By Wendy, Allure
That just-back-from-the-salon post-haircut feeling is like no other — so fresh and so free of split ends. Absolute bliss. Just thinking about it is enough to make you want to book an appointment at the salon. But before getting to that point, you've got to make a decision on which length to go with. You could snip off just a tiny amount and keep your strands super long, or you can do a big chop and rock it short. But if you're not really keen on extremes, the ever-popular lob (aka the “long bob”) might be just the style for you. “It’s a way to make a bold change but it still feels very feminine and it’s not quite as big of a commitment [as going very short],” says hairstylist Bryce Scarlett. But not all lobs are created equal — there are a variety of styles you can get. Here, we tapped the pros on the best medium-length haircuts to try now.
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Asymmetrical A-line
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| Karwai Tang |
A lob that’s slightly longer in the front and shorter in the back amps up the cool factor and curbs signs of the soccer mom look. “This is really versatile and can work with any face shape,” says Franck Izquierdo, co-founder of IGK Hair Care. “You can curl the edges towards the chin for a softer look.” Here, Margot Robbie nails the asymmetrical A-line cut and complements it with a deep side part.
Blunt Cut
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| Neilson Barnard |
The lob J. Lo debuted at the Met Gala was nothing short of a shock. Her signature long hair was cut off just an hour before the big event by hairstylist Lorenzo Martin, and we think it’s one of her best looks yet. “I love a blunt cut that is all one length, giving you that very ‘90s supermodel flippy hairstyle,” says Scarlett. Due to its shorter length, the focus shifts to her facial features and doesn’t distract from her bold Balmain dress.
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Long Layers
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| Jamie McCarthy |
For an instant volume boost, go for a haircut that hits at the shoulders, sprinkled with long layers throughout, like Justine Skye’s. To recreate Skye's bouncy waves, start by using Taliah Waajid Thick and Full Bamboo and Coconut Milk Moisturizing Mint Shampoo and Leave-In Conditioner to soften and prep strands. “While hair is still wet, have it cut into long layers and style with very large rollers,” says Waajid, natural hair-care specialist and licensed master cosmetologist. Following, apply the Bamboo and Biotin Edge Grow to smooth the hairline and a bit of Bamboo And Coconut Milk Growth Oil for a sleek, glossy finish.
Baby Bangs
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| Taylor Hill |
The baby bangs trend is still going strong. Paired with a long lob like Emma Watson’s, the juxtaposition between lengths makes for a daring style statement. “When your hair is thick, you don’t want it to look too clunky and heavy. You want to create more space within the haircut,” says Gardner Edmunds, hairstylist at Ramirez Tran Salon in Los Angeles. The trick to pulling it off? “Apply the Oribe Supershine Light Moisturizing Cream and Matte Waves Texture Lotion to damp hair and blow-dry. Then add the Flash Form Finishing Spray Wax when it’s dry to create definition and piecey-ness,” Edmunds says.
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Shoulder Length
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| Jamie McCarthy |
There are a variety of lengths you can go for with a lob and the slight variation can make a world of difference. When planning for a chop, consider this: The most classic style of all is right at shoulder length, like Kendall Jenner’s hair. To keep ends looking sharp, hairstylist and R+Co co-founder Garren recommends getting a haircut every six to eight weeks. “It will always look healthy and conditioned, and it will get rid of the damaged ends. This style is not like long hair where you can go longer between cuts.”
Padma Lakshmi lob
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| Presley Ann |
“Another modern take on a lob is to wear it around the collarbone, adding in long layers for an undone look,” says Izquierdo. “I like to have it air-dry to give hair a break from hot tools and for an easy, natural texture.” To get Padma Lakshmi’s look here, towel-dry hair, section it out, and apply a spritz of IGK No More Blow High Speed Air Dry Spray, coating each strand evenly. Once hair is almost dry, mix IGK Rich Kid Coconut Oil Gel and IGK Mistress Hydrating Hair Balm in your hands to play up the various layer lengths. Finger comb through and twist sections for more defined waves.
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One-Length Textured Lob
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| Matthew Eisman |
For those with medium to thick hair, a one-length textured lob, as shown on Lucy Hale, easily adds definition. “It’s a modern take on the Debbie Harry lob,” says hairstylist Gareth Bromell. “It’s effortlessly undone. I suggest using Evo’s Salty Dog Spray for a dryer texture.” To maintain hair health between cuts, try a light everyday shampoo and conditioner, like the ones from Evo’s Normal Person's line. While blow-drying, use Head Mistress Cuticle Sealer, a multi-purpose cream that binds split ends and fights frizzies.
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Mini Lob
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| Frazer Harrison |
Here, Hailey Baldwin’s hair hits right below the chin. It’s a shorter version of the classic lob. Why it works: there’s a certain edge to this look from the way it’s styled with texture — it's not pin-straight. Plus, how perfect does it go with her pink dye job? Garren notes the R+Co Trophy Shine and Texture Spray works wonders as a finisher, as does the Set Sail Soft Wave Spray. “You could also get away with just using the Freeway Spray — put it into the hair and let it dry naturally. It's all about styling the cut and owning it."
See more at: Allure
