Bobs are iconic for a whole host of reasons. Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, for example, and Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction. It’s a 21st century look often sported by spirited and passionate women, those who aren’t afraid to think outside the box and opt for short locks rather than luscious long ones. If you need a hand finding your next haircut, you’ve come to the right place.
1. CHOCOLATE BROWN LOB HAIRCUT WITH LAYERS
Keeping length at the front is very flattering for most face shapes, and those slightly highlights created with a balayage or hand blended method, really tops the entire design.
Instagram / cassderosa
It’s beautiful, manageable and super fashionable too. It ticks all the boxes.
2. BLONDE BALAYAGE LOB
And for those that aren’t a fan of dark hair, what about this one? A stunning blonde balayage lob which uses an ombré idea – hand panting from dark to light before styling with those wide ringlet curls.
Instagram / hdresseronfire
If you’ve ever wanted to go lighter, summer is definitely the time to do it and let’s face it, short hair is always cooler and easier when the temperatures are at their hottest.
3. STRAIGHT, ANGLED LOB HAIRCUT
The best thing about these gorgeous long bob hairstyles is that they are as super simple as they look. Massive impact with not that much work necessary to keep it looking like that. This straight, angled lob haircut is easily recreated in the morning with hair straighteners and some smoothing serum.
Instagram / loveisinthehair_byjanet
You can keep the face framing layers long to really soften the look, or opt for something blunt and edgy. That’s the good news – the choice is yours. And boy is there plenty to choose from!
4. LOB HAIRCUT FOR THICK HAIR
Thicker hair can benefit from high and lowlights in much the same way that thinner hair can, especially with these touseled waves.
Instagram / chloeward_hair
Keep the layers at different lengths, and ask your stylist to thin out your hair before adding lighter lowlights and a few highlights. It will help to lighten out the bulk of your hair, a big problem for those wanting to go for the chop with thick hair.
5. CURLY, ANGLED LOB CUT + CARAMEL BALAYAGE
A sharp bob is often too sharp and intense for some women. Vogue editor Anna Wintour is well known for her rounded business-bob, a blunt edge and super straight without a single hair out of place.
Instagram / hairbyelena
We love this curly, angled lob cut, completed with a caramel balayage over the top to bring it all together. Just because you’re going for a short look doesn’t mean it can’t still be cute and girly.
6. BLONDE SOMBRE LOB
Sombre hair, in case you didn’t know, is ombre hair but softer – the softer ombre. Clever name right?
Instagram / habitsalon
It’s a very clever way of incorporating that ombre gradient but on a much more natural level, so you can barely make out the various shades individually.
7. LAYERED LOB HAIRCUT + HONEY BLONDE BALAYAGE HIGHLIGHTS
January Jones recently opted for a beautiful honey coloured lob, just grazing her shoulders. This is a similar look, and one that can be work in a number of ways.
Instagram / alenm
Even changing the parting from centre to side (or vice versa) can make the difference.
8. BLONDE OMBRE LOB
Beyoncé is another fan of the lob look of late, opting for a balayage ombré in her design, much like you can see here.
Instagram / studiobhairdesigns
As far as long bob hairstyles go, we think this one combined with those colours might just be our favourite. Do you have a favourite yet?
9. CURLY LOB + CARAMEL BALAYAGE HIGHLIGHTS
Rose Byrne was another lovely Hollywood lady to go for the chop recently, trimming her tresses to a shoulder-skimming bin with a dark roots and slightly fed tinged but caramel blonde ends.
Instagram / kellymccormickhair
It’s cute, girlie and sophisticated. Did we mention super quick to style?
10. MESSY LOB HAIRSTYLE + ICE BLONDE BALAYAGE HIGHLIGHTS
Short hair can really be a brave choice for women who are used to rocking long locks, so opt for a long bob (or lob) to make the transition a little easier.
Instagram / romeufelipe
If you love it, you could always trim / cut it shorter and shorter. You can always cut more hair off, but you can’t add hair back on when you don’t like the cut.
