Lob

Universally flattering across all face shapes, the lob's genius lies in its ability to be customised through subtle variations in length, layering and texture to flatter any proportion. Oval faces carry the lob effortlessly — the balanced proportions allow any variation, from a blunt, one-length lob that reads as sleek and editorial to a heavily textured, piece-y lob that channels bohemian energy. Round faces benefit from the elongating effect of the longer perimeter, which draws the eye downward past the widest point of the cheek and creates a lengthening vertical line that counteracts circularity; a centre part with face-framing pieces that angle inward toward the chin creates the illusion of structure and length. Square faces are softened by the lob's ability to graze past the jawline rather than stopping at it — the longer perimeter breaks the horizontal emphasis of a strong jaw and introduces gentle movement where angular lines would otherwise dominate; soft waves or subtle layering at the ends further diffuses the jaw's angularity. Heart-shaped faces gain beautiful balance as the collarbone-grazing length adds visual weight near the jaw, offsetting a wider forehead and creating harmony between the upper and lower face; side-swept bangs or long, face-framing layers that begin at the cheekbone are particularly effective. Long faces are complemented by the lob's horizontal emphasis — the collarbone-grazing perimeter creates a visual stop that interrupts vertical elongation, while subtle volume at the sides adds width without the extreme height that would over-elongate. Diamond faces are flattered by a lob with volume at the chin and collarbone, which softens the prominent cheekbones by adding width at both the top and bottom of the face, creating a more balanced oval illusion. This style works on every hair texture: straight hair achieves a sleek, glass-like surface that reads as expensive and controlled; wavy hair finds its natural pattern celebrated and enhanced, the length providing enough weight to define the wave without dragging it flat; curly hair benefits from the lob's ability to hold curl definition through the mid-lengths while the longer perimeter prevents the triangular silhouette that shorter cuts can create on dense curls. It is particularly transformative on fine hair, where the collarbone length creates the illusion of density and the subtle layering prevents the limp, stringy appearance that longer fine hair can develop. For thick hair, the lob offers enough length to distribute weight while the perimeter can be thinned or texturised to prevent the heavy, triangular mass that unlayered thick hair can become.