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 shop their hair too short or 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.
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, a hairstylist at David Mallett in NYC and Charles Proper in Charlotte, NC, previously tells POPSUGAR. "As it gets past that, it will start settling again, and you'll start entering midlength 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 celebrity hairstylist and colorist 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.
Not only does this long bob haircut feature layers, but it also includes eyebrow-grazing bangs.
This style is extremely versatile and works across all hair textures, as evidenced by this curly lob haircut.
Similarly, the long lob haircut looks great on straight hair types.
The a-line bob was a huge trend in years past, which is why it only makes sense you'll be more more angled lob haircuts as well.
Curly lob haircuts are great for those with bangs.
Try a layered lob haircut to give the hairstyle extra movement.
Looking for a slightly longer lob haircut? Try one that grazes just below shoulders.
The long bob haircut looks great with beach waves, as seen here.
If you have straight hair, a choppy, short lob haircut can be styled with a texturizing spray.
Somewhere between a short and long lob, this shoulder-length lob haircut touches just above the shoulders.
Blunt lob haircuts with an inverted shape look great when styled sleek and straight.
You can personalize your lob haircut with highlights, like this one with money pieces.