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7 Effortlessly Chic ‘Lob’ Haircuts To Try For A Flirty, Youthful Look This Summer

May 22, 2024 by Marissa Matozzo

 
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For those looking for a stylish and versatile haircut that strikes the perfect balance between long and short, the medium-length lob cut is an excellent choice. Thin or fine-haired gals can especially benefit from this length as it creates the illusion of thicker locks. To achieve the best results with a medium-length cut, it’s essential to take into account your face shape and personal preferences, including the integration of face-framing layers, bouncy curls, and waves.

Fortunately, a group of expert stylists has helped us curate a collection of seven medium haircuts that are both refined and trendy, perfect for the upcoming summer season. A medium-length bob or ‘lob,’ is a ‘do that falls somewhere between a chin-length bob and collarbone-length hair. This flattering cut is suitable for any hair type or color and is praised by many professionals for its anti-aging effects. We reached out to hairstyling experts who provided seven voluminous variations of the ‘lob’ cut that will surely inspire your next visit to the salon.

Read on for suggestions and tips from the pros: Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles, Gina Rivera, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites, Lauren Udoh, professional hairstylist and Hair Creative Director of WigReports, and Krysta Guerrero, owner and stylist at Base Salon Chicago.

7 Flattering, Volume-Boosting Lob Haircuts For Summer 2024, According To The Pros

1. Sleek Lob with Deep Side Part

If you have center-parted, fine hair and want to increase volume instantly, Abdullah recommends opting for a deep, Old Hollywood-esque side part, like Rose Byrne (above). When it comes to lobs this summer, she says: "try a side part instead, as you can move the hair from one side to the other, as you wish."

The added hair going over will increase "volume in the area as well," she adds, especially if your hair is "used to being parted down the center." This trick is also great for "hiding signs of thinning in the crown area," where many women notice thinning and hair loss, she goes on.

"Having a deep side part really brings on the glamor, especially if you've had recent coloring added," she also points out. Another bonus is that this works for any hair texture, as wavy or curlier tresses will also look "elegant" with a side-parted lob, she says.

2. Shaggy, Layered Lob

A shag is an "amazing cut that is well-recognized for being versatile," Rivera says. A quintessential shaggy lob, as seen on Halle Berry, offers "nice variations for both longer and shorter hair." With a layered lob, "adding a bang can add a fresh surprise to this look," Rivera suggests.

Rivera also deems this to be a "face-framing cut that works well for taking years off," if you wish to. "The shag is also a great style for softening features," Rivera says, as it can take attention away from wrinkles, fine lines or age spots on the forehead as well.

For anyone with hair on the longer side, Rivera points out that "an added choice is to shorten the hair up a bit to the collarbone or above" to create some texture by "adding subtle layers to soften."

3. Asymmetrical Lob

A textured asymmetrical lob or bob is a "terrific choice" for anyone who wants to boost volume, Rivera explains, and it's a perfect blend of classic yet still modern and trendy. "This style is so hip that it’s perfect for making our ladies in their prime look super chic," she says.

"Removing a bit of length from the hair, [adds] movement and creates a youthful appeal." When it comes to styling, Rivera points out that "texturing the hair" creates an "opportunity to remove some of the damaged ends and weight which bring more life to the hair as well."

An aforementioned deep side part (as seen above on Rosamund Pike) is added "to create more volume on the top of the head by literally pushing more hair to one side of your head," and this hairstyle is great for hiding thinning on top if you have any, Abdullah notes.

4. Wavy Lob with Wispy Curtain Bangs

If you are experiencing hair loss at your crown, you're noticing your part widening or just want a simple way to make your hair looks fuller, Abdullah suggests adding a fringe and subtle layers. Adding curtain bangs to a layered lob can "make your hair appear thicker, and are a great way to add volume to thinning hair," she says.

The style, as seen on January Jones (above) works well for "women who want to hide thinning hair in the front," she emphasizes, as it creates "a soft, natural looking wave at the top of the head." Abdullah also swears by curtain bangs to especially conceal signs of hair loss and thinning, as she notes that "they add length and volume so you don't have to spend hours styling."

Abdullah adds that they are incredibly versatile and "can be worn short or long, curled or straight," and that the key is to "keep the bangs long enough to cover the eyebrows and frame the face and eyes."

5. Italian Lob

If you're looking for a haircut that can make your best features pop while giving your mane an extra boost of volume and bounce, look no further than the Italian lob cut. This style is inspired by Old Hollywood and is a 'do that stylish stars like Zendaya are currently opting for.

The Italian lob takes the traditional bob cut to new heights with chunky blunt ends that create an airy, voluminous look that's never heavy or bulky. It also has just the right amount of length to allow for easy styling options as it's long enough to tie up, but short enough to be worn as is.

Udoh says that a medium bob like this is "a sleek and stylish choice for many occasions." She adds that "it's a versatile cut that looks great on almost any face shape and hair type."

The length can be "adjusted to complement your features and create an attractive silhouette," she notes. "This ever-popular lob provides volume at the crown, with textured layers that frame the face nicely while still maintaining an easy-to-manage style," Udoh explains.

6. Blunt Lob with Sideswept Bangs

If you want a sleek, trendy and ultimately timeless look, a blunt lob can add youthful-esque fullness, seen here on Emma Stone. “You can make your hair look fuller with a blunt lob,” Abdullah says, as the “bottom of a blunt cut looks full, regardless.” A side swept bang with this, she adds, “helps lift the features even more.”

Abdullah recommends adding wispy sideswept bangs to this hairdo for not only a more radiant look overall, but also to hide any thinning or hair loss at the crown. Bangs that move off to the side, she says look "very youthful and fresh."

7. One-Length Lob

If you want to go for a shorter cut but keep it neat and sleek, Rivera suggests the one-length lob, like Scarlett Johansson's. "The [blunt] lob, also recognized as a longer version of the classic bob, is such a popular look right now," she says. Rivera continues, "One of the main reasons for that is the fact that you don’t have to commit to shorter hair and it’s versatile. The lob is also terrific for creating a youthful look."

A long, sleek and one-length lob like Johansson's is a "great option" for beating the heat this summer, Rivera notes, "especially for those that don’t want to cut all of their hair off. "In addition, this 'do allows for the "removal of damaged ends" and its one-length "creates a lot of opportunities for styling."

"This style is darling tucked behind an ear or just worn down," Rivera adds, and Johansson did this on the red carpet, proving her point!

The Bottom Line

Rivera suggests that although the seven summer lob hairstyles mentioned in this list are reliable options, there exist a multitude of timeless, life-changing, and elegant similar hairstyles that accentuate your favorite facial features and are worth considering.

To uncover the perfect hairstyle for you, she says you must analyze your facial structure and consult with a skilled stylist. Additionally, Rivera advises that it’s best to always "consult with your stylist on a maintenance schedule but for those trying to regain hair health, make sure to trim every 4-6 weeks."

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