bob · lob
Bob vs. Lob: How Long ShouldYou Go?
Bob vs. lob compared by length, upkeep, styling, and who suits each, with face shape and hair type advice and what to say so you get the right length.
Hairover Team
A bob ends between the ears and just below the jaw. A lob, or long bob, ends between the jaw and the collarbone. The bob is sharper and shows more of your neck and jaw, while the lob is easier to wear and to tie back. If you have never had short hair, the lob is a gentle way to try it.
Side by side
| Bob | Lob | |
|---|---|---|
| Ends at | Ears to just below the jaw | Jaw to collarbone |
| Ties back | Barely | Usually |
| Trim schedule | 6 to 8 weeks | 8 to 12 weeks |
| Styling | Often needs a little shaping | More flexible |
| Reads as | A clear cut | Grown-up, relaxed |
| Grow-out | Reshape regularly | Easy |
Why choose a bob
A bob makes a real change. It draws attention to your jaw and neck, and it makes fine hair look thick since the ends stay dense. There are many versions, as listed in our bob haircut ideas.
The bob can also push your hair outward if it is very thick, and it can get bulky without internal layers. Ask your stylist about that first.
Why choose a lob
The lob is forgiving, works on most textures, and can still go in a ponytail. It suits people who want a noticeable change with less risk. Our layered lob guide has styling notes, and medium-length haircuts for women includes other choices at this length.
By face shape
- Round: a lob with length below the chin lengthens the face. A bob works if it is angled longer at the front.
- Square: soft ends in either. Avoid a blunt line right at the jaw.
- Heart: a chin-length bob adds fullness where the face narrows.
- Oblong: a chin-length bob with a fringe adds width and shortens the face.
- Diamond: a bob that hits the jaw balances wide cheekbones.
- Oval: either works, so choose by lifestyle.
How to ask for the right length
Words like “short” and “long bob” mean different things to different people. Instead, touch the exact point on your neck or collarbone where you want it to end when dry. Remember that wavy and curly hair will shrink up, so it needs to be cut longer.
“I’d like a lob that hits right here at my collarbone when dry, with soft ends and a little internal layering.”
Related guides
Compare both lengths on your own photo
A few inches here can change how your whole face reads. Hairover lets you upload a clear photo, get a hair analysis, and try hairstyles on your own face in Style Studio.
FAQ
Where does a bob end and a lob begin?
A bob generally ends between the ears and the bottom of the jaw or just below. A lob, short for long bob, ends somewhere between the jaw and the collarbone.
Which is easier to maintain?
Usually the lob. It grows out more gracefully, can be tied back, and doesn't need trims quite as often. Sharp, short bobs may need attention every six to eight weeks.
Is a bob or lob better for thin hair?
Both can work well, as blunt ends look thick. A bob adds the most apparent fullness, since it has the least length to weigh your hair down.
