Probably one of the most overlooked hairstyles out there is mid-length hair. Between short pixies and chin-grazing cuts and long, lustrous tresses, we often forget just how chic mid-length hairstyles can be. But right now, that seems to be changing.
Chances are, if you’re anything like us, you’re looking for a way to freshen up your look for autumn, and we all know the easiest way to do so is with a new hairstyle. And it seems the look fashion girls are backing is the long bob, otherwise known as the “lob.”
The long bob’s sudden rise through the hair ranks is likely a combination of two things: It’s being sported by those who have experimented with shorter hairstyles in the past years, and those with longer hair have been flocking to their hairdressers en masse to embrace a new look.
Regardless, there’s no denying that a long-bob hairstyle is one of the most timeless hairstyles you can choose, that they look fabulous whatever the hair type or colour, and that they can be styled in a multitude of ways. Case in point? This gorgeous lot.
Below, you’ll find 30 of our favourite long-bob hairstyles offering up the perfect inspo for an autumn switch up.
Sylvie Mus’s bob works perfectly with the natural texture of her hair.
Salome is effortlessly channelling our off-duty hair and fashion inspo for autumn.
The sleekest chicest lob we ever did see. Ama is head-to-toe inspiration for formal autumn/winter events.
Marissa keeps things relaxed with her air-dried waves, pinning back the front section to create a multilayered look.
If your hair is naturally straight, spritz a salt spray through it and leave to air dry for lazy girl texture.
Babba makes her long bob look even more stylish with the addition of a jumbo clip.
Long bobs look incredible with short fringes, as evidenced by Nicole.
Make like Maria and use a ’90s hair claw to create a different long-bob look. Simply pull the front sections of your hair back and secure in place.
We love how Eni has kicked out the ends of her long bob to create movement. What a pro.
A long bob lends itself perfectly to curtain bangs.
A long, choppy fringe also works perfectly with a lob and will soften the appearance of a blunt-cut.
Jessica uses an oversize scrunchie to pull back the front sections of her hair to create an effortlessly chic bun.
The hair. The waistcoat. The wide leg trousers. Yep, we need Aimee’s entire look.
Laura opts for a shoulder-grazing bob that’s long enough to style up in a low bun or ponytail—proof that a long bob is very versatile.
Alyssa’s full fringe helps her long bob to further frame her face.
Just when we thought Ada couldn’t possibly get any cooler than she already is, she presents us with silver-tipped braids.
Create Erica’s volumised bob by loosely curling your hair, brushing it out, and spritzing with texturising spray.
With deep side-parting and a cute hair clip, Chrissy’s long-bob look is one we fully intend on trying.
Alyson’s deep side-parting frames her face perfectly.
So glossy. Tia’s grown-out crop is long-bob perfection.
Linda proves a blunt cut works just as well on long bobs as it does short ones.
Naomi proves how chic and elevated slicked-back lobs can look.
We are living for Franny’s box braid bob.
Use a barrel curler to re-create expert waves a la Karina.
For a beauty feel like Debora’s, use a salt spray on the ends of your hair, working it into your strands with your fingertips.
Use your straighteners to turn the ends of your hair inwards to channel Francesca’s preppy vibe.
Yes, long bobs also look sleek tucked behind your ears. In fact, it helps to frame your face in the process.
Amy’s blunt, full fringe makes her long bob look all the more glamorous.
Anne-Laure’s layered long bob is ideal if movement is what you’re after.
For a lob with lots of bounce and body, opt for a shampoo that will add volume to your hair. If you need any more persuasion, just look to JVN founder Jonathan Van Ness’ tresses.
This is a godsend when styling a straight lob in a middle parting. Warm the product in your finger tips and then gently smooth down any flyways. The finish is *chefs kiss*.
Your ends are front and centre with this cut, especially if your lob is blunt. Keep them hydrated and split-free with a deeply penetrating oil like Davines’ OI Oil. Apply it to wet ends and then smooth just a drop over freshly dried hair to make sure thirsty strands always look healthy and smooth.
Once you’ve worked out your preferred lob styling, you’ll want it to last without looking dull. Grab a hairspray that does more than just hold your hair in place, like Amika’s The Shielf Anti-Humidity Spray, which will keep flyaways at bay.
While shorter hair may take less time to blow-dry, it’s a misconception that it takes less effort to style. And the more brittle or damaged your hair, the more effort it takes to make it look sleek. The best way to keep it in check and looking as healthy as possible is with a biweekly mask. The replenishing concoction from Bouclème is fuelled with a medley of impressive ingredients from softening prickly pear seed oil, marula oil, and mafura butter to camellia oil and wheat bran with amino and fatty acids. Cue rich nourishment.
Lobs are a super versatile hairstyle, and can be styled in a variety of ways. Investing in a multi styling tool means you’ll get the most from your haircut and the Shark FlexStyle is a popular choice amongst the Who What Wear UK team.
Not only does this texturising spray smell divine thanks to its green leaf, pepper, cedar and juniper wood scent, a quick spritz through the hair and you’re instantly channelling Sam McKnight’s signature ‘I just woke up like this’ look.
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
