Have you been ~flirting~ with the idea of cutting your hair shorter but can’t quite commit to the bob everyone and their mom seems to be getting? Allow Hailey Bieber to make your decision a little (or a lot) easier. In a recent Skims campaign, the Rhode founder debuted a chic new cut which we’ve decided to call the extended lob—it’s a longer, softer take on the classic long bob. It’s the Goldilocks of haircuts: longer than the clavi cut, but shorter than a midi cut—right in the middle.
Unlike the sharp, blunt bobs and lobs that we’ve been seeing on all the celebs the last few years, this version is all about playful movement. TBH, it’s kind of hard to choose just one best part, so here are a few of the highlights. First of all, it has enough length to tuck behind your ears and pull into a low ponytail. But you can style it in so many ways (it’s the choice if you’re looking for a refresh but don’t wanna sacrifice versatility). Oh, and it’s incredibly low-maintenance. Sold? Me too. No, seriously—I’ve already sent screenshots of Bieber’s hair to my hairstylist so I can get this exact haircut at my next appointment. Ahead, everything you (and I) need to know about the extended lob, this season’s coolest haircut.
What is the extended lob?
The extended lob is, well, pretty much exactly what it sounds like—a long lob that sits slightly below the collarbone.
“We’re starting to see more and more of this ‘extended lob’ length, which is perfect for clients who aren’t looking to go too short but still want the look and feel of a subtly layered haircut,” says hairstylist Nicolas Flores. As I said before, it’s just slightly longer than a clavi cut, so think of it as a style that walks the line between a short and midi cut.
The secret to this Hailey-approved extended lob is in the balance and the layers. “A strong perimeter paired with soft, wispy layers allows the hair to move naturally and creates an effortless finish,” Flores explains.
And Mrs. Bieber’s cut is a perfect example, especially if you need an inspo pic to take to your stylist. “It’s polished yet relaxed, with soft movement and a healthy, lived-in texture that makes the style feel modern and versatile,” Flores says.
Who should get an extended lob?
Get excited, because one of the biggest selling points of the extended lob is how universally flattering it is. (HUGE news for my thick, wavy hair that isn’t always the easiest for me to air-dry and style.) Simply put, “This is a great haircut for almost everyone,” says Flores.
The biggest consideration is gonna be your face shape, as it “helps determine how short the layers should be,” he explains. “Adjusting the layering to complement each client’s features ensures the cut is tailored to them while maintaining the overall shape and movement of the style.” So, depending on your face’s shape, your stylist will decide how long or short the layers will be...and we’ll leave that up to them and their scissors, since they’re the experts.
In other words, the extended lob isn’t a one-size-fits-all haircut, even though anyone can wear it. The shoulder-length cut really does come down to the movement and layers—and it can be easily personalized.
How do you style an extended lob?
Extended lobs are super go-with-the-flow. While it doesn’t require a different styling routine every day, it can also be styled in a million different ways. “The extended lob is incredibly versatile and can be styled several different ways,” says Flores. So whether you like to be creative with your hair or just want to get out the door as quickly as possible, this cut can do it all.
For a quick ’n’ easy effortless everyday look, he recommends a soft blowout that enhances bounce and movement. Want something a little cooler? “For something with a bit more edge, add loose, textured waves,” he recommends. And if you’re heading to an event or the office, “a sleek blowout is another easy option for a more polished finish,” he adds.
How do you maintain an extended lob?
An extended lob is so easy in so many ways, even when it comes down to maintenance. For daily care, just keep your strands moisturized and you’re good to go. “I always recommend using a deep conditioner once a week to keep the cuticle moisturized, resulting in softer, shinier, and bouncier hair,” says Flores.
And like any haircut, regular trims are a must-do to keep everything looking just right. “To maintain the shape of the cut, schedule a trim every six to eight weeks,” says Flores. But luckily, since this cut has really leaned into soft movement, you can get away with extending time between your appointments if you really need to. And btw, once you’re ready to grow your hair longer, this cut grows out beautifully—no need to worry about the awkward grow-out phase you have to deal with when you get a bob.
That’s it! Thank you, Hailey Bieber, for once again being our hair/beauty/style/etc. inspo.
Meet the expert:
Nicolas Flores is a celebrity hairstylist and the co-owner of FLORE Los Angeles.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Catharine Malzahn is a contributing beauty writer at Cosmo who covers hair, makeup, nails, fragrance, and skincare.
Catharine Malzahn is a contributing beauty writer at Cosmopolitan and was previously the beauty assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, and Prevention.
