What’s the difference between a lob and a bob?

Seeing as short hair is all the rage this year, we’re taking a look at all the different ways one can rock a crop.

What seems to get confused quite often is the difference between a lob and a bob.

We know that the lob was pretty popular around the 2010s, with many a celeb jumping on the bandwagon, and we are certainly seeing an influx of massive Hollywood names going for all different variations of the bob in 2023.

So, let’s look at what sets them apart.

Let’s be real, we’re getting to a point now where the “Bob” is more of a genre of hairstyle… You can have a french bob, a classic bob, a blunt bob… To name a few.

For more info on the different types of bobs you can have, click here.

But the defining feature of the bob is that it is generally no longer than chin or jaw length. It’s something you can’t put up in a ponytail.

Bobs can be all one length, or start longer in the front and shorter in the back.

Often a bob will have a straight edge and some face framing layers.

First, always spritz your hair with a heat protectant like NAK Hair’s Thermal Shield…

Then grab your Mermade Hair Interchangeable Blowdry Brush, using the skinny brush take sections of your hair and wrap them around the brush. Repeat this process until your hair is dry and styled.

Finish with some texture and volume - Davroe’s Cloud Volumising Texture Powder, which will also provide hold.

So what makes a haircut a lob?

Ok so the definition of a lob is that it is longer than a bob. (Long + bob = lob). It’s supposed to sit somewhere between chin-length and collarbone length. Generally speaking you can pull a lob back into a ponytail. A lob is generally cut with some texture or a blunt edge.

Lobs tend to rock a more choppy cutting style and is considered low maintenance.

Is a lob haircut shorter at the back? Often the lob might start at the shoulder or collarbone and work its way shorter at the back, but not necessarily all the time.

This style works well with loose, beachy waves.

Protect your hair from heat first with Alfaparf Style Stories Thermal Protectant.

Create waves using the Bondi Boost 32mm Wave Wand.

Add hold with Schwarzkopf Silhouette Super Hold Lacquer.