The seasons are changing, and it’s time for a new style. If you’re eager to join the year of the bob with a big chop, you might be wondering how on earth you’re meant to know how short you should go. A chin-grazing bob? A shoulder-length lob? How do you choose?! We tapped the experts to learn how to know which cut suits you best.
Featured Experts
- Ashley Gomila is a celebrity hairstylist
- Castillo Bataille is a Matrix celebrity hairstylist
- Paul Labrecque is a master hairstylist and creative director of Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa
How to Choose Between a Bob or Lob
“The primary difference between a bob and a lob lies in the length,” explains Matrix celebrity stylist Castillo Bataille. “A bob typically falls around the jawline or slightly above, creating a chic, classic look. On the other hand, a lob, or long bob, extends to the shoulders or just below, offering a bit more versatility while still maintaining the stylish appeal of a bob.”
These looks are all about framing your face, and the right length for you can highlight your features or minimize your concerns. But that’s not all your stylist is likely to consider. “When a client is unsure how much length they want to lose, I consider a few key factors such as face shape, hair texture, lifestyle and personal style,” adds celebrity hairstylist Ashley Gomila. “Once we have consulted on those things, I like to share pictures and then show them where each style would length-wise land on their face.”
“Maintenance is another crucial factor,” Bataille points out. “While a bob can be less time-consuming than long hair, it still requires regular trims to keep its shape. Additionally, styling shorter hair can be different—embrace the change and experiment with new techniques and products to find what works best for you.”
Does Face Shape Matter?
There are plenty of cuts designed to flatter specific face shapes, but it’s important to know that no variation of a bob or lob is actually off-limits. “Both styles can be tailored to suit different face shapes and hair textures, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and how much length you want to keep,” Bataille explains.
Of course, if you’re trying to minimize the look of a round face, where a bob lands can make a big difference. When it comes to bobs, creative director, master stylist and colorist Paul Labrecque with Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa suggests taking note of the widest point of your face. “If you’re considering going short, you want to consider how round your face is,” Labrecque explains. “This tells your hairstylist where to make the line stop. You do not want the hairline to end where the face holds its width.”
When to Choose a Lob
If your concern is adding too much width to your face, you might want to choose a lob instead of a bob. “Certain face shapes tend to suit a lob better than a shorter cut,” Gomila says. “For round faces, a lob elongates and slims the appearance, whereas a shorter bob might emphasize roundness. In the case of square faces, the longer length of a lob softens strong jawlines, adding femininity and balance.”
For those with long faces, a lob provides side volume, helping to balance out facial proportions better than a shorter cut. Heart-shaped faces benefit from a lob as well, as it balances a wider forehead and narrower chin for a more harmonious look. Overall, a lob is versatile and flattering, making it a stylish and manageable choice for various face shapes.
When to Choose a Bob
“I recommend the bob haircut when a client is looking for an effortless way to drastically change their hair,” Gomila says. “I feel like sometimes it’s just a good idea to cut it all off and opt for something easier to upkeep.”
With shorter cuts, just keep in mind that where your bob lands so you don’t end up with buyers remorse. “Good professionals will try to make ovals, never circles when cutting, trimming and styling,” explains Labrecque. “If a bob ends in the wrong place along the face, it can easily make a circle shape.”
There are also plenty of bob cuts designed to flatter every face shape. “Styles like the wispy long bob are universally flattering for their softness and movement, achieved through subtle layers,” Bataille explains. “And the graduated long bob is a great choice for square or heart-shaped faces for their balance and structure.”
Styling a Bob or Lob Made Easy
