Long Bob Haircut Ideas for Any Face Shape

A woman in a long bob hairstyle with bangs — Photo: Gemma Chua-Tran/Unsplash

Commonly nicknamed "the lob" (bob + lob), the length of the long bob haircut falls somewhere between your chin and your collarbone.

"The lob makes all hair look thick and healthy," explains celebrity hairstylist, Matt Fugate. "Also, the strong lines draw attention to bone structure and help frame the face."

He says because the length is maintained around the face, it creates a silhouette that flatters most if not all face shapes. And that length makes for a versatile range of styling options.

Plus, it's one of those haircuts that can be tailored to flatter you and your face shape, according to Adriano Cattide, the creative director at New York City-based salon, The Drawing Room.

"The lob can be cut individually for each person, from a blunt and one-length version to a layered with messy bangs or an asymmetrical textured one," Cattide tells us.

Mila Kunis seems to prefer the cut flat-ironed and smooth, while Selena Gomez's textured lob surely inspired hundreds of chops. Celebrity hairstylist Laura Polko says she prefers it styled straight, "half up, half down with a scünci scrunchie for '90s vibes," or with volume at the crown. The options are basically endless.

So can we finally go ahead and dub long bob haircuts one of this season's hottest trends?

If you're ready to dive in and need a little inspiration, keep scrolling for 31 (yes, 31!) examples of why it's one of the most talked-about hairstyles of all time.

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Jennifer Lopez

The multi-hyphenate isn't just versatile in her career; she's also known for switching up her hair often. And while J.Lo looks flawless with any look, this curled long bob created by her hairstylist Chris Appleton is quite elegant. The deep side part and big curls provide a "glamorous, bouncier look that's styled behind the ear on one side and gives an asymmetrical visual effect for a modern style with a touch of retro," Cattide says.

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Gugu Mbatha-Raw

If you have natural curls, enhance your texture with a defining product, like the Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Souffle. Then slightly pick or brush them out for an elegant and shapely lob.

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Dua Lipa

A messy, beach-wavy lob like Dua Lipa's here is so easy to achieve. If you want to mimic the singer's "cool-girl look," Cattide suggests using some sea salt spray on damp hair and letting it air dry with a side part.

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Rose Byrne

The actress has her signature lob parted down the middle and gently curled, most likely with a wide barrel brush, to give off a more polished beach wave. "Another fun way to style a lob is adding some uneven beach weaves with a curling iron or a wand," says Cattide. "Tools and products are a must for this style."

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Emilia Clarke

The Game of Thrones alum opted for a middle part and curled-in ends all the same length for a flouncy, chic take on the classic cut. Cattide says curling in the ends like Emilia's here will give the cut a bit of a '90s feel.

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Keke Palmer

You can still obtain that '90s vibe by flipping your ends out the other way, like how celebrity hairstylist Kah Spence styled Keke Palmer's lob here. Take it a step further with a trendy clip.

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Viola Davis

Viola Davis's collarbone-grazing cut draws attention to her caramel highlights.

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Hailey Bieber

Hailey Baldwin in a long bob hairstyle in a half-up ponytail — Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Let's call Hailey Bieber's cut a long lob, shall we? The extra length allows for a variety of styling options, like this perky and voluminous half-up ponytail.

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Margot Robbie

Oscar-nominated actress Margot Robbie opts for a blunt, long bob rather than lots of cascading layers.

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Ciara

Ciara's front section of hair is perfectly waved to frame her face. "This super sexy textured lob [was] softly layered, emphasized with a dimensional blonde ombre color, and styled with a middle part and natural messy waves," explains Cattide.

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Kendall Jenner

Kendall Jenner's haircut is proof that a simple parting choice can transform your entire look. Try styling your long bob with a super straight center part.

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Lauren Conrad

By far the shortest haircut we've ever seen on Lauren Conrad, this chop fits her lifestyle and draws attention to her features.

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Nathalie Emmanuel

Nathalie Emmanuel's lob is cut with delicate, gradual layers to further enhance her natural curls.

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Alexa Chung

Pair your lob with this other buzzy hair trend: curtain bangs.

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Selena Gomez

Use a curling wand or a curling iron to create bends in your lob, similar to Selena Gomez's look.

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Laura Harrier

Laura Harrier simply tucked her curly blunt lob behind her ears to give the cut an effortless vibe.

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Bella Hadid

Long layers gives your hair fullness and a look of density. Perfect example? Bella Hadid's blowout.

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Mila Kunis

When attempting to create a look similar to Mila Kunis, you'll need to carefully coat your strands with a heat protectant so that the sleek finish doesn't result in damage.

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Kerry Washington

One of the best hairstyles for the lob haircut is a full set of beachy waves. Better yet, add a sparkly hair accessory. Use Kerry Washington as your inspiration.

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