Style Hair 6 Lob Haircuts for When You Want to Go Short—but Not Too Short From edgy crops to subtly layered looks. By Casey Clark Casey Clark Instagram Twitter Website Casey Clark is a freelance writer at Real Simple who covers beauty and style. She has been a writer for nearly three years and has been featured in Allure, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Stylecaster, and more from a queer-centric, plus-size perspective. She's constantly working to debunk beauty myths, test trends, and review the hottest products. Prior to writing, she graduated from Hofstra University magna cum laude with a journalism degree and minors in public relations and creative writing. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on March 9, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Emma McIntyre/Getty Images If you've been wanting to go short but can't quite commit to a full-on bob, a lob is your perfect middle ground. Short for long bob, a lob lets you take inches off without sacrificing all the length. It's also a face-framing haircut that tends to flatter virtually all hair types and face shapes, and also works if you want to simultaneously incorporate layers or try a new hair color. Another huge plus? Unlike the classic bob, it allows for updo flexibility, whether that's a ponytail or chignon. That being said, there are numerous ways to cut and style a lob. We asked hairstylists to share some of their favorite options. Layered Lob Getty Images Min Kim Just because you opt for a lob doesn't mean you have to say goodbye to your beloved layers. Simply ask your stylist to work them into your new haircut for additional dimension and movement. "Lobs of 2022 are all about longer layers, less shag, and more movement—whether worn straight or with a wave," says L'Oréal Professionnel global ambassador Min Kim. A-Line Lob Getty Images Clementine's Salon Attached to your length but want the face-framing benefits of a blunt cut? Get the best of both worlds with an A-line bob. "The A-line bob allows for people to feel as though they are keeping length by having the front be a bit longer and then cutting the back shorter to allow minimal styling," says Dani Everson, hairstylist and owner of Clementine's Salon. Blunt Lob Getty Images Virtue This fashion-forward lob haircut is ideal for those looking to skew a bit more rebellious. "A blunt, one-length lob is a chic and strong statement for those who want to make one," says Virtue ambassador and celebrity stylist Rena Calhoun. "Keeping a bit more length past the shoulders can also be a great option for those with thick hair. The extra length and weight helps to keep hair calm and controlled." Fringe Lob Getty Images TO112 A fringe lob is another bolder haircut for those who like to play with texture, length, movement, and dimension. "A bold fringe and jaw-framing bob makes a statement," says Luis Pacheco, founder of TO112 and celebrity hair care expert. He adds that you can cater a fringe lob to your face shape: "Shorter versions of this bob work well on oval and heart-shaped faces, where longer versions (of at least chin-length) work well on round faces." Curly Lob Getty Images Chita Beauty Stylists unanimously agree that lobs are ideal for all hair types, including those with naturally curly hair. And for those with straight hair, you can easily add some curls to your lob for a more volumized look. "I love to style lob cuts with a 1-inch barrel curling iron to give the textured long layers some soft beach waves," says Suzi Abadjian, owner of Chita Beauty. "This is the best way to bring out a lob's natural shape and layers." Classic Lob Frédéric Fekkai Chances are this is the kind of lob you're most familiar with. You really can't go wrong with a classic lob, so it's great for first-timers. "Lobs give you the comfort-blanket of extra length, and like the classic bob, can be worn one-length or layered for your hair type and face shape," says Frédéric Fekkai, hairstylist and founder of FEKKAI. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit