29 long bob hairstyles that are short (but not too short)

Can't decide where to go with your hair next? The long bob (also known as the lob) is a classic for a reason. Bobs in general are a timeless favourite, especially given their versatility – we've seen the Y2K bob, the dad bob and the crop bob all take off recently. But for every trending bob, there's the question of what to do when the style starts to grow out.

The lob is a stunning chop in its own right, but its also a very stylish gateway between short bobs that are growing out, or long-hair that you want to take shorter. The pretty inbetweener cut brings together some of the highlights of each. It offers the breeziness of a short style, if you're starting from XXL lengths. Or for those rocking an outgrown bob, the length is still slinky enough to skim collarbones. Either way, it makes for a cool, slightly more laidback shape that still gives you the option to tie hair back into a ponytail.

It works beautifully across different hair textures, and within the one cut, there's room to add your own spin and personality. We've seen straight lobs, curly lobs, wavy lobs and braided lobs. In fact, we're yet to meet a lob we didn't like.

Here's everything you need to know about the lob and how to style it…

What is a lob?

It's a slightly longer version of bob, where the length sits just around your shoulders. Earl Simms, Kerluxe Celebrity Stylist, says, "The lob is such a popular style because it's a striking look, and yet you don't have to commit to having short or long hair."

"It's easy to manage and allows plenty of room for different looks and styles. If you are used to shorter hair, a lob haircut will be a super easy alternative, allowing you to put it up for going to the gym or whenever you don't feel like having it down," he adds.

What to ask your stylist?

The lob is now a well-known term and most hairdressers will know what you mean if you ask for this style of cut, but to be on the safe side, Earl says to ask "for a long bob that just skims the shoulders." He also advises requesting a centre part for your cut. “This will ensure it is perfectly symmetrical, and afterwards, you will have the freedom to flip it to the other side if needed,” he says.

What about a lob with a fringe?

You can most definitely have a fringe with your lob. Earl says this looks especially flattering on round faces, but, a fringe will work for everyone and add your own twist. We love a '70s curtain fringe, or a wispy French-girl fringe.

How to style a lob

A shorter shape can often encourage your natural texture to do it's thing, which we love to see. The cut works on looser curls, waves and straight hair, or for very curly hair, ask your stylist for some invisible layers to avoid it looking boxy, unless of course, you're going for a graphic, sliced shape (which we're also massive fans of).