The long bob (aka the Lob) first became popular in the 2020s with celebrities such as Margot Robbie, Hailey Bieber and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley all wearing this longer version of the classic bob.
And here at HJ we know that there’s one haircut that stylists and clients alike can’t seem to get enough of, it’s the bob. We’ve seen the Beckham bob, butterfly bob, and the bubble bob – to name a few – gain popularity over the past years.
However the Lob hairstyle can look drastically different depending on the hair texture, curl pattern and face shape you're working with, but that's what makes it such a great version of a bob – it's versatility.
We asked TONI&GUY International Art Director, Daniele de Angelis, some specific Lob questions to get the pros guide to the long bob hairstyle. Inspired? Try the Skinny Lob too!
Where should the long bob sit?
A Lob shouldn’t be longer than the collarbone or around that area, otherwise it becomes a midlength shape which isn’t a Lob. It may be slightly longer but you still need the strength of a bob. So it should hit the collarbone, an inch maximum below that but nothing longer.
What constitutes a long bob?
A Lob shape needs to be quite strong, with a solid outline. Although you are working with longer hair you still want it to have the essence of a bob. It looks best when shorter towards the back behind the shoulder. It's good to go shorter at the back so it sits just above the shoulder. At the back you want it to sit low on the neck – around the beginning of the spine, and let the length travel longer towards the front. If it goes past the shoulder at the back it doesn’t look like a bob any more, it will start to flick our and the cut won't have longevity.
Who is a Lob good for?
The Lob suits anyone who has a medium hair density, cut on thick hair it can look like a triangle, so it’s better to cut in a mid-length, softer style. If hair is fine, I would recommend to cut it above the shoulder so it will increase strength and thickness.
What face shape does a Lob suit?
The Lob can be adapted to different face shapes, it’s one of the most versatile haircuts around. Ideally you want to give the front a one-length feel, without any face framing, so it feels like a bob. If you want it softer, introduce a soft fringe rather than face framing, otherwise it just becomes a mid-length shape. Avoid forward graduation. If you need to create softness, take a triangle section where the fringe is and break it up through the front rather than the perimeter.
Is this a good hairstyle for someone who isn't confident about going for a classic bob, but still wants to make a change?
As well as being on trend, it's ideal for anyone who is growing their hair out or afraid to go too short. The length is very manageable, and is not just a middle, growing-out stage. It’s a really wearable length that is easy to blow dry and style at home. It works with a nice chignon at the back with a fringe, or blow-dried smooth.
