Undoubtedly the hairstyle of 2017, the long bob, or lob if you will, is still the effortlessly chic hairstyle our Pinterest boards are filled with in 2020. From Alexa and Kendall, to Lily Collins and Solange, everyone who's anyone swapped their glam long hair for shoulder length locks.

Why? Because get yourself a lob and you've got the super flattering and totally low maintenance, lazy girl solution to Insta-worthy hair every day of the week.

Not sure how to rock a lob that looks more Margot Robbie than mumsy? We caught up with Bella, Chrissy and Kendall's go-to hairstylist and the woman who basically invented the lob, Jen Atkin, to get the scoop on everything you need to know before you get the chop...

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What You Need To Know Before Getting A Lob Haircut

What's the 2020 update on the lob?

'I think lobs are here to stay,' confirms Atkin. 'It looks good on just about any face shape.

'Christy Turlington is such a major inspiration for this look; she has an iconic photo of her lob being curled inwards which was a big trend in 2019. I think for 2020, it’s more of a relaxed feel, minimal texture and slightly smooth. It should be simple as 2020 has been so complicated and we need simplicity these days, any way we can get it.'

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What length is the perfect lob?

'I recommend to most clients that they get their hair cut just above the shoulder but it really depends on what you're going for,' says Atkin. 'A lot of women get hung up on long hair making their face look slimmer but a lot of the time that's not the case. A lot of the time the hair is wearing them, rather than them wearing the hair!'

Jen's Top Tip: Keep in mind how fast your hair grows. If your hair grows quickly, go for a slightly shorter lob as it'll take longer to grow out.

The three lengths I like are: jaw length, shoulder length and collar bone length.

If you've got a round face...go for a shoulder length lob.

If you've got an oval face...you're lucky - you can work any length!

If you've got a heart/square shape face...try a shorter length - it'll show off your neck and jawline nicely.

What's the difference between a classic bob and a lob?

'A classic bob should sit above your shoulders and a lob would be anything that hits your shoulders down to your collarbone,' explains Atkin.

What if you hair won't grow long enough to get a lob?!

'If your hair won't grow past a certain length then you can play with extensions to get that extra inch and turn your bob into a lob,' advises Atkin. 'Get your stylist to add in a tape weft - it'll last three or four months and add fullness and length. My Beauty Works extensions have highlights and lowlights so they look way more natural as well. Extensions aren't just for long hair!'

What style lob should you ask for depending on your hair texture?

If you've got fine hair... A lob with a blunt line finish makes fine hair look much fuller. Speak to your stylist about using clippers - it's a trick I use to get that really chunky edge when you turn your head.

If you've got thick hair... Avoid the triangle by asking your stylist to take weight out of your by cutting up into it with scissors to get that texture and movement.

Jen's Top Tip: If you've got thick hair, pomade is your friend. I tell my clients to put the majority of the product in the back of their hair, then run the rest through the lengths and ends to give that broken textured finish.

If you've got textured/curly hair... Ask for a long layer to keep the edges a little lighter and avoid that dramatic blocky look.

Jen's Top Tip: If you've got super tight curls, ask for a dry cut so your stylist can see the shape they're cutting in. If you've got loose waves, a wet cut works fine.

What are your go-to ways for styling a lob for different occasions?

For casual vibes...

'Styling your lob with some waves and bends always looks good. I like to use a hair straightener or a1 1/2 inch tong to give the hair a slight bend. A good tip is spraying your clean roots with dry shampoo to make it last longer. I’ve been obsessed with using our new OAUI x BYREDO Super Dry Shampoo - it smells incredible and gives the hair a bit of that lived-in feel which you can wear day-to-day.'

OUAI x Byredo Super Dry Shampoo Mojave Ghost

Super Dry Shampoo Mojave Ghost

OUAI x Byredo Super Dry Shampoo Mojave Ghost

£20 at SpaceNK
Credit: .

For fancier vibes...

'I love a sleek and shiny lob for fancier occasions, using the new Dyson Coralle to style - it always looks good and brings looks together.'

DYSON Corrale™ Straightener

Corrale™ Straightener

DYSON Corrale™ Straightener

Credit: .

How can you style your lob into a ponytail if you want an updo?

  1. Use a detangling brush to gather into a ponytail to ensure there’s no bumps.
  2. Then use a boar bristle brush to smooth out and secure with a ponytail holder.
  3. If you’ve got some stragglers underneath that are coming down, use hairspray when brushing into ponytail in that area and brush upwards to ensure the strands bind together and don’t move. You can also use some bobby pins to ensure they don’t fall.

Can you wear a fringe with a lob?

'I like to keep my own fringe on the longer side, below my eyebrows which is a lot more versatile. If you decide you don't like it anymore you can just tuck it away behind your ears.

Also, always go for a lighter fringe, a block fringe can feel heavy with a lob.

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