone

A lob is a longer version of a bob, usually falling between the chin and collarbone. It can be worn down or tied back, while a soft bend through the ends adds movement.

At a glance

8 details
01
LengthChin to collarbone
02
Hair textureStraight, wavy
03
Styling5–15 minutes
04
Trim intervalAbout 8–12 weeks
05
ShapeBlunt or layered
06
FringeOptional
07
VolumeAt roots or through lengths
08
MaintenanceLow to moderate

Who this haircut suits

  • A long bob suits people who want a change while keeping enough length to tie their hair back.
  • A blunt edge can make fine ends look fuller; soft layers add movement to dense hair.
  • For natural waves, leave extra length because the hair may spring up as it dries.

These are general pointers. Choose the exact length and shape with your stylist, considering your growth pattern, texture and routine.

Styling options: step by step

Easy smooth finish

  1. 1Apply heat protectant to damp hair.
  2. 2Dry the roots, then smooth the lengths in sections with a brush.
  3. 3Leave the ends straight or turn them slightly under.
  4. 4Tame flyaways with a lightweight cream or serum.

Loose waves

  1. 1Work heat protectant and wave cream through the lengths.
  2. 2Dry the hair until it is about 80% dry.
  3. 3Create alternating bends, leaving the last few inches out of the tool.
  4. 4Let the hair cool and loosen the wave with your fingers.

History and aesthetics

The long bob as a flexible in-between shape

2010s — the lob gains popularity as a versatile length

Lob is short for long bob, a name for a mid-length cut that keeps the bob’s outline while preserving more length.

During the 2010s, the lob became a widely discussed option for people seeking a change without going very short. Today it can be blunt, softly graduated or adapted to natural texture.

Historical source: Vogue — the long bob ↗

Good to know

A slight lengthening toward the front can draw the eye down; wavy hair may look shorter once dry.

What to ask your stylist

Choose a guide point—chin, shoulders or collarbone—and ask your stylist to check the length on your dry texture.

More variations of this haircut

Blowout Bob: hairstyle example from the catalogBlowout BobCurly Lob with Full Fringe: hairstyle example from the catalogCurly Lob with Full FringeFull Textured Box Bob: hairstyle example from the catalogFull Textured Box BobMarcel Wave Lob: hairstyle example from the catalogMarcel Wave LobMessy Textured Bob: hairstyle example from the catalogMessy Textured BobOrchid Peekaboo Lob: hairstyle example from the catalogOrchid Peekaboo LobSoftly Graduated Lob: hairstyle example from the catalogSoftly Graduated LobViolet Dip-Dye Lob: hairstyle example from the catalogViolet Dip-Dye LobShaggy Bob: hairstyle example from the catalogShaggy BobA-Line Bob: hairstyle example from the catalogA-Line BobAsymmetric Bob: hairstyle example from the catalogAsymmetric BobBaroque Bob: hairstyle example from the catalogBaroque Bob

Related hairstyles

Italian BobItalian BobShag HaircutShag HaircutThe Rachel HaircutThe Rachel Haircut