The Bob vs The Lob: Which Is Best For You

It’s no secret that a good lob has been the style of the 2010s. It was made super popular by A-list celebrities like Khloe Kardashian, Selena Gomez, Jennifer Lawrence and Lauren Conrad. It’s sister style, the bob, has been popular for decades as a chic style for women of all ages. A lot of you may be ready to make a summer CHOP with your hair this year – and could be wondering which cut is going to be the best for you. Check out the difference in a bob vs a lob in length, face shape, texture and maintenance below:

The Bob vs The Lob: Which Is Best For You

BEST PRODUCTS FOR BOB & LOB LENGTH HAIR:

Length

Bob: 

A bob is usually no longer than chin-length or law-length. You can’t pull it into a ponytail or a bun. It can be all one-length, or stacked in the back. A lot of times, they will be A-line style, so they’re shorter in the back and longer in the front. It’s not super great for thick hair – as it often will lead to puffy, frizzy, hard-to-manage hair. Bobs are great for thinner hair because you can stack them, and add that thickness.

Lob:

A lob is a bit longer than a bob – somewhere between chin-length and collar-bone length. It’s great for both thin and thick hair. It can be pulled into a ponytail, but not typically a full topknot without bobby pinning the back. you can also do a longer A-line style here, but often they will be cut with a bit of texture or blunt edges.

Face Shape

Bob: 

A bob draws attention to the face and the shoulders, and works well for slender or heart shaped faces. If you have a very defined jaw-line, bobs works well because they draw the eye directly the that feature.

Lob:

A lob works well for most face shapes, but I would stay away if you have broad shoulders or a wider face. Heart shaped faces look excellent in this style, as wells oval shapes.

Texture

If you decide to chop your hair, you also have to decide which kind of cut you want. (I know, so many decisions!) Bobs can range from having sleek and straight ends, blunt edges, or face-framing layers. Lauren Conrad’s bob is choppy, textured and great for thicker locks. Lobs, on the other hand, are usually blunt and textured. Think Emma Stone at the 2015 Golden Globes.

Bob:

Bobs are often very sleek styles, with straight edges, blunt ends and face-framing short layers.  They look really beautiful when they are shiny and straight. You can wave them, but full curls often cause the style to “poof” out.

Lob: 

Lobs are typically much less sleek and much more textured than bobs. They tend to be choppy and look amazing in beach waves, loose curls and braided styles. It’s often very low maintenance, and doesn’t require too much styling if you don’t want to!

Maintenance

Bob:

Bobs require more upkeep if you are wanting to keep this length specifically. BUT – if you are ok with both bobs and lobs, your bob will often grow nicely into a lob, which would require actually LESS maintenance than other styles because you can get away with a trim every few months vs weeks. For styling, a good straightener will be key for bobs because of their sleek style. You can also put light waves in with a curling iron or straightener.

Lob:

Lobs are great because they are so easy. They look fabulous in beach or loose waves – and the style is short enough that curls should hold for a couple days if you use dry shampoo and touch up a few curls on the daily. Texturizing spray will be KEY with this style, as well as a pomade to keep the ends separated. Lobs will require a trim every 6-8 weeks. I am able to go about 8 weeks between trims, and I’ve got my hair trained to go 3-4 days between washes (2x a week).

PIN THIS FOR LATER:

I hope this helps you make an informed decision on which look you want to rock the most this summer!!! I wish I had long hair again simply so that I could enjoy that fun rush of chopping all your hair off. 😉 There is always something exciting about that big change for a new season!

Which style do you like the best?! Let me know in the comments below!