When it comes to classic hairstyles, they don’t come more timeless than the lob. With less drama (and less upkeep) than an Anna Wintour–inspired bob but a little more edge than long locks, the lob is the perfect in-between hairstyle that never goes out of style. Bonus: It suits every face shape, too, so there’s no risk of remorse after your visit to the hairdresser’s.
But what exactly is a lob? Well, it’s exactly what it sounds like: a long bob. It’s a one-length cut that generally sits at a mid-length, shoulder height—although you can get away with your strands falling just a smidge above or below that, too. Experiment with centre and side partings to switch up how your lob looks daily, but a lob hairstyle also pairs well with a fringe—whether that’s a full, one-length fringe or wispier French-girl bangs.
And if you’re considering embracing the lob for this season, you’re in luck. There are so many examples of celebrities stepping out with the chicest mid-length hairstyles that I thought it would be rude not to put all of that great lob inspiration in one place. Ahead you’ll find 24 of the best celebrity lob haircuts to give you inspiration for your next salon visit.
Flip your lob to into a side parting to bring drama and volume for the evening.
Rosie’s wet-look waves are so pretty, and her longer-length lob is a great place to start if you’re new to mid-length hair.
Cool-girl waves and blunt ends are a match made in heaven for a lob hairstyle, as Laura Harrier proves.
I still think about Bella Hadid’s collar-bone skimming lob, which has a glossy shine.
Selena Gomez’s lob is super sleek.
I’m screenshooting Charithra’s shoulder-skimming bob for my next haircut.
Who says shorter hair is lifeless? I’m in love with this voluminous blowout.
Whether you flip your parting to the side or straight down the middle, the lob haircut looks great either way.
The lob haircut also works well if you have a fringe or want to grow yours out seamlessly.
The benefit of shorter hairstyles like the lob is that styling takes far less time if your hair is naturally straight. Simply tong a couple of sections of hair and you’re good to go.
Tuck your lob behind your ears and curl the ends under for a quick retro twist.
The lob is the perfect haircut for emphasising natural curls and waves, helping to add volume and definition.
Hailey Bieber’s cut is ideal if you don’t want to go too short—just ask for a few face-framing layers to graduate the length.
Fine hair can benefit from a few subtle layers to give extra volume and movement in your lob.
So. Much. Volume.
This is your sign to go for the lob haircut.
If you’re nervous about going short, then rest in the knowledge that the lob is perfect for growing back out long.
A feathered fringe pairs perfectly with Kerry Washington’s straight lob.
For me, Gemma Chan is queen of the mid-length hairstyle and my ultimate lob muse.
The centre-parting and tuck behind the ears lends Zawe’s glossy lob major ’90s vibes.
Channel EmRata’s power lob by blow-drying the ends of your hair under with a round brush. Seriously glam.
This shaggy lob is making me contemplate going for the cop.
Alexa flits between a bob and a lob, but always keeps it centre-parted and with a natural wave.
Jourdan’s curly lob is totally epic and proves that it isn’t just a style that works for straight strands.
