If there’s one beauty-related thing we can take away from the 2023 awards season, it’s that the ‘mob’ cut is ubiquitous and super chic! Two of this year’s Oscar nominees and Golden Globe winners— Cate Blanchett and Angela Bassett— have rocked this medium-length bob that hair stylists swear by to emphasize facial symmetry.
We asked professional hair stylists and experts all about this celeb-fave cut, what makes it so flattering for women over 40 and additional tips so you can rock it yourself. Read on for suggestions and insight from Lauren Udoh, professional hair stylist and Hair Creative Director of WigReports and Shantella Rios, hair expert and founder of Tame Ur Mane Studio.
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First Off, What Is The 'Mob' Haircut?
You're probably already familiar with the classic 'bob' and its longer cousin the 'lob,' so the 'mob' refers to a 'medium bob,' Udoh explains. She deems it to be a "sleek and stylish choice for many occasions." It's a versatile cut, she adds, that looks "great on almost any face shape and hair type."
While traditional bobs often end at the chin and lobs fall at the collarbone, the 'mob' ends in the middle of the neck. "The mob cut can be adjusted to complement your features and create an attractive silhouette," Udoh adds. This not-too-long and also not-too-short cut provides "volume at the crown, with textured layers that frame the face nicely while still maintaining an easy-to-manage style," she points out.
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Rios adds that the 'mob' gives a "youthful appearance" as it promotes symmetry and when cut to suit your face shape, won't draw attention to wrinkling or signs of aging. You can wear it "sleek and structured as well as wavy and tousled," she suggests. "I like to think of the mob as a look you can wear from the boardroom to the after-hours spot," she says, regarding its versatility.
Udoh agrees that you can wear the 'mob' to look "sleek and straight for a chic look, or add some curls or layers for a fun and flirty style." This cut is beloved by many celebs, she says, since it "works great with various face shapes and hair textures, making it ideal for anyone looking to switch up their hairstyle."
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How To Ask Your Stylist For The 'Mob' Cut
When heading to the salon, Udoh recommends being specific about the type of 'mob' style you are looking for. "Ask your stylist for a medium bob that maintains length both in front and back, with light layers throughout," she says.
To ensure the longevity of the style, Udoh concludes that it's vital to "make sure to get regular trims every 6-8 weeks." Once you receive your cut at the salon, "styling products such as mousse and texturizing spray can help enhance texture and add body if desired."
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