If there is one haircut that has dominated the past couple of years, it’s the bob haircut. Short hairstyles from the blunt bob to the Italian bob have been trending for a while, and many of us on the Who What Wear UK team have traded in our longer lengths for a chin-skimming haircut. I’ve been thinking about switching up my long hairstyle for a while, but I’ll be honest, going for a bob haircut feels a little out of my comfort zone. Which is why I’m considering a collarbone length bob haircut instead. I spoke to hairstylist Sam Burnett, owner of Hare & Bone salon to fill me in on this chic hairstyle.
What Is A Collarbone Length Bob Haircut?
Sitting midway between a bob and a mid-length hairstyle, this style gives you the best of both worlds. “The collarbone bob otherwise known as the lob (long bob) or even the R-lob (really long bob) skims the collarbone, hence the name,” says Burnett. “Out of all the bob cuts on the market it’s the longest bob style—as any longer and you’re moving into mid-length hair territory,” he says.
“It’s best suited to someone who is looking for more of a statement style and still wants the option to tie their hair back in a ponytail,” says Burnett, making it a great haircut length if you are sporty or want to switch your style up. “It’s a style suitable for many face shapes and works particularly well for round, diamond and oval face shapes,” he says.
So what should you ask for in the salon? “Ask your stylist for a long square line bob cut that skims your collarbone,” says Burnett. “If you have finer hair or want to make a statement, opt for a blunt cut one length chop. If you want to soften the style by releasing some natural movement or your hair is thick, ask for some long layers to loosen things up,” he advises. “If you love this style and have a long face shape, ask for a fringe for balance that will prevent your face from looking too elongated.”
Ready to go for the chop? Scroll ahead for the chicest collarbone length bob haircut ideas we’ve found. There is plenty of inspiration to take to the salon.
Collarbone Length Bob Haircut Ideas
While we saw Hailey Bieber debut a shorter blunt cut last year, this year I’m really loving her slightly longer bob length that grazes the collarbone.
How pretty are Emily Ratajkowski’s face-framing layers?
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Zendaya shows us how a bouncy blowout with a collarbone length bob haircut is done—stunning.
Halle Bailey’s locs are so beautiful in this mid-length style that’s swept into a side parting for extra elegance.
Elsa Hosk shows how great the collarbone length bob haircut can look with bouncy curls. I’m obsessed.
A mid-length bob haircut means you can easily wear your hair in a side parting for extra volume like Laura Harrier.
I’m desperate to try curling under the ends like Lily James has on her collarbone length bob haircut—so glamorous.
If you’re a curly girl, Simone Ashley makes a great case for the collarbone length bob haircut. Just look at that volume.
If you want a little more volume, go for some face-framing layers to give your hair more body and movement.
I love this blown-out bouncy hairstyle on Sophie Turner, which can easily be achieved on this length with a round brush and hairdryer, or a hot brush.
Kendall Jenner makes a case for this shorter length hairstyle styled straight and sleek.
Before Hailey Bieber cut her hair short, she had this collarbone-grazing length, which still looks timeless today.
Coily curls look great cut into a collarbone length hairstyle to give shape and bounce to your lengths.
How to Style a Collarbone Length Bob Haircut
“Day-to-day, this style is super low-maintenance so try drying naturally with a leave-in conditioner or no-heat styling serum,” says Burnett. “A loose beach wave or flat mermaid wave also works well if you’re looking to feel more styled but not overly considered. [If you’re] wanting to make a statement, try styling super sleek with a strong parting,” he says.
OUAI Haircare
Leave in Conditioner
Ouai’s leave in conditioner smells amazing and leaves hair shiny and soft.
Bumble and Bumble
Seaweed Air Dry Leave-In Conditioner
Air-drying a collarbone length bob haircut is a great way to enhance your hair’s natural texture whilst reducing heat damage. This air-dry cream conditions and moisturises.
Only Curls
Enhancing Curl Gel
Blessed with natural curls? Enhance their shine and definition with a dedicated curl gel.
Kérastase
Elixir Ultime L’huile Originale Hair Oil
To keep your lengths in good condition apply a hair oil regularly for an expensive-looking gloss that will make your hair look like you’ve just left the salon.
A bouncy blowout is a great way to style mid-length hair, and GHD’s latest tool dries and styles in one.
Mermade Hair
Hair Double Waver
Some waving tools can give waves that are too deep on shorter lengths, but this one creates soft S-shaped waves that work great on this haircut.
Dyson
Airstrait Hair Straighteners
Want to go sleek and straight? Dyson’s Airstrait dries and straightens as you run it through your lengths for speedy styling.