We'd hazard that most of us with long hair have fantasised about chopping it all off at some point or another. Luckily, there's a chic, low-maintenance solution to your haircut woes. The long bob — or 'lob' — is currently sweeping hair salons, loved for its balance between the boldness of a short cut and the versatility of longer locks. Intrigued? Here's everything you need to know before texting your hairdresser.
What is a 'lob'?
You need only look to the growing list of celebrities converting to the lob to understand this hairstyle's appeal. Typically hitting just above the shoulders, the lob allows for more length and styling options than a traditional bob (which is usually cut to chin-length), while still offering the chic, edgy vibe of a shorter cut.
This in-between length means you have more space to experiment with your hairstyle, whether that be a sleek up-do, or down tousled waves. The cut can also be customised with layers or a blunt finish, depending on personal preference and face shape.
The lob is also loved by many for it's low maintenance appeal. As anyone has dabbled in a shorter bob will know, the style takes plenty of frequent (and expensive) salon visits to maintain the length. A long bob, on the other hand, can easily reach collarbone length before needing a touch up. It's also a great length to experiment with if you're thinking of transitioning from long locks to a fully-fledged bob. And, if you do eventually decide to make the chop, you're left with fresh, healthy hair to play with.
Beyond infrequent salon visits, the long bob has all the benefits of styling a shorter hairstyle: quicker drying time, and less products required to create natural movement and lived-in texture.
How to ask your stylist to cut a long bob
It can be daunting transitioning to shorter hair, which is why it helps to know exactly what you're after before sitting down in your hairdresser's chair. A reference photo can be a helpful starting point, however you'll need to be realistic about how your own hair texture matches up to your muse. Tight curls won't ever look the same as Hailey Bieber's sleek lob, and vice versa.
When it comes to a long bob, the main things to consider are exactly where you'd like your chop to sit, and whether you'd prefer your 'do all one length or with layers. The former will give a sharper, thicker cut, while the latter will give texture and movement to your look.
Our favourite lob inspiration photos
Now that you're well-versed in exactly what a lob is, it's time for the fun part. From Kendall Jenner to Saoirse Ronan, here are our the chicest long bobs to date, courtesy of our favourite A-listers.
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