Any time I want to make a dramatic life change, my first inclination is to chop my hair—can you blame me? There’s something about cutting several inches off that makes me feel like a brand-new person. The hardest decision comes down to the exact length: Should I get a lob or a bob? That’s the age-old question, and one that many people get stuck on.
The difference between a bob and a lob might seem like a matter of inches, but there’s a variety of other factors that play into which style is best for you. With the help of a professional hairstylist, I broke down everything you need to know about these short cuts to guide you to the one that is best for your hair texture and lifestyle.
What's the difference between a bob and a lob?
The main difference between a bob and a lob is the length. “A bob typically sits shorter and can range anywhere from the jawline to just above the shoulders,” says celebrity hairstylist Marc Ballance. “A lob or ‘long bob’ keeps the same overall silhouette but falls longer, usually between the shoulders and the collarbone.”
While both are classic cuts and chic in their own right, Ballance says those few inches can make a major difference in how the shape can be styled and how much versatility they offer. Essentially, the shorter your hair, the fewer styling options you have.
What’s the maintenance for a bob vs. a lob?
A bob—especially one that is blunt—requires a bit more upkeep than a lob or other layered styles. “If you want to maintain a sharp, classic bob, I usually recommend getting a haircut every six weeks to keep the shape defined and sitting at the right length,” says Ballance. For those who like a softer bob shape, he suggests extending the time between trims to about 8 to 12 weeks.
“A lob is very similar, but because it’s longer, it tends to grow out a little more forgivingly,” Ballance adds. (AKA, you’re less likely to experience that awkward in-between length phase with a lob.)
Is a bob or a lob better for me?
Before committing to the big chop, Ballance urges you to chat with your hairstylist because they can help you determine what the best length is for you depending on your hair texture, styling routine, and lifestyle.
“Deciding between a lob and a bob isn’t just about face shape—It’s about how someone lives,” Ballance says. “Does your hair need to be tied back for work? Do you enjoy styling it every day, or do you prefer something more low maintenance? A shorter bob can require a little more daily styling to keep it looking polished, whereas a lob often offers more flexibility. The right choice is always the one that works with both your hair and your lifestyle.”
As a starting point, take the below inspo to your stylist. From there, you both can identify the exact length that will work for you and make you feel totally confident.
Bob Inspo:
Lob Inspo:
Meet the Expert
- Marc Ballance is a celebrity hairstylist at IGK Salon in NYC.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Mary Honkus is a contributor for Cosmopolitan with eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories, including a deep dive on why your hair gets so oily and making a case for coconut oil for hair. She’s an authority in all beauty categories and her hair is her prized possession. For this story, she chatted with a celebrity hairstylist to learn the differences between bobs and lobs.
