If you're considering a new hairstyle or just want to refresh your current look, you might have come across the terms "lob" and "long side bangs". These two hair trends have been gaining popularity due to their versatility and stylish appeal. Let's dive into each and explore how they can complement different face shapes and personal styles.
Before we get started, let's quickly define what a lob and long side bangs are. A lob, short for "long bob", is a hairstyle that combines the features of both a long bob and a traditional bob. It's usually cut around collarbone or shoulder length, with feathered or blunt edges. Long side bangs, on the other hand, are longer than traditional bangs, typically grazing the brows or falling just below the chin.
Understanding the Lob
The lob is a versatile hairstyle that works well for almost all face shapes. Its length allows for various styling options, from sleek and straight to wavy or curly. A lob can frame the face, accentuating certain features, or it can be cut in a way that minimizes specific facial features you may want to downplay.
One of the best things about a lob is its low-maintenance nature. It's a great option for those who want a stylish look without the daily upkeep of a pixie cut or the heavy trims required for a traditional bob. To maintain a healthy lob, regular trims every 8-10 weeks are recommended to keep split ends at bay and your style looking fresh.
Lob Styling Options
Depending on your preference and the shape of your face, you can style your lob in various ways. If you have an oval face, a blunt lob can highlight your features, while a feathered lob can soften a square face. For those with a round face, a lob with tons of layers can add height and create angles to make the face appear more oval.
When it comes to styling a lob, there are endless possibilities. For a sleek look, straighten your hair with a flat iron and part it in the middle or to one side. If you want to embrace your natural texture, scrunch in some product for a messy, beachy wave. You can also pin one side of your lob back for a unique, asymmetric look.
Celebrity Lob Inspiration
Many celebrities have rocked the lob look, proving its versatility. stars like Emma Stone,who's known for her dramatic hair transformations, has sported a lob multiple times. She's worn it with a side part and loose waves, as well as straight and sleek. On the other end of the spectrum, Jennifer Aniston's signature lob is always perfectly coiffed, with a middle part and a slight A-line shape.
For a more edgy look, look to Miley Cyrus, who's paired her lob with an undercut, or Kearneye, who's known for her textured, piece-y lob. Each of these celebrities showcases how the lob can be adapted to different personal styles and face shapes.
The Versatility of Long Side Bangs
Long side bangs are another trendy hairstyle that can complement a variety of face shapes and hair types. They can add fullness to thin hair, frame the face nicely, and create a soft, feminine look. Like the lob, long side bangs are low-maintenance and can be easily blended with other hairstyles.
One of the main advantages of long side bangs is their ability to soften strong features. They can draw attention away from a prominent forehead or downplay broad cheekbones. For those with an oval face shape, long side bangs can add width, while those with a long face can wear them to create the illusion of a shorter face.
Styling Long Side Bangs
To style long side bangs, try parting them diagonally or in the middle, depending on your face shape and personal preference. For a soft, romantic look, wear them with loose waves, and for a more put-together style, straighten them with a flat iron. If you have straight hair, you can also use a rounding brush to blow-dry your bangs for a flawless, dramatic effect.
Proper trimming is essential to maintain the shape of your long side bangs. Most stylists recommend getting a trim every 6-8 weeks. Between trims, you can maintain their shape by using a small pair of scissors to snip any split ends and keeping your bangs well-conditioned to prevent breakage.
Celebrities Who Rock Long Side Bangs
Long side bangs have been a red-carpet staple for many celebrities. Blake Lively often wears her signature long side bangs with a deep side part, adding volume and depth to her hair. Lana Condor, known for her role in "To All the Boys I've Loved Before", frequently wears her long side bangs with beachy waves for a casual, chic look.
On the other end of the style spectrum, Kim Kardashian West has rocked long side bangs with her signature sleek, straight hair. Each of these celebrities demonstrates how long side bangs can be incorporated into various hairstyles and suit different celebrity and non-celebrity faces.
So, whether you're ready for a full cut or just want to add some new styling options to your current look, consider a lob or long side bangs. Both are incredibly versatile, easy to maintain, and can completely transform your appearance. Before you make any decisions, consult with a trusted hairstylist who can provide personalized advice based on your face shape, hair type, and personal style. Happy experimenting!