The longer version of the bob is finding favour with a bevy of international beauties
When Jennifer Lopez stepped on to the Met Gala 2018 red carpet recently, it wasn’t just her intricate gem-encrusted Balmain gown that got people talking. The pop sensation had undergone a drastic hair makeover. JLo traded in her signature long, layered beachy waves for a slick and chic lob. Hairstylist Lorenzo Martin said Jennifer was looking for something different and agreed to the big chop that was then styled back with mousse and gel for a wet look. At the Billboard Music Awards, the lob was also the most popular cut. While Jenna Dewan rocked a blunt cut one, Dua Lipa flaunted a deep side-parted do. Kelly Clarkson, meanwhile, wore her blonde locks sleek and straight with a centre parting that just grazed her shoulders. The best part of the lob is that it can be customised to suit the wearer. Emma Watson wears hers with baby bangs for a youthful touch, while Kendall Jenner is a fan of the classic shoulder-length style.
DRESS IT UP
Play with the length. That’s what’s making the lob in 2018 so interesting. You can keep it long, diagonal, or structured, there’s a lot one can experiment with. Melroy Dickson, General Manager Education, Matrix India suggests ways to dress it up. “Add braids or pin up the sides or the top, wear it halfway up/halfway down, experiment and see what suits you the best. You can also tong it and accessorise it with hair bands,” he says.
Once you’ve achieved your desired cut, don’t forget to go for regular trims and keep your lob shiny and healthy by always finishing off with a smoothing serum.
AGE NO LIMIT
The lob is one cut that is versatile enough to be worn by all age groups. From 25-year-old songstress Selena Gomez who went snip happy for the summer, to 47-year-old model Padma Lakshmi who has been rocking a layered straight lob on the red carpet. In fact, even 50-60-year-olds are asking for it, notices Kauser Sheikh, hairstylist for Hair Station. “Today, more people are going shorter, as it’s more suitable for our warm and humid climate. It’s also less hassle. With various keratin and straightening treatments in the market, it is far easier to achieve and gives a neater appearance. Those with curly hair need to apply some product, like a wax or volumiser, for a messy look,” she says. Have fun changing it up by creating a nice bouffant. One can also use rollers and blow dry the front or can do a fringe with a bob.
PLAY WITH TEXTURE
While the classic lob works best on a sleek straight mane, this year is all about embracing your natural hair texture. Take a cue from Jennifer Lawrence who just last week debuted a shoulder-length lob styled in beach waves. Patrick Cameron, Wella Professionals expert says that currently the lobs that we are seeing have a lot more texture and are more expressive. “Colour plays a huge part in making your lob stand out. Hair plays a crucial part in the life of Indian women and so it’s great that there are some who are willing to go short. To rock the lob, invest in styling creams and serums. I love using Alice bands and bows to style it up,” he adds.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Hollywood Celebs")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}