Questions Answered: Will shoulder length hair suit you? What is a shoulder length bob or lob? What does a medium length haircut look like in 2021?
Shoulder Length Hair Guide
Author: Jenna White
February 17th, 2020
Updated: February 23rd, 2021
February 17th, 2020
Updated: February 23rd, 2021
Let's break the concept of "shoulder length" into three categories:
1. Just above the shoulder
2. On the shoulder
3. Collar bone length
During consultations with my clientele I always pause when they say “around shoulder length” for their desired look. We're talking about centimeters of difference here, but it truly changes everything.
1. JUST ABOVE THE SHOULDER
Starter bob length. Unicorn length. Absolutely stunning, but it doesn't take long before you run into some of the problems from the “on the shoulder” category (cut #2). If you aren't sold on going to a shorter bob, or this is your first time going above the shoulder, it's a must try. However, after you experiment with this length, and like the results, go a bit shorter so you won't have to get haircuts as frequently. You can probably only have a low ponytail “nub” that I think is darling, but it's not everyone’s favorite.
Pros: Less time to blow dry. It's a fun, and true, bob. Don't think, just do it!
Cons: You may have to style it every day, plus learn new techniques. Curling can be tricky. Frequent cuts will be needed (see my guide on timing haircuts below). If you have really dense hair, you'll need a stylist who can handle debulking (that's true of all the haircuts listed in this post, but especially this one).
1. Just above the shoulder
2. On the shoulder
3. Collar bone length
During consultations with my clientele I always pause when they say “around shoulder length” for their desired look. We're talking about centimeters of difference here, but it truly changes everything.
1. JUST ABOVE THE SHOULDER
Starter bob length. Unicorn length. Absolutely stunning, but it doesn't take long before you run into some of the problems from the “on the shoulder” category (cut #2). If you aren't sold on going to a shorter bob, or this is your first time going above the shoulder, it's a must try. However, after you experiment with this length, and like the results, go a bit shorter so you won't have to get haircuts as frequently. You can probably only have a low ponytail “nub” that I think is darling, but it's not everyone’s favorite.
Pros: Less time to blow dry. It's a fun, and true, bob. Don't think, just do it!
Cons: You may have to style it every day, plus learn new techniques. Curling can be tricky. Frequent cuts will be needed (see my guide on timing haircuts below). If you have really dense hair, you'll need a stylist who can handle debulking (that's true of all the haircuts listed in this post, but especially this one).
2. ON THE SHOULDER
With this length, you can get all of your hair into a low pony, but might have some front pieces breaking loose. High pony is possible, but pinning the back can be messy. For most people, this length flips from hitting the shoulder. Some don't mind it, and others hate it. Certain hair types will flip aggressively, but it ranges depending on texture, quality of the cut, and styling technique (which is up to you after leaving the chair). In my opinion, this length is perfect for someone who has thicker hair, no layers, shorter neck, wavy to curly texture, and isn't ready for a short bob.
Pros: Still able to pull back in a pony if needed. A good haircut will minimize the flip for the first two weeks.
Cons: The flip. It will show up eventually as the haircut grows out. Ponytail may feel messy for folks used to longer hair.
With this length, you can get all of your hair into a low pony, but might have some front pieces breaking loose. High pony is possible, but pinning the back can be messy. For most people, this length flips from hitting the shoulder. Some don't mind it, and others hate it. Certain hair types will flip aggressively, but it ranges depending on texture, quality of the cut, and styling technique (which is up to you after leaving the chair). In my opinion, this length is perfect for someone who has thicker hair, no layers, shorter neck, wavy to curly texture, and isn't ready for a short bob.
Pros: Still able to pull back in a pony if needed. A good haircut will minimize the flip for the first two weeks.
Cons: The flip. It will show up eventually as the haircut grows out. Ponytail may feel messy for folks used to longer hair.
3. COLLAR BONE LENGTH
Also known as a long bob or "Lob". It varies from person to person, but at this length you should be able to fit all of your hair in a low to medium-high ponytail. In a high pony the hair in the nape slips out. If you're okay with using two bobby pins that shouldn't be a problem. Wearing a bun usually works with this length as well. Check out Byrdie's "49 Flattering Shoulder-Length Hairstyles" for more celebrity short-ish hair inspiration.
Pros: Easiest short length to throw in a pony, and you don't have to deal with the grow out/ flip.
Cons: It's not a bob. If you already have hair short enough to almost be a bob, go shorter. There's nothing like the feeling of having truly short hair and seeing space between your ends and shoulders. So less of a con, and more of my own opinion.
Also known as a long bob or "Lob". It varies from person to person, but at this length you should be able to fit all of your hair in a low to medium-high ponytail. In a high pony the hair in the nape slips out. If you're okay with using two bobby pins that shouldn't be a problem. Wearing a bun usually works with this length as well. Check out Byrdie's "49 Flattering Shoulder-Length Hairstyles" for more celebrity short-ish hair inspiration.
Pros: Easiest short length to throw in a pony, and you don't have to deal with the grow out/ flip.
Cons: It's not a bob. If you already have hair short enough to almost be a bob, go shorter. There's nothing like the feeling of having truly short hair and seeing space between your ends and shoulders. So less of a con, and more of my own opinion.
Check out the guide I built for my clients below. I email this with my monthly newsletters and post it in my Instagram stories. Stay tuned for more insights and templates that will help stylists/barbers make their own!
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