5 Long Bob Haircuts That Are So Flattering

If you're not ready to dive into the classic bob that falls just about at your jawline, then a long bob, also called a lob, is the perfect way to experiment with going shorter (but not too short). Lobs leave behind enough hair that you can still put it up for certain occasions and you can also get creative with how you style it — something a classic bob doesn't always offer. This is also why lobs have the reputation of being low-maintenance, because in most cases, you can literally just get up and go. 

"A lob works well with all face shapes," hairstylist Christine Bellemare tells InStyle. "The length can be customized to flatter your features, whether you want to soften a strong jawline, elongate a round face, or add balance to longer face shapes." Lobs are also at home on any type of hair texture. 

So if you don't think you're ready to give Leslie Bibb's bob a try this summer — although, let's be honest, it's become as iconic as her name for the look — then long bobs are for you. Lobs are a lot of fun, can switch up your style, and breathe life and luster back into your hair. You might even find yourself loving your lob so much that you'll level up to a bob and, before you know it, maybe you'll be rocking a super short pixie cut. You never know where your first relatively short haircut might take you. 

When it comes to style transformation, Zendaya has jaws dropping all over the place. So, naturally, when she took on the long bob in 2024 while promoting her film "Challengers," she nailed it. Zendaya has worn her hair in a variety of different lengths, but this was one of her best haircuts ever because it's so versatile. She could be at a press junket for the movie, wearing her lob in a classic and sophisticated way, then show up to another event a few hours later with her hair up and styled into something fun and creative. 

Naomi Watts' natural waves are the perfect example of why long bobs are as universally flattering as they are low-maintenance. Although there's a very slim chance that Watts just rolled out of bed with her hair looking like this, her stylist probably didn't have to do too much work to get her ready for the red carpet. The natural, carefree waves prove the lob really is a get-up-and-go haircut.

Although bangs remain a hot topic — people either love them or hate them — they just make sense when paired with a long bob. While Taraji P. Henson has celeb-approved wispy bangs here, it's certainly not the only type of bang that complements long bobs. From blunt power bangs to edgy micro bangs, there are so many 2025 bang trends to consider. Bangs help shape and soften the face, while adding a little extra attitude.

If you have naturally curly hair and you're not sure what to do with it because, let's be honest, curly hair comes with its own set of problems, then lob it. That's right; waltz into your salon and tell your hairstylist that you're ready to let your curls live their life in a long bob. Viola Davis has had varying lengths of lobs, but when she wears it curly, it's simply stunning. It's an especially flattering bob look for older women.

While a slicked-back long bob or one that has blunt ends always looks great, the flip makes is what makes this slicked lob look superior. To get Emma Stone's flipped ends, ask your hairstylist to cut your hair so your ends just naturally flip. While you can use product to make this happen, a precise cut can achieve the same effect if you don't want to deal with all that. Then you have a flattering and playful cut that makes you look like you're always ready for a good time.