The long bob haircut—affectionately known as the “lob”—has earned its reputation as one of the most universally flattering and versatile hairstyles in the modern beauty landscape. This shoulder-grazing cut strikes the perfect balance between the bold statement of a traditional bob and the flexibility of longer lengths, offering the best of both worlds in one sophisticated package. Unlike more extreme cuts that might suit only certain face shapes or hair textures, the lob’s adaptability makes it an exceptional choice for virtually anyone looking to refresh their style without a dramatic transformation.
What makes the long bob particularly appealing is its remarkable versatility across styling options and occasions. With sufficient length to be pulled back when needed yet short enough to avoid the maintenance challenges of very long hair, the lob transitions seamlessly from professional environments to casual settings. This adaptable cut works beautifully across hair textures—from sleek, straight styles that highlight precision cutting to tousled waves that add dimension and movement. The long bob’s face-framing effect can accentuate cheekbones, elongate the neck, and create flattering proportions for any face shape when customized properly.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve curated 50 stunning long bob inspirations that showcase the incredible range and adaptability of this timeless cut. From celebrity-inspired styles that have dominated red carpets to innovative variations that incorporate modern trends like balayage and textured ends, these examples demonstrate why the lob continues to be a favorite among both hairstylists and clients seeking a versatile, low-maintenance yet undeniably chic signature look.
Why Choose a Long Bob Haircut?
Before exploring specific styles, it’s worth understanding what makes the long bob such a popular and enduring haircut choice. These benefits explain why the lob has transcended fleeting trends to become a modern classic in the hair world.
Versatility Across Face Shapes
The long bob’s adaptability to different face shapes is perhaps its greatest strength. For round faces, an asymmetrical lob with length past the chin creates elongating vertical lines. Square faces benefit from soft layers and textured ends that soften angular jawlines. Heart-shaped faces are complemented by side-swept bangs and length at the collarbone that balances a narrower chin. Oval faces can wear virtually any lob variation successfully, while long faces are flattered by lobs with fullness at the sides and perhaps curtain bangs to create width. This universal adaptability makes the lob an exceptionally safe yet stylish choice for anyone considering a significant hair change.
Manageable Length with Maximum Style
The long bob finds the sweet spot between short hair’s ease of styling and long hair’s versatility. At typically between chin and shoulder length, the lob is long enough to pull back into a small ponytail or half-up style when needed, yet short enough to style quickly and avoid common long-hair challenges like tangling, excessive weight, and extended drying time. This makes it particularly appealing for busy professionals, parents, or anyone seeking a polished look that doesn’t demand extensive daily maintenance. The lob’s length also makes it ideal for those tentatively transitioning from very long hair to shorter styles, offering a comfortable midpoint that maintains styling options while providing a refreshed look.
Flattering for All Hair Types and Textures
Whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly, fine, thick, or somewhere in between, there’s a long bob variation designed to enhance your natural texture. Fine hair benefits from blunt lobs that create the appearance of thickness and body, while thick hair looks stunning with strategically placed layers that remove weight and add movement. Naturally curly or wavy hair creates dynamic, voluminous lobs that showcase texture beautifully, while straight hair highlights the precision cutting and clean lines that make lobs so striking. This exceptional adaptability across different hair types ensures that everyone can find their perfect long bob variation with the right customization from a skilled stylist.
1. The Kylie Jenner Long Bob
We begin our list of long bob haircuts with supermodel and Kardashian clan representative, Kylie Jenner.
She sports a long bob in a dark brunette color which matches her coffee-colored eyes perfectly, as well as her tanned skin.
2. The Charlize Theron Bob
No stranger to short haircuts here is South African actress Charlize Theron sporting a lob, which perfectly frames her beautiful oval face.
You can notice that she is also wearing her signature blonde hair, to which she has stayed true all her life.
3. The Cheryl Cole Long Bob
The British singer and dancer are one of the most beautiful women across the pond. When it comes to hair, she adores long bob haircuts, and she loves them as puffy as they get.
If you want to copy her looks, you will need a blow dryer and a lot of hairsprays.
4. Ciara’s Long Bob
At the other end of the spectrum lies American singer Ciara who has opted for the effortless long bob haircut.
Here she is with a beautiful blonde balayage and just a hint of beach waves around her face that made her look like she just climbed out of bed.
5. The Heidi Klum Bob
If Heidi Klum starts sporting a haircut, that’s cue enough for us that we should consider wearing it ourselves.
Her long bob is sleek and straight with oversized side-swept bangs and choppy ends. And just look at that red lipstick. Wouldn’t hurt to buy one of those either.
6. Jennifer Aniston’s Bob Cut
She became internationally famous for two things. Playing the ditsy Rachel on Friends and wearing ‘the Rachel’ haircut on the same show.
Nowadays, however, she sports long bob haircuts in a mix of platinum and honey blonde.
7. Reese Witherspoon Long Bob Hairstyle
This legally beautiful actress is here to demonstrate how to wear long bob haircuts with bangs. She does it in style, and with a lot of sultriness, we might add. Take notice of the dark smokey eye and a nude lip.
8. The Emma Stone Bob
Few people know this, but actress Emma Stone is actually a natural blonde. You can see her here transitioning from blonde to the red hair she typically wears in her day-to-day life.
We have to say that we love her with both colors equally.
9. Jessica Alba’s Bob Style
There was a time when Jessica Alba was our teenage girl crush. Nowadays, she has transformed into a lovely, mature woman who wears a beautiful chestnut brown long bob.
She still has those lovely coffee-colored eyes and that big smile though.
10. Rose Huntington-Whitley’s Bob Haircut
When you get your first glimpse of this supermodel, you don’t know exactly what to rest your eyes on. Her piercing blue eyes? Her plump lips? Or her chiseled square face?
We choose to focus on her long bob haircuts, which are absolute perfection.
11. Jennifer Lawrence’s Long Bob
It was virtually impossible for Hollywood’s darling and the best-paid actress in the world not to follow the same trend as everyone else when it comes to hair.
Here she is sporting a long and angled bob in a chic platinum color.
12. Rose Byrne’s Long Bob Style
Another actress making the case for heavy bangs is the gorgeous Rose Byrne. She has come a long way from her days in Troy, turning into a sophisticated woman.
Just look at that chocolate milk hair paired with a dark rose lip. Scrumptious!
13. Olivia Palermo’s Bob
Even though actress Olivia Palermo is giving us major cheekbone envy every time we see her, we shall focus on her hair.
She too wears long bob haircuts in sweetheart curls. But really, does she even need to contour at this point?
14. Keira Knightley Long Bob
Keira loves shaggy long bob haircuts and you will too. They are just so easy to pull off and maintain!
All you need to do is work a little mousse or wax into your hair to give it that bedhead look, and you’re done. You can now safely walk out the door.
15. Naomi Watts’s Long Bob
A timeless beauty, actress Naomi Watts cannot go wrong no matter which hairstyle she chooses.
This is a super straight white honey long bob with choppy ends and a down-the-middle parting line. It helps bring out the blue in her eyes.
16. Anne Hathaway’s Straight Bob
Nothing says Anne Hathaway like a huge smile. How about long bob haircuts in a dark cocoa color?
We love the 90s feel to this cut with the asymmetrical strands around the face and the long, sparkly earrings dangling about.
17. Alexis Bledel’s Long Bob
Rory grew up and transformed from a shy duckling into a fantastically gorgeous swan.
The long bob haircuts she wears are complimented by a little ombre down at the bottom and, of course, a blunt fringe. And just look at those blue eyes.
18. Kaley Cuoco Long Bob Haircut
Back in the day when she was only a beginner actress on the small screen, everyone’s favorite neighbor, Kaley Cuoco, used to wear long bob haircuts.
They were shaggy and completely reminiscent of the 2000s, especially paired with those tank tops with the bra strap showing.
19. Kate Beckinsale’s Bob
Do you need to glam your look a little bit? Take a page out of Kate Beckinsale’s book and sport a huge pair of plum glasses.
That’s on top of your already fabulous long bob haircuts, of course. Take notice of how shiny and glossy her hair is. Those are goals, right there.
20. Rachel McAdams’ Style
Remember when Rachel McAdams was blonde? It was about the time when she starred as Regina George in Mean Girls.
Her long bob haircuts are worth mentioning because they are cropped and feathery instead of being slicked like all the other ones.
21. Jennifer Lopez’s Very Long Bob
Now, this is a sight to see. Jennifer Lopez sporting long bob haircuts. We all know that the diva loves her locks and doesn’t just cut them pell-mell.
Therefore, she must have really been in love with this one to do it. So, we decided we’re going to copy it as well.
22. Jenna Dewan Tatum’s Dark Hair
Apart from the long bob, you need to take a look at Jenna Dewan Tatum’s hair color.
If you have similar eyes, this is the way to go because the dark brunette really sets them apart. We also love the cat eye and coral lip gloss she chose.
23. Julianne Hough’s Bob
Here is as classic a haircut as you can get. This iceberg blonde cascades softly onto her shoulders from a shaggy parting down the middle.
It’s extremely easy to maintain as far as long bob haircuts are concerned because all you need is some leave-in conditioner and a brush.
24. The Megan Fox Long Bob
The sultry brunette actress loves long bobs and it’s a good thing that she does because they are a perfect fit for her beautiful face.
This dark chocolate bob with caramel highlights makes her look mysterious and sexy.
25. Chrissy Teigen Balayage
This is one supermodel who absolutely loves balayage and ombre no matter what she does. Teigen simply cannot get enough of it, just like she cannot get enough of the long bob.
The blonde strands near her face elongate it a little since it’s so round and angular.
26. Cara Delavigne’s Long Bob
Are you wondering what one of the most famous supermodels in the world wears when she’s not on the runway for the biggest fashion houses?
She wears a long bob, as proven by Cara Delavigne herself. Plus, take a look at the makeup. Smokey eye combined with a deep coral-red lip?
27. The Kerry Washington Hairstyle
Here is a perfect example of long bob haircuts on African American hair as displayed by actress Kerry Washington.
She opted for wispy bangs and a set of gorgeous beach waves that go perfectly with the lace that sits on top of the neckline of her dress.
28. Sandra Bullock’s Lob
Although we are quite accustomed to seeing our girl Sandy B with her signature mane of long, slick black hair, she also donned the lob a few times.
Here she is in the 2000s with an asymmetrical and choppy lob.
29. Tessa Thompson’s Bob Hairstyle
Actress Tessa Thompson had quite a year, being credited in both Westworld and the critically acclaimed Thor Ragnarok and she decided to celebrate it by sporting this amazing naturally curly long bob with a pin on one side, old Hollywood style.
30. Gwyneth Paltrow’s Look
This Oscar-winning actress has not changed that much over the years. She’s still as young and vibrant as she was back in her Shakespeare in Love days and we admire her for that.
One thing she did change, though: was the length of her hair. She just fell in love with long bob haircuts.
31. Salma Hayek’s Long Bob Style
Was there ever a moment when Salma Hayek wasn’t the picture of sheer sexiness and sultriness? She will forever be our inspiration in this department.
Here she is with a sleek long bob, smokey brown makeup, and a 90s spaghetti strap dress.
32. Taylor Swift’s Long Bob
Tay-Tay brings some much-needed girl-next-door sweetness and innocence to our list of long bob haircuts which was filled with supermodels and sultry actresses.
The singer looks picture-perfect for Sunday school in her flowery dress and signature red lipstick.
33. The Lily James Style
Yes, not even Cinderella could resist the lure of long bob haircuts. Actress Lily James, who portrayed Cinderella in the eponymous movie actually has strawberry blonde ombre hair in real life which she wears in a pretty lob.
34. Lucy Hale’s Bob
These might just be the most effortless beach waves we’ve ever seen in our lives. Therefore, we kindly ask Miss Lucy Hale to give us a hand and explain to us how it is that she gets them to be so right and so perfect every time.
35. Olivia Munn’s Look
Apart from the long bob haircuts, another aspect we’re very keen on is Olivia Munn’s hair color.
It’s a very deep and glossy brunette that goes extremely well with her tanned skin. She opted for nude makeup in the eye area so that she could wear that red and orange lipstick.
36. The Amanda Seyfried Bob Cut
We are absolutely in love with Amanda Seyfried’s blonde long bob haircut! The color, in particular, is fantastic.
It looks like a totally natural blonde, the kind you were born with or you get after you spent too much time sunbathing on your vacation.
37. Adele’s Long Bob
The British singer has been sporting long bob haircuts for so long that they have now become her signature cut.
Here she is during her big night at the Grammys looking absolutely flawless. She was definitely one of the most beautiful women there that night.
38. The Elle Fanning Long Bob
Dakota Fanning’s sister, Elle is taking the concept of nude beauty to a whole different level.
She loves to make public appearances where she has very little makeup on, and bar for some lip gloss and mascara. We completely support her idea of feminism and style.
39. Rashida Jones’s Bob
You might remember Rashida Jones from her roles in The Office and Parks and Recreation, in both of which she was flawless.
Nowadays she wears long bob haircuts with wispy bangs that suit her really well and makes her look like she just got back from a vacation in France.
40. The Katy Perry Bob
Although he has tried many hairstyles and colors throughout her long career as a pop icon, we still love our Katy Perry best with this long, white bob.
It highlights her gorgeous cobalt-blue eyes and makes her look like a fairy.
41. The Victoria Beckham Haircut
Another lady who hasn’t shied away from trying every single haircut known to man and beast is Posh Spice.
The pop singer-turned-fashion designer has long since left behind the platinum beehives and has moved on to more elegant hairstyles, such as these long bob haircuts.
42. Beyonce’s Long Bob
The queen herself caved in and went for the cut. Even though she’s famous for her Sasha fierce long locks and mane of hair, here she is with a long bob in two colors.
The undergrowth is dark chocolate, while the top color is a beige blonde.
43. The Eva Green Style
It’s impossible to take one glance at Eva Green and not fall in love with her. The actress has an indescribable mysterious quality that makes her look like she just fell out of a fantasy movie.
This is her with a very dark plum brunette long bob and a coral red lip.
44. The Jessica Chastain Bob
Everyone’s favorite red-haired girl, actress Jessica Chastain is the perfect embodiment of vintage Hollywood with her long bob haircut parted on the side.
We love how she went for a deep smokey eye, reminiscent of the flapper girls of the roaring 20s.
45. The Long Tina Fey Bob
When she’s not in costume imitating some celebrity, or portraying a very funny character, comedic genius Tina Fey cuts a dapper and beautiful figure on the red carpet.
She too loves long bob haircuts in a light chestnut brown complete with drooping diamond earrings. Swoon…
46. The Viola Davis Bob Surprise
Believe it or not, this is a wig. We included it on our list of long bob haircuts for two reasons.
- One: it’s absolutely fantastic and a wonderful haircut to copy.
- Second: Viola Davis made a statement a while back that she felt ready to ditch the wig and let people love her for who she really is because she has now reached a point in her life when she absolutely adores her natural self.
47. Emilia Clarke’s Long Bob
When it comes to beauty, it doesn’t really get better than Emilia Clarke, does it? Piercing green eyes, naturally full lips, thick eyebrows, and chiseled cheekbones.
Therefore, if she says that long bob haircuts are in, we believe her completely. Long live Khaleesi (yes, always)
48. The Ellie Kemper Style
The world fell in love with Ellie Kemper as the ditsy receptionist who made her way into everyone’s hearts in The Office.
She too wears long bob haircuts in this gorgeous mahogany meets red hair color. This is her at a red carpet-event.
49. Claire Danes’s Long Bob
Even though we adored the all-natural Claire Danes we saw in Romeo + Juliet and Little Women, where she wore long, brown hair, we also dig her sandy blonde.
We love the fact that she still goes for nude makeup, even on the red carpet.
50. The Jame King Look
Model and actress Jame King is absolutely ravishing with her long bob haircuts in this fantastic shade of iceberg blonde.
The color opens up to chai blonde toward the tips for a more natural feel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Long Bob Haircuts
How do I know if a long bob will suit my face shape?
The beauty of the long bob lies in its adaptability to all face shapes with the right customization. For round faces, ask your stylist for a lob that falls below the chin (preferably to the collarbone) with minimal layers and possibly an asymmetrical cut—longer front pieces create vertical lines that elongate the face. Square faces benefit from lobs with soft layers, especially around the jawline, and textured ends rather than blunt cuts to soften angular features. Heart-shaped faces look balanced with a lob that’s slightly longer in front to add width at the jawline, often with side-swept bangs to soften a wider forehead. Long faces are complemented by lobs with volume at the sides and possibly curtain bangs to create width, while avoiding excessive length that could elongate the face further. Oval faces, being naturally balanced, can wear virtually any lob variation successfully. When consulting with your stylist, bring reference photos but remain open to their expert recommendations for customizing the lob to your specific features—the most flattering cut will consider not just your face shape but also your hair texture, density, and personal style.
What’s the difference between a bob and a long bob?
The primary distinction between a traditional bob and a long bob (lob) is length, which subsequently affects versatility, styling options, and who can wear it successfully. A classic bob typically falls between the ear and just below the chin, creating a more geometric, structured look that makes a bold statement. In contrast, the long bob extends from just above the chin to just past the shoulders (typically hitting at the collarbone), offering a more graduated, versatile silhouette. This length difference creates significant practical distinctions: traditional bobs often cannot be pulled back into even a partial ponytail, while lobs typically provide enough length for various updos and half-up styles; classic bobs make a stronger, more dramatic statement, while lobs offer a more understated yet equally sophisticated look; and traditional bobs generally require more frequent trims (every 4-6 weeks) to maintain their precise shape, whereas lobs can often extend to 6-8 weeks between cuts while still looking intentional. Additionally, face shape compatibility differs—classic bobs work best for oval, heart, and some square faces, while lobs can be customized to flatter virtually any face shape, making them a more universally flattering option.
How should I style a long bob for different occasions?
The versatility of the long bob allows for numerous styling options across different occasions and settings. For casual, everyday wear, embrace texture with beachy waves created using a 1-1.5 inch curling iron, alternating direction of curls for natural-looking dimension; add texturizing spray for piece-y definition that requires minimal maintenance throughout the day. For professional environments, sleeker styles like a smooth blowout using a round brush create polish while maintaining movement; a side part adds sophistication, while a deep side part creates more dramatic asymmetry for creative workplaces. Special events call for more defined styling: glamorous red-carpet worthy looks can be achieved with Old Hollywood waves using a 1-inch curling iron and brushing through for smoothness; sleek, tucked-behind-one-ear styles with lots of shine create elegant asymmetry; or for bohemian events, braided elements like a small side braid or half-crown add romantic detail. For quick transformations between occasions, keep a small styling kit with bobby pins, a mini flat iron, and texturizing spray for on-the-go adjustments that can take your lob from day to evening with minimal effort.
How often should I trim my long bob to maintain its shape?
To maintain the signature shape of a long bob, most stylists recommend scheduling trims every 6-8 weeks, though this timing can vary based on several factors. For precisely cut, blunt lobs with minimal layering, the 6-week mark is ideal as growth becomes more noticeable in these structured styles. Heavily layered or textured lobs can often extend to 8 weeks between trims as the intentional unevenness makes growth less obvious. Your hair’s growth rate also impacts timing—the average person’s hair grows approximately ½ inch per month, but this varies individually. The specific length of your lob affects maintenance schedules too—shorter lobs that hit at chin-length show growth more quickly than those grazing the collarbone. If you’re growing out your lob, you can extend to 10-12 weeks between appointments, asking your stylist to focus on maintaining the shape while removing minimal length. For those with naturally curly or wavy texture, the curl pattern can often camouflage growth, potentially extending time between cuts. Many salons offer “fringe trims” or “neck cleanups” between full cuts at reduced rates, which can help maintain the critical elements of your lob while extending the time between complete reshaping.
Will a long bob work with my hair texture and type?
The long bob is remarkably versatile across different hair textures and types, but requires specific customization for optimal results. For straight hair, lobs create striking geometric lines that showcase precision cutting; fine straight hair benefits from blunt ends that create the illusion of thickness, while thick straight hair often needs internal layers to prevent a heavy, triangular shape. Wavy hair creates naturally dynamic lobs with movement and dimension; consider layers that enhance your natural wave pattern while maintaining enough weight to prevent excessive volume—often, longer layers work better than shorter ones for wavy texture. Curly hair (from loose waves to tight curls) creates beautiful, voluminous lobs when cut properly, typically requiring dry cutting to account for shrinkage and specialized techniques like “slide cutting” rather than traditional layering. Coily and highly textured hair creates stunning, full lobs that showcase natural texture; work with a stylist experienced in textured hair who can create shape while preserving length where needed. For thin or fine hair regardless of texture, blunt cuts with minimal layering maximize the appearance of thickness, while thick hair benefits from strategic layering to remove weight. Even challenging hair types like cowlicks can be incorporated into a lob—often, these natural growth patterns can be used to create natural volume or direction in the cut when positioned correctly.
Conclusion
The long bob haircut has rightfully earned its place as one of the most enduring and versatile hairstyles in modern beauty. This perfect middle ground between dramatic short cuts and high-maintenance long styles offers the ideal combination of sophistication and practicality. As demonstrated through our collection of 50 stunning examples, the lob provides nearly limitless possibilities for personalization, allowing it to complement virtually any face shape, hair texture, and personal style preference. From sleek, glass-like finishes to tousled, textured interpretations, the long bob consistently delivers a polished yet effortless aesthetic that explains its unwavering popularity among celebrities and everyday style enthusiasts alike.
What makes the long bob particularly valuable in today’s fast-paced world is its remarkable balance of style and convenience. Unlike more extreme cuts that might require significant daily styling or very long hair that demands extensive maintenance, the lob offers a wash-and-wear friendliness that doesn’t sacrifice sophistication. Its adaptability across professional, casual, and formal settings makes it a truly versatile choice for those with busy, multifaceted lives. The long bob’s ability to incorporate current trends—from dimensional color techniques like balayage to textured styling approaches—ensures it remains perpetually contemporary while maintaining its classic appeal.
As you consider these inspirations for your next hair transformation, remember that the most successful long bob will be one tailored specifically to your individual features, hair texture, and lifestyle needs. Working with a skilled stylist who understands both the technical aspects of creating the perfect lob and how to customize it to your unique characteristics will ensure a result that not only looks stunning but also works seamlessly with your daily routine. Whether you’re making a dramatic change from very long hair, growing out a shorter style, or simply refreshing your current lob, this adaptable cut offers a sophisticated, low-maintenance option that continues to stand the test of time in the ever-changing world of hair trends.
Which of these long bob styles resonates most with your personal aesthetic? Are you drawn to the sleek, polished variations or the more textured, lived-in interpretations? Share your favorite lob inspiration in the comments below!
Betty has over 15 years of experience in writing and editing for hairstyle publications. Her career started soon after graduating, leading her to winning many awards and opening her own salon at a very young age. She specializes in hair coloring techniques and hair care. In her spare time, Betty enjoys running outdoors, learning new languages, and occasionally binging a Netflix series.
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