29 Ways to Style a Lob Haircut

The beloved lob (long bob), AKA the low-risk hairstyle we all choose when we want a change, but we're too scared to part ways with our long locks.Why should we have to, anyway?Flattering faces both round and square, hair both curly and straight, the lob is truly a one-size-fits-all haircut.It's the style that every celeb has rocked at one point or another and the one that we never seem to get tired of. Maybe it's the versatility that we love or the way it has withstood time. Either way, we are all in for Team Lob and can't wait to share the top ways to style a lob haircut.

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Textured

A textured, natural mane adds a boho vibe to your lob haircut. To get the look, let your hair dry naturally, and then mist with a texturizing spray.  If you need some added volume, spray a bit of dry shampoo (Batiste, every time!) at the roots and tousle with your fingers.

Quick tip: If your natural hair is stick-straight, use a large barrel curler to run a few waves through it.

Smooth

A sleek, straight lob shows off its choppy layers. Be sure to use a heat protectant before flat ironing and a serum after straightening to tame fly-aways and increase shine.

Wavy

Loose, beachy waves are one of the most popular ways to style a lob haircut.  You can achieve this breezy style with a big-barreled curling iron or large hot rollers.  Start by blow-drying your hair with a round brush to maximize volume, and then wrap strands around the curling iron briefly to create loose waves. To finish off the beach-inspired look, spritz some salt spray and lightly comb through with your fingers to keep the curls from looking overdone.

Curly

Pair natural curls with a lob for a spunky, sexy look. Use a curl-boosting product and let your hair dry naturally, or blow your tresses dry with a diffuser to boost your volume.

Side Part

Switching your part to the side adds drama to your lob. If you have bangs, try sweeping them to the side and clip them back to hold them in place. If you have longer layers in the front, leave them loose for a carefree look.

High Volume

By combining a root lifter, thickening cream, and a solid blow drying technique, you can expect to get a lot of volume out of your lob. After applying the volume-boosting products to damp hair, blow dry with a round brush to pump it up to new heights. Finish off by adding soft, messy curls.

With Braids

Adding a braid or two to your lob is an easy way to get your hair away from your face and add a pretty, dainty element to your style.

Pinned Back

Achieving this sweet style is as easy as it gets. Try taking a few pieces from the front and pinning them back in a simple crisscross design. If you have bangs, you can try pinning those back or to the side to show off different angles of your face.

In a Knot

To spice up relaxed, loose waves, add a knotted bun. This chic style looks effortless and is one of the highest trending looks on Pinterest.

Half-Up Top Knot

For a funky twist on a half-up style, try positioning a top knot high on the crown of your head. Start by pulling half of your hair up into a high ponytail. Next, take your tresses and twist them around the elastic, securing them with bobby pins as you go. Don't worry if it's a little messy or lopsided; a less than perfect top knot is totally on trend.

Mohawk Braid

Another fun way to pull your lob haircut half up is with a French braid. This braid style is perfect for the lob because it secures your strands, so even shorter pieces or bangs in the front will not slip out.

Stacked in the Back

The stacked bob is a more dramatic cut, but those adorable short layers in the back add volume and versatility to the traditional lob.

With an Undercut

To the ladies who work a day job but love rocking a bold style, try a creative undercut. This funky twist on a lob allows you to maintain a professional, polished look when you need to and only expose your edgy side when the time is right.

Reverse French Braid

The beauty of the lob is that it is long enough to be able to do some glamorous updos.  If you are heading to a special event, or just want to create some everyday glamor, try flipping your head upside down and doing a french braid starting at the nape of your neck.  This technique creates a lovely design in the back, and you can style it sleek or with a few messy pieces up front to complete the style.

Low Ponytail

The classic low pony is the perfect styling technique for your lob. Try parting your hair in the center and pulling it back into a low pony for a chic look that's perfect for day or night.

Double French Braids

This style is a feminine rendition of boxer braids, keeping hair away from your face all day long. Creating two double French or Dutch braids parted down the center is one way to style your tresses that will leave you looking and feeling a bit like an Instagram model.

Half-Up High Ponytail

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This throwback style is straight from the 80s, but in the best way possible. For a sleek look, use a clear elastic and wrap a thick strand of hair around the band, but for a more youthful, trendy style, play around with a bright-colored scrunchy.

Messy Low Knot

A loose, messy low knot is an effortless-looking way to style your lob haircut.  To give the updo a romantic touch, use a large-barreled curling iron on any pieces that fall out of the knot.

Retro Waves

The lob was a total bombshell in the 40s and 50s, and we're so glad these retro, sexy waves have followed us into 2018.

Fully Braided

The lob is a cut with a lot of structure, so it lends itself beautifully to a braided style.  You can achieve the length naturally, or ask your stylist to use extensions to get these lovely lob-length braids.

Pastel

Not sure which hair color to pair with your lob? If you want something daring, we're obsessed with this pastel pink. For other unique hair color ideas, check out our thoughts on metallic hair dye.

Ombre

If your hair tends to fall flat, an ombre lob may be the answer. The layers and blend of shades make for incredible dimension, creating the illusion of full, voluminous hair.

Bold Color

Another big trend in hair color right now is bold jewel tones. Deep purples, blues, and greens look great on brunette lobs. You can ask your stylist for hues that are semi-permanent or designed to wash out after a few shampoos.

If you haven't found the perfect hair color for your lob, we've got your back with some of the hottest hair color trends for you to choose from.