I’m Not Getting a Bob—But This Chic Haircut Is Making Me Re-Think Having Long Hair

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?

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.