15 wavy lob Hairstyles That Are Trending Everywhere Right Now
Is there a hairstyle more universally flattering and perpetually chic than the wavy lob? It sits in that sweet spot—not too long, not too short—offering the perfect blend of ease and elegance. The lob, or long bob, has been a favorite for years, but when you add effortless, touchable waves into the mix, you get a look that is downright iconic. It’s the go-to style for celebrities, influencers, and anyone wanting to refresh their look without a dramatic chop.
Right now, the wavy lob is having a major moment, evolving with new textures, layers, and details that make it feel fresh and modern. Whether your hair is fine and straight or thick and curly, there’s a wavy lob variation that can work for you. This guide will walk you through 15 of the most trending wavy lob hairstyles, giving you all the inspiration you need for your next salon visit.
1. The Classic Blunt Wavy Lob
Let’s start with a timeless favorite. The blunt wavy lob features a sharp, unlayered cut that falls at or just below the chin. The magic happens when you add soft, flowing waves to this precise cut. The contrast between the clean lines and the undone texture creates a look that is both polished and relaxed. It’s a fantastic option for those with finer hair, as the blunt cut creates the illusion of thickness, while the waves add body and movement.
To style, use a large-barrel curling wand to create loose, alternating waves. Finish by running your fingers through them to break them up for that perfectly imperfect finish.
2. The Shaggy Wavy Lob
If you’re craving texture and a touch of rock ‘n’ roll edge, the shaggy wavy lob is your answer. This style is all about choppy layers, curtain bangs, and a whole lot of attitude. The layers are cut to frame the face and create volume at the crown, while the waves are more piece-y and separated than in the classic version. It’s a low-maintenance look that thrives on a bit of messiness.
This cut works wonders for adding volume to flat hair. A texturizing spray is your best friend here—spritz it on damp hair and scrunch while diffusing or air-drying to enhance your natural wave pattern.
3. The Center-Parted Glass Hair Lob
Embracing the “clean girl” aesthetic, the glass hair lob is all about supreme shine and sleekness. This trend involves a sharp, often blunt lob with a deep center part and waves that are so smooth and glossy they look like glass. The key is in the health and reflectiveness of the hair.
Achieving this look requires a good hydrating hair mask and a strong-hold shine spray. Use a flat iron or a blow-dryer with a paddle brush to create a smooth base, then use a large curling iron to make soft, uniform waves without breaking them up.
4. The Lob with Face-Framing Layers
Sometimes, all you need is a little strategic framing to elevate your entire look. This wavy lob keeps the length fairly uniform but incorporates soft, shorter layers around the face. These layers draw attention to your eyes and cheekbones, creating a brightening and slimming effect. The waves in this style are typically very soft and blended, ensuring the layers flow seamlessly into the rest of the hair.
It’s an exceptionally versatile cut that suits almost every face shape, as your stylist can customize the length and weight of the face-framing pieces just for you.
5. The Textured, Lived-In Wavy Lob
Also known as the “lob bed head,” this style prioritizes a carefree, effortless vibe. The lived-in wavy lob often features subtle balayage or highlights to enhance the dimension and texture. The waves are not defined curls but rather a seamless blend of bends and kinks that look like second-day hair at its best.
This is achieved with a curling wand used randomly—some curls clockwise, some counter-clockwise—and then thoroughly tousled with a texturizing spray. It’s the ultimate “I woke up like this” hairstyle.
6. The Italian Bob Wavy Lob
This is the lob with a daring, shorter twist. The Italian bob sits snugly above the shoulders, often at the jawline, and is paired with rich, voluminous waves. It’s a bold, confident, and ultra-glamorous take on the trend. The volume is key—think 90s supermodel hair but in a chic, shorter length.
To get the look, you need to build volume at the roots with a volumizing mousse and a round brush while blow-drying. Then, create large, bouncy waves with a curling iron, focusing on lifting the hair away from the face.
7. The Wavy Lob with Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs and the lob are a match made in hairstyle heaven. These long, parted bangs blend effortlessly into the rest of the wavy lob, framing the face without requiring high maintenance. They add a soft, romantic touch to any wavy lob variation, from blunt to shaggy.
The beauty of curtain bangs is that they can be styled to the side or worn straight down, and they look fantastic with the effortless flow of waves. Simply use a round brush to give them a slight curve as they dry.
8. The A-Line Wavy Lob
For a dose of architectural interest, the A-line lob is a stunning choice. This cut is shorter in the back and gradually longer towards the front, creating a sharp angle that is incredibly chic. When waves are added to this geometric shape, it softens the lines and adds movement, preventing the cut from looking too severe.
This style is particularly flattering as it naturally draws the eye downward, creating a lengthening effect. Style with waves that are slightly tighter at the back and become looser towards the front to follow the shape of the cut.
9. The Boho Braided Accent Lob
Who says lobs can’t be playful? The boho wavy lob incorporates small, delicate braids into the wavy texture. Think a single milkmaid braid along the crown, a few small braids woven into the waves, or tiny braids used to pull back the front sections. This adds a festival-ready, whimsical element to your everyday look.
This style is perfect for adding interest to your lob without committing to a full braided hairstyle. It’s also a great way to manage grown-out bangs or face-framing layers on a windy day.
10. The Slicked-Back Wet Look Wavy Lob
For a high-fashion, editorial moment, try the slicked-back wet look. This involves slicking the top and sides of your hair back with a strong-hold gel or pomade, while leaving the ends of your lob in soft, defined waves. The contrast between the sleek roots and textured ends is undeniably cool and modern.
This style is perfect for a formal event or a night out when you want to make a statement. It’s also a brilliant way to show off your earrings!
11. The Wavy Lob with Money Pieces
Money piece highlights are those strategic, brightened sections around the face that instantly illuminate your complexion. When applied to a wavy lob, they create a stunning, sun-kissed effect that makes the waves pop with dimension. The highlights catch the light with every movement, making your hair look vibrant and full of life.
This color technique pairs beautifully with any wavy lob cut, but it looks particularly dynamic on shaggier, more textured
12. The Tousled Lob with Hidden Layers
This is the secret weapon for those who want volume and movement without a heavily layered look. From the outside, this lob might look like a standard one-length cut, but on the inside, shorter layers are hidden to remove weight and encourage the hair to wave and bounce. It’s the perfect compromise for people who love the look of a blunt cut but need internal structure for body.
The resulting waves are full, bouncy, and have a natural, all-over body that looks and feels amazing.
13. The Wavy Lob with a Deep Side Part
Never underestimate the power of a good part. Simply switching your part from the center to the deep side can completely transform your wavy lob. A deep side part creates instant volume and drama, sweeping the hair over to one side for an asymmetrical look that is both elegant and sexy.
It helps to train your hair to accept the new part for a few days before a big event. Style your waves as usual, but direct them all to flow in the direction of the part for a cohesive, glamorous effect.
14. The Modern Mullet Lob
For the truly adventurous, the modern mullet lob offers a rebellious twist. This “mullet” is far from the 80s classic; it’s a stylish, graduated cut that is short and layered at the crown and back, with longer pieces in the front. When styled with waves, it becomes a textured, edgy masterpiece.
This cut is all about embracing texture and nonconformity. Use a texturizing paste to define the shorter layers in the back and a wand to create disconnected waves in the longer front sections.
15. The Simple, Air-Dried Wavy Lob
Let’s end with the most accessible and low-maintenance option of all: the air-dried lob. This style is for those blessed with a natural wave pattern. The cut is designed to enhance your natural texture without fighting it. The goal is to let your hair dry on its own, perhaps with the help of a curl-enhancing cream or mousse, resulting in soft, effortless, and genuinely natural waves.
This look celebrates the beauty of imperfection and health. It’s easy, timeless, and proves that sometimes, the best style is the one that requires the least effort.
Finding Your Perfect Wavy Lob
The beauty of the wavy lob lies in its incredible versatility. It’s a canvas upon which you can paint your personal style, whether that’s sleek and polished or textured and carefree. When choosing your ideal wavy lob, consider your hair type, your face shape, and, most importantly, your lifestyle. Do you have five minutes to style your hair or thirty?
Bring these photos to your stylist and have a conversation about what you love about each one. A great stylist can tailor any of these trends to suit you perfectly. So, are you ready to make the chop and join the wavy lob revolution? With these 15 trending styles as your guide, you’re sure to find a look that makes you feel confident, stylish, and completely yourself.
