The 31 Best Long Bob Haircuts for Every Face Shape (2024)

As seasons and trends come and go, it's fun to change up our look. We're talking everything from a new wardrobe and nail art look to a new hair color and haircut to match. It's one of the best things about switching up your style — you can do as you please, when you please, however you please.

If you're looking to switch up your hair length but don't want to do something too trend — such as a U-shaped haircut or shag — consider a long bob instead. It's a classic style that suits most face shapes and hair types, which is why so many hairstylists recommend the shoulder-length look.

To learn more about long bobs, InStyle tapped a few celebrity hairstylists and asked them everything there is to know about this style. Plus, we share 31 of the best lob looks as seen on some of our favorite celebrities. Curious? Keep scrolling.

Experts Call the "Italian Bob" the Chicest One Out There

What is a long bob?

The lob is up there on our list of the best classic haircuts with a twist. It earned its name — the lob — as it's a little longer than a regular bob. Typically, the length of the long bob haircut falls somewhere between the chin and collarbone.

What are the benefits of getting a long bob?

There are many reasons for its popularity. "The lob makes all hair look thick and healthy," explains celebrity hairstylist, Matt Fugate. "Also, the strong lines draw attention to bone structure and help frame the face."

As the length is maintained around the face, Fugate says it also creates a silhouette that flatters all face shapes. Plus, that length makes for a versatile range of styling options. According to Adriano Cattide, the creative director at New York City-based salon The Drawing Room, the lob is one of those haircuts that can be tailored to flatter you and your face shape.

"The lob can be cut individually for each person, from a blunt and one-length version to a layered with messy bangs or an asymmetrical textured one," Cattide tells InStyle of its versatility. .

How to style a long bob:

Mila Kunis seems to prefer the cut flat-ironed and smooth, while Selena Gomez's textured lob surely inspired hundreds of chops. Celebrity hairstylist Laura Polko says she prefers it styled straight, "half-up, half-down with a scünci scrunchie for '90s vibes," or with volume at the crown. The options are endless.

If you're ready to dive in and need a little inspiration, keep scrolling for examples of why it's one of the most talked-about hairstyles of all time.

Celebrities with long bobs:

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Curly Long Bob

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If you have natural curls, enhance your texture with a defining product, like the Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Soufflé. Then slightly pick or brush them out for an elegant and shapely lob.

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Half-Up Half-Down

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Let's call Hailey Bieber's cut a long lob, shall we? The extra length allows for a variety of styling options, like this perky and voluminous half-up ponytail.

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Polished Waves

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The actress has her signature lob parted down the middle and gently curled, most likely with a wide barrel brush, to give off a more polished beach wave. "Another fun way to style a lob is adding some uneven beach weaves with a curling iron or a wand," says Cattide. "Tools and products are a must for this style."

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Blown-Out Long Bob

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The multi-hyphenate isn't just versatile in her career; she's also known for switching up her hair often. And while J.Lo looks flawless with any look, this curled long bob created by her hairstylist Chris Appleton is quite elegant. The deep side part and big curls provide a "glamorous, bouncier look that's styled behind the ear on one side and gives an asymmetrical visual effect for a modern style with a touch of retro," Cattide says.

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Beachy Long Bob

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A messy, beach-wavy lob like Dua Lipa's here is so easy to achieve. If you want to mimic the singer's "cool-girl look," Cattide suggests using some sea salt spray on damp hair and letting it air dry with a side part.

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Blunt Long Bob

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Oscar-nominated actress Margot Robbie opts for a blunt, long bob rather than lots of cascading layers.

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Smooth Long Bob

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Viola Davis's collarbone-grazing cut draws attention to her caramel highlights.

'90s-Inspired Long Bob

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The Game of Thrones alum opted for a middle part and curled-in ends all the same length for a flouncy, chic take on the classic cut. Cattide says curling in the ends like Emilia's here will give the cut a bit of a '90s feel.

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Natural Curls

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Nathalie Emmanuel's lob is cut with delicate, gradual layers to further enhance her natural curls.

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Super-Sleek Long Bob

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Kendall Jenner's haircut is proof that a simple parting choice can transform your entire look. Try styling your long bob with a super-straight center part.

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Wavy Long Bob

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Ciara's front section of hair is perfectly waved to frame her face. "This super sexy textured lob [was] softly layered, emphasized with a dimensional blonde ombré color, and styled with a middle part and natural messy waves," explains Cattide.

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Deep Side Part

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Use a curling wand or a curling iron to create bends in your lob, similar to Selena Gomez's look.

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Long Bob with Curtain Bangs

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Pair your lob with this other buzzy hair trend: curtain bangs.

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Polished Waves

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One of the best hairstyles for the lob haircut is a full set of beachy waves. Better yet, add a sparkly hair accessory. Use Kerry Washington as your inspiration.

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Slight Movement

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Long layers gives your hair fullness and a look of density. Perfect example? Bella Hadid's blowout.

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Natural Waves

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Laura Harrier simply tucked her curly blunt lob behind her ears to give the cut an effortless vibe.

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Sleek, Blunt Long Bob

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When attempting to create a look similar to Mila Kunis, you'll need to carefully coat your strands with a heat protectant so that the sleek finish doesn't result in damage.

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Highlighted Long Bob

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Another bonus of the lob, as demoed by Olivia Palermo? It brings attention to highlights placed around the ends of your strands.

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Long Bob with Bangs

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Long bobs with bangs instantly makes a statement. January Jones wears the look without flaw.

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Straight Long Bob

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Add volume to your angled lob with a minimal bouffant at the crown of your head.

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Messy Waves

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Olivia Munn's hair always features plenty of waves and volume.

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Angular Long Bob

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Zendaya's lob features textured bangs and subtle angles that frame her face.

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Middle Part

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When Kim Kardashian wears a lob, she prefers it with a center part, zero fly-aways, and a blunt cut.

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Long Bob with Loose Waves

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If there is a way to style a lob, Olivia Culpo has tried the look. However, she always returns her loose waves.

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Voluminous Long Bob

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Taraji P. Henson's side part creates a lift at her roots, creating ample volume.

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Flipped Ends

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You can still obtain that '90s vibe by flipping your ends out the other way, like how celebrity hairstylist Kah Spence styled Keke Palmer's lob here. Take it a step further with a trendy clip.

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Extreme Side Part

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Before Nina Dobrev debuted her bob and bangs, she was rocking a super straight lob with an extreme side part.

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Blonde Long Bob

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Khloe Kardashian regularly returns to this perfectly messy long bob.

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Beach Waves

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Rachel McAdams's side-parted lob is a classic look that still feels fresh on the red carpet.

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Romantic Waves

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Simply pinning back two strands of hair like Emily Blunt gives the lob a romantic feel.

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Side Part

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By far the shortest haircut we've ever seen on Lauren Conrad, this chop fits her lifestyle and draws attention to her features.