The days of walking into the salon and telling your hairstylist that you simply want a bob are over. Because in 2025, there are about a zillion different types of bob haircuts: the layered bob, A-line bob, bixie (yup, that's a bob and a pixie), a long bob...there's the Italian bob vs the French bob. But the biggest confusion I see online constantly is thinking a bob and a lob are just a slight difference in length, or worse, the same thing. Not to create bob vs lob haircut discourse rn, but understanding the key features of each cut is pertinent to getting the style you want when you leave the chair. Let's get into it.
What's the difference between a bob and a lob?
Obviously, the biggest difference between a bob and a lob is the length. Bobs typically sit at your jawline or above, whereas a lob lands an inch or two above or below your shoulders. Because of this, a bob tends to look more traditionally Parisian and chic, whereas a lob has a bit more of a bouncy, playful look. However, that all changes if you add in layers. A short, layered bob typically looks intentionally choppy and spiky, while a layered lob is more classic and soft. Think the difference between Jenna Ortega's shag and Taylor Swift's 1989 era bob.
The shorter your hair, the fewer styling capabilities you have. A short, chin-length bob is difficult to pull back into a ponytail or a slicked-back bun; so if these are your go-to styles, a lob will give you that sleek cut without sacrificing your usual looks. Similarly, another key component of the bob vs lob conversation is maintenance. If you want to keep your bob short and blunt, you'll require regular trims to avoid a grown-out look. However, a lob is legit perfect for people who hate spending time at the salon. It looks as good freshly cut as it does when it's grown out a bit.
Looking for some ideas to take to your appointment (because, yeah, IK you're convinced for a cut)?
Bob Inspo:
Sydney Sweeney
Ayo Edebiri
Keke Palmer
Saoirse Ronan
Gigi Hadid
Lob Inspo:
Selena Gomez
Laura Harrier
Margot Robbie
Chrissy Teigen
Victoria Beckham
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing hair stories that range from low-porosity hair products to reviewing K18. She regularly tests and analyzes hair products while working with the industry’s top hairstylists to research new trends.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
