The Haircut That Works on Everyone

From InStyle

Few haircuts are as universally flattering as the lob. The shoulder-grazing length works well on every face shape along with a number of hair textures. Although the length is what defines the cut, there's a few different variations on the lob you can try depending on your style. Here, we've rounded up three ways to wear the lob cut, and turned to celebrity hairstylists to find out why each take on the style works for everyone.

THE BLUNT LOB

THE LOOK: Celebrity hairstylist Renato Campora describes this cut as "blunt and uniform with no layers." Since it elongates the neck, it makes you appear more statuesque. “If you go any shorter, it becomes a bob and you lose the versatility," he adds.

IT'S PERFECT FOR: Anyone whose hair is fine or fried from heated styling tools. “This returns it to healthy without being tied down to a short style,” says Campora. “It gets rid of stringy ends, so hair looks thicker.”

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HOW TO WEAR THE BLUNT LOB

Campora says that wearing a blunt lob in a middle part is youthful and stylish, “But what’s great about this cut is you can do a side part, a middle part, or no part at all.” The one constant? a shine-boosting hair serum, which will keep strands glossy. Try spritzing Moroccanoil's Glimmer Spray ($28; sephora.com) over your finished style.

THE LONG-LAYERED LOB

THE LOOK: Chin-length layers will add texture and movement to a lob.

IT'S PERFECT FOR: Celebrity hairstylist Mara Roszak says this cut is “chic, pulled together, and a bit more sophisticated than flowing, beachy layers." If you have a long face, the layers will add more width. To give your style extra volume, run a body-building mousse such as Kérastase Densifique Densimorphose ($42; kerastase-usa.com) through your hair when it's damp.

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HOW TO WEAR THE LONG-LAYERED LOB

With this cut, you've got styling options. Keep your part down the center for an effortless finish, or move it over to the side for a more dressed-up look. Braiding your front pieces for a Grecian-style updo is a great alternative to wearing your strands down.

THE CHOPPY LOB

THE LOOK: Celebrity hairstylist Mark Townsend says that the the wispy layers are crucial to this cut. He uses thinning shears for the back layers to soften any hard lines, but recommends keeping the layers long to keep the look modern.

IT'S PERFECT FOR: Everybody—Townsend says this style is suitable for all face shapes. “It’s modern and young and gives your do some edge,” he says. “It’s also a good start for any woman who’s afraid to cut her hair.” Blast your hair with a few shots of Dove's Refresh + Care Volume & Fullness Dry Shampoo ($4; target.com) for extra texture and movement.

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HOW TO WEAR THE CHOPPY LOB

“This cut is versatile because it’s long enough to be pulled into a chignon or ponytail,” says Townsend, “and it can also handle intricate, Old Hollywood styles. It’s not like you’re committing to a look that limits your styling options.”