The Bob vs. The Lob

Photo posted by Lauren Conrad | Instagram (@laurenconrad)

It’s official–2015 is the year of the bob. It seems like lately, everyone is chopping off inches of hair, sporting classic bobs, or longer versions called lobs. Lauren Conrad, Kim Kardashian and Beyoncé all cut off their signature long locks, opting for chic short ‘dos instead. Are you thinking about trying a lob or a bob? Here’s what you need to know:

Length

A bob is typically cut at jaw-level, give or take a few inches. A bob is too short to pull into a ponytail or bun. A lob is longer, ending right above the collarbone. If you have extremely thick hair, opt for a longer length. Cutting thick hair too short can lead to puffy, frizzy hair. If your hair is on the thinner side, you can go a little shorter. The shorter length pumps up the volume in thin, fine hair and gives you a great full look.

Face Shape

Bobs draw attention to the face and shoulders, so if you have broad shoulders or a wider face, you may want to consider going longer with your hair. Since the lob is a longer cut, it works for really any face shape.

Texture

If you decide to chop your hair, you also have to decide which kind of cut you want. (I know, so many decisions!) Bobs can range from having sleek and straight ends, blunt edges, or face-framing layers. Lauren Conrad’s bob is choppy, textured and great for thicker locks. Lobs, on the other hand, are usually blunt and textured. Think Emma Stone at the 2015 Golden Globes.

Maintenance

Cutting your hair into a bob or a lob is a commitment and will require a little more work than your long style did. One important thing to invest in when you cut your hair is a good curling iron or curling wand. Beachy waves look great in any length of hair. Dry shampoo is also a great product to use on bobs and lobs because it adds back any lost volume to your roots whenever you want. As bobs grow, they end up growing into the length of a lob. For this reason, it’s not as important to regularly visit your stylist for trims. When lobs grow out, they tend to flip at the ends. For this reason, stylists recommend getting your lob trimmed up every 6-8 weeks.

I cut my hair short today.

A photo posted by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on

If you’re still on the fence about going short, try a lob first. If you love the lob and decide you want to try a bob, go for it! Remember, the wonderful thing about hair is you can always cut it shorter and it always grows back.

If you’re ready to chop your hair into a bob or a lob, the best thing you can do is find pictures of things you like and don’t like to show your hairstylist. You have to remember your hair won’t look exactly like the celebrity pictures you print out, because everyone’s hair is different. But, it’s a great way to show your hairstylist what you want and end up with the perfect hairstyle. And, it gives you another reason to spend hours on Pinterest searching for the perfect bobs and lobs.

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