Unless you've been living on planet Mars for the past century, you would have heard of the bob haircut. You know, the chin-length 'do that celebs like Lily Collins are best known for sporting—oh, and the one that's been around since the 1900s with many an iteration. We've seen everything from the bottleneck bob to the French bob, but one style that's, arguably, less intimidating than the super short cut and more wearable is the long bob—aka, the lob.
But what defines a long bob? And what face shapes are best suited to the style? Well, we consulted professional hairstylist Jordanna Cobella, who shared her expertise on everything to know about the lob. Keep reading for your most asked questions, answered!
What is a long bob?
A long bob or lob is, as expected, longer than a traditional bob; specifically, it falls between the chin and shoulder, and, as Jordanna says, "offers a more versatile and softer alternative to traditional short bobs."
Continuing, Jordanna says: "It can be worn blunt with a sharp edge (no layers) and almost all one length for a striking finish. That or it can be cut, feathered, and textured, with shattered layers for a more effortless finish with movement."
What face shapes does a long bob work for?
Firstly, whatever hairstyle you want, you should get; at Cosmo we don't like subscribing to the idea that you've got to have a certain look just because you have a specific face shape or hair type. That said, the beauty of a long bob is that it works for nearly all face shapes, so we're all winners here!
If you have a round face, Jordanna says that the lob "can elongate your features, making it appear more oval.
"For those with square faces, soft layers around the face soften angular features. And if you have an oval face, you’re lucky because you can rock a lob in almost any form."
And the same goes for texture and hair type, too. If you've got thicker, curlier hair and want to lift off some weight, opt for a layered bob, whereas if you have thinner locks, a blunter cut will add the illusion of fuller strands.
What to ask your hairdresser for when getting a long bob
As Jordanna tells us, whenever going to the hairdressers for a new look, you should be super clear about the length you want; this is the pièce de résistance, so it’s got to be right! So, come prepared with inspiration pics galore—like the ones in this article... wink, nudge.
"Visually show your hairdresser where you want the bob to sit when it’s dry (hair shrinks when dry, so this will not match the length when it’s wet). Ask your stylist to leave enough length so you can wear it straight, curled, or wavy, so it’s versatile," explains Jordanna.
You can also ask for a more modern, asymmetrical take on the lob if you’re after something a little different. This style is defined by an uneven length, often with the back being shorter than the front, as Margot Robbie so perfectly demonstrates below.
Long bob styling tips
Low-maintenance girlies, listen up because Jordanna says that a long bob is all about effortless styling. Hallelujah!
"You can keep it sleek and straight for a polished look, or add some waves and lived-in kinks for that beachy vibe," she says. For more volume, try a root-lifting spray and scrunch it with your fingers. You can also create a slightly tousled, lived-in texture with a salt spray, scrunch, and diffuser.
Above all, a long bob is the perfect style for those looking for a healthy-looking yet stress-free style. Your grown-out bob just got a little more intentional!
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
