You’d be forgiven for thinking that the bob hairstyle is the most versatile style and reigning champion of the most popular hair trend of all time. However, there’s one style that might just trump it: the lob. Just what the name suggests, it’s a long bob, grown-out bob, which comes in so many variations. And if Fashion Week street style and red carpet looks are anything to go by, the lob is set to be the biggest hairstyle for spring (Zendaya's current lob look is exquisite).
It’s a bit like that favourite item of clothing of yours that can be dressed up or down, a lob can be styled for special occasions but is well-behaved enough that it’ll still look great on those lazy hair days — all you need is the right haircut and tools in your hair kit.
We’ve called in the experts to give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about the lob, from care at home to types of lobs and how to style them.
What is a lob?
A lob is what it says on the tin; it’s essentially a long bob. “A bob that is past the shoulder is a lob, and it can have many different shapes,” says Eugene Smith, senior stylist at John Frieda Salon in Mayfair. You can have it purposefully cut to be slightly longer than a typical bob (which sits above the shoulders), or you can specifically ask your hairdresser for a longer cut. They can help guide you on a certain style and the length that suits your hair type most.
What types of lob are there?
The great news is that there are tons of types of lobs to suit your preference, face shape, hair texture and styling ability (we see you lazy stylers and we are one of them). From blunt lobs, to curly lobs, and even mullet-inspired lobs, there’s something for everyone. It’s perfect for hair commitment-phobes.
“The lob looks great with either blunt or choppy ends and is styled a variety of ways, from wavy to bone straight. Curly-haired girls, be sure to insist that weight is taken out of the bottom if you want to avoid a triangle shape,” explains Smith.
How do you care for a lob?
Just like any other hairstyle, you’ve got to care for it to keep it in tip top condition. We recommend using a shampoo and conditioner for your hair type, then applying a serum to keep those ends looking fresh, as well as a heat protector before moving into heat styling using straighteners or a curling wand. Or, if heat styling isn’t your thing, there are plenty of ways to do heatless curls or stay au natural—read on to see all of our top product recommendations.
Fancy trying or updating your long bob? Keep scrolling for the all the celebs who aced the look for some serious lob-spiration.
1. Milly Alcock's 90's lob hairstyle
We love everything about Milly Alcock's lob from the Golden Globes. From the ombre blonde ends to the face framing strands. But just wait until you see the glam at the back. Now that is how you do a half-up hairstyle.
2. Jenna Ortega's shaggy lob hairstyle
Everyone, and we mean everyone, wanted to take a picture with Jenna Ortega at the 2023 Golden Globes. The internet went wild when Ortega ditched her classic Wednesday braids and fringe hairstyle for a lob. And we can see why. Her shaggy wolf cut with a subtle wave is simply stunning.
3. Lily James's side-swept lob hairstyle
Volume is trending this year and, when paired with a long bob, it's perfection. The side part and softly curled ends proves a classic way of styling a lob that would inspire any one to go for the big chop.
4. Angela Bassetts's Hollywood lob hairstyle
The volume of this 'do speaks for itself. If we ever thought a bob was boring then Bassett has proved us all wrong. This is the hairstlye you want to accept a Golden Globe with.
5. Zendaya's side-swept lob
Zendaya's hair has been all team MC beauty can talk about recently. With a deep side parting (which is set to be a huge trend for 2023) and rounded volume, it's an absolute delight.
6. Nicola Coughlan's relaxed lob hairstyle
Forget Nicola Coughlan being Lady Whistledown, in our eyes she's lady of the modern lob; she knows how to keep things fresh, subtly switching up the style and hue. This look is where you can add a bit of texturising spray to give it that messy-chic feel.
7. Ciara's curly lob hairstyle
We adore Ciara's curly lob styled in a middle parting and added honey-hued money pieces to make the face-frame pop.
8. Phoebe Bridgers's grey-lavender lob hairstyle
Loose waves, grey-lavender hue, and a middle parting... Phoebe Bridgers just knows how to wear a lob.
9. Jourdan Dunn's blunt lob hairstyle
Leave it to Jourdan Dunn to teach us how to ace this beautiful sleek, smooth, blunt lob hairstyle. For this look, you'll want to finish it off with a super lightweight oil to keep flyaways at bay.
10. Amandla Stenberg's braided lob hairstyle
Amandla Stenberg is often switching up their hair, and this blonde, braided lob look is one of our favourites.
11. Selena Gomez's curved lob hairstyle
Just because your lob is sleek, it doesn't mean it's got to be pin-straight. Selena Gomez wears hers in a curved style, which is achieved using your hair straighteners to add volume to the body of the style.
12. Viola Davis's fringe lob hairstyle
Adding a fringe, like Viola Davis here, can transform a lob, and we love this sleek, blunt cut she wore in 2019.
13. Margot Robbie's beach wave hairstyle
After seeing Margot Robbie's relaxed beach wave lob, we're taking notes. Paul Percival, founder of Percy & Reed recommends taking the Babyliss Wave Secret Air to add in waves but ensuring to pull down each curled section so that it cools into a loose wave versus a tight curl.
14. Indya Moore's curly lob hairstyle
Indya Moore rocks her natural curls and a loose (but full) fringe, and it makes for the ultimate lob hairstyle.
15. Laverne Cox's relaxed wave lob hairstyle
Deep side parting? Tick. Relaxed waves? Tick. Dark-rooted ash blonde? Tick. Laverne Cox's lob hairstyle is a yes from us.
16. Gal Gadot's side parting lob hairstyle
Gal Gadot was ahead of the 2023 trend with this loose Hollywood waves hairstyle, which she wore in a deep side parting, tucked behind her ear. To get this look at home, try using the Cloud Nine Curling Wand and some flexible hold hairspray.
17. Maisie Williams's mullet lob hairstyle
Fancy a lob and a mullet/shag hybrid? Maisie Williams showed us how to get exactly that. Ask your stylist for plenty of layers through the lengths and a piece-y full fringe.
18. Regina King's rounded lob hairstyle
Okay, so this could fall into bob territory but definitely could work as a shorter lob, too. Regina King's side-parted, rounded style is definitely one to keep saved for inspo.
19. Lucy Boynton's curled lob hairstyle
With a slightly more prominent wave, but still in-keeping with that relaxed "cool girl" look, Lucy Boynton's lob with its lived-in buttery blonde hue is goals.
20. Kerry Washington's defined curl lob hairstyle
Full of body and volume, Kerry Washington's lob is one of our favourites (and she's worn many incredible hairstyles over the years). If you find your curls needing a little defining before a big day (or night) try Kérastase Curl Manifesto Refresh Absolu Spray to refresh and define without weighing your lengths down.
Scroll on to see expert-recommended products to style a lob...
This small but mighty serum-mask will aid repair of any split ends (especially if they're colour treated) within just a few weeks. It's spenny but it truly works, and a little goes a long way. To get the best application, warm it up in your hands by rubbing it together until it goes white, then you can see where you're applying it to your ends.
For fixing tight curls and beachy waves, turn to this Percy & Reed hairspray to lock in shape without any of that dreaded crunchy feeling throughout the day.
Because your hair deserves to be treated! Using a hair mask once a week can help keep dry ends at bay and leave your lengths feeling smooth, as well as curls hydrated.
Keep your curls feeling their best with this refresh spray, which helps to hydrate, define and refresh curly hair without weighing it down.
Beach waves are achievable in no time with the help of Cloud Nine's Curling Wand. Just spritz in your heat protection, lightly curl in sections (you don't need to be precious) and shake out so they're not too tight, then spritz a little hairspray.
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