Bob this, Bob that… What if I don’t want to cut my hair to my jawline? So what? Well, take it from someone who did a little over a year ago and loved it most days but on others wished she’d been just a touch more merciful with the length of her cut – you don’t need to go short-short to look chic. Because, let’s face it, bobs take forever to grow out.
You can’t dispute the effect of the agglomeration of European and randomly called bobs since late 2023. The jawline-grazing bob has been the style to have for the better part of two years, from the tame French bob to the chaotic boyfriend haircut and the ultra-sharp Prada bob. But what if (gasp!) you could experiment with short hair without going super short? Enter hair down to the collarbone. The Los Angeles lob, the clavi-cut, the almost lob – whatever you call it, this shoulder-skimming style is a terrific in-between cut that feels effortlessly chic.
This is a terrific cut for those with damaged hair who are looking for a fresh start, and it’s also a trendy method to lighten up your mane without sacrificing too much length. “I like to call it ‘the tease’ because it’s flirting with length, giving you the drama of long hair but with the edge and ease of a shorter cut,” explains celebrity hairstylist Davontaé Washington. “It’s a cut that gets noticed without trying too hard, giving long hair energy with short hair attitude!”
Here, we’ve got 14 screenshot-worthy pictures of stylish folks donning this mid-length cut that we can’t get enough of. Go on, peruse to your heart’s content, you’ll be making your next appointment before you know it.
Collarbone Bob Hair Ideas
Retro Shag
“This length is a playground for versatility,” Washington laughs. Want to try the collarbone-length cut with an androgynous cool factor? The stylist suggests a “soft shag with curtain bangs for movement,” with Selena Gomez’s choppy shear as the ultimate example. Her wispy, long bangs offer a delightful touch to her shoulder-skimming style and we especially adore how beachy her strands look. Spray with one of our editor-favorite sea salt sprays for that touchable, wavy texture.
Curly Clavicute
You may also try this multi-purpose length with curly hair. In fact, your curls can look quite cute when you give ’em the shoulder-length shear, letting go of the weight that long hair carries and enabling your locks to spring back with more bounce. Using your fave curl cream and drying your hair with a diffuser (ahem, anything that slightly resembles Simone Ashley’s gorgeous spirals) will give you your best results.
Lob, Pin straight
There’s something so classic about a flat ironed collarbone-skimming bob. Take this photo of Laura Harrier, for example, which lives rent free in my head. Washington calls this a “blunt lob with razor-sharp precision” and it’s an iteration of the style that you have to try — and this IG post might just convince me. Side parts are all the rage these days, but this sleek style with a precise middle part works with just about any makeup and outfit combo. Not to mention, it’s an easy way to boost any look, whether it’s a matching loungewear set or a floral catsuit. (I’ve stared at this photo for much too long.)
Mermaid-Style Waves
There’s a reason mermaid waves are classic, and we’re obsessed with how lovely they look at this medium length. Sophie Turner’s exquisite lob is pretty much the same length, eschewing layers for an even cut that looks dimensional when lightly waved or crisp when straightened. To top off this style, I add a bit of hair oil for some Turner-level shine (my personal favourite for post-heat-tool styling is the Rōz Santa Lucia Styling Hair Oil).
Piecey Curls
If you’re envious of influencer Neelam Gill’s bouncy locks, then take a look at her shoulder-grazing length, which is a wonderful point of reference for your next appointment, especially if your curls are airy and light, like hers. Dry your curls with a diffuser and mist lightly with a little light-hold hair spray all over for full-bodied results.
Middy Bounce
Washington is a fan of a “layered midi that adds body and bounce,” and we can’t think of a greater showcase of this statement than Elsa Hosk’s lovely lob. This chic style looks deliciously messy, just grazing her shoulders, adding that cool, “I woke up like this” vibe we all desire. After rough-drying, spritz a little texturizing spray to give your mane some extra volume.
Lightly Layered
One of the easiest ways to create subtle movement in your hair is with layers and I am love how this style catches the air at mid-length. Next time you go to the salon, ask for lengthy layers and add a few face framing pieces for a little extra spice to your style. Finish off your layers with spray for ultimate movement and gloss.
Volumen Natural
Nothing is more wonderful than embracing your natural texture, and this voluminous afro style looks gorgeous at shoulder length. Layer your pieces so they are longer at the nape of the neck and shorter as you go up the head for the most dimension. Pinch your curls for a little extra volume, or go for curly curtain bangs for even more body.
Scarfed Up
A bob-adjacent haircut is great fun until your hair decides it doesn’t want to lie, air dry, and heat style appropriately. (They decide for themselves.) Some days require hair accessories like baseball hats or head scarves and the latter is a fun and attractive way to dress up your look without using product at all. Ask Gracie Abrams, who rocks this look on repeat and has inspired her cohort of committed fans to do the same.
French Lob
Washington also points to another collarbone-grazing style: a textured bob that “just grazes the collarbone for that effortless French-girl vibe.” My mind immediately went to Kendall Jenner’s choppy, chopped bob. Cropped and easy to wear wavy or straight it dusts nicely over her shoulders and looks extra adorable fanned out at the ends.
Side Part Drop
Side parts, we’re back to that? The “dated” appearance is especially cute on curly hair, which gives an extra burst of volume when the spirals are swooped to the side. This two second method is the fastest way to turn flat hair into something bouncy, and accessories like barrettes, or even flowers, make this look oh so romantic.
Lob flipped out
Didn’t I tell you flipped out ends look so cute on short hair? This hairstyle demands length that extends just a bit over your collarbones, but that doesn’t mean shorter versions with flippy ends aren’t just as stylish (just take Khloé Kardashian’s adorable cropped version from a couple months ago). The half-up, half-down style is a fun design, but not childish, making it great for formal occasions like weddings or holiday celebrations.
Wave Natural
Shorter lengths work wonderfully for straight or slightly wavy hair since it naturally falls. This makes it a great cut for people with this hair type who don’t want to style their hair much before stepping out the door. Allow it to air dry or use a dab of texturizing spray and/or sea salt spray to give your mane a little more body. If you have those face-framing curls, consider pushing your hair behind your ears while it dries after a shower.
Chic Claw Clip
Hear me out – this specific length of hair is the easiest to style into updos and they look the loveliest on it. Before you know it, you’ll be twisting your strands and securing them in a claw clip. Pull out and wear down beautiful jaw-framing bits for a romantic touch to your quick updo. You’ll want to toss these lovely clips in your cart while you’re at it.
How to Style Hair That Falls to Your Collarbone?
Washington thinks you should style your shoulder-sheared hair based on moods. This cut is adaptable and the styling options are practically unlimited — but if he had to pick, he’s going glam.
To get that old-money vintage blowout look, I grab my BabylissPro Style/Switch Multi-Styler,” says the celebrity stylist, who likes this tool for salon-level styling at home. “Click on the round brush attachment, section your hair, and work from roots to ends, curling under slightly to get that signature bounce honey!”
But if you’re looking for something a little sleeker (or as Washington puts it, “snatched”), he suggests using the smoothing attachment on your favourite multi-styler for the glossiest results. “Go through small sections, and finish with a shine serum, for that glass-hair effect,” Washington recommends. “You can go glam or minimal and this length is the perfect canvas for either. Either way she’s giving.
