18 Lob Hairstyles That Transition from Day to Night

The Sleek and Straight Lob

Start your day with a crisp, polished straight lob. A simple blow-dry with a round brush creates a smooth, sleek silhouette that exudes confidence and professionalism. Use a heat protectant and a flat iron for pin-straight perfection or embrace a slight natural bend for a softer look.

Nighttime Transformation: For evening, amp up the glamour. Create a deep side part for instant drama. Add loose, voluminous waves starting from the mid-lengths down using a curling wand, but leave the roots smooth. This contrast between a sleek top and bouncy ends is effortlessly chic. Spritz with a shine spray for a glossy finish that catches the light.

The Textured Blunt Lob

A blunt-cut lob makes a powerful statement. Its sharp, clean line is inherently modern and minimalistic. For daytime, enhance its natural texture with a light texturizing spray. Scrunch the ends gently for a piece-y, undone feel that’s still put-together.

Nighttime Transformation: Elevate this look by adding defined texture and volume. Use a flat iron to create random, face-framing bends and flick out the ends. Backcomb lightly at the crown for hidden lift. Finish with a strong-hold texturizing paste to define individual sections, creating an edgy, rock-chic vibe perfect for a night out.

The Effortless Waves

This is the quintessential “I woke up like this” lob. Achieve soft, beachy waves for daytime using a sea salt spray on damp hair and letting it air-dry, or use a large-barrel curling wand for loose, relaxed bends. The key is imperfection and movement.

Nighttime Transformation: To transition, simply intensify the waves. Redefine them with a smaller barrel curling iron, concentrating on the front sections. Pull a few face-framing pieces straight for a modern twist. Swap the sea salt spray for a flexible-hold hairspray to maintain definition all night long.

The Polished Low Bun

A low bun is a daytime classic for a reason. It’s elegant, keeps hair off your face, and works perfectly with lob length. Create a simple, sleek low bun at the nape of your neck, smoothing down any flyaways.

Nighttime Transformation: Take the bun from boardroom to bar by loosening and accessorizing. Gently pull at the edges to create a softer, more voluminous bun. Wrap a delicate chain or a bold silk scarf around the base. Pull out a few tendrils around your face and at the nape for a sensual, undone feel.

The Half-Up, Half-Down Crown

A half-up style is universally flattering. For day, gather a small section from the crown, twist it gently, and secure it with a clear elastic or small clip. It’s a sweet, practical way to keep hair out of your eyes while showing off your length.

Nighttime Transformation: Transform this into a regal evening style. Take larger sections from the front, creating a half-up style that starts at your temples. Backcomb the crown section lightly for volume before securing it with an elegant clip or pin. Let the rest of your lob flow in loose waves or keep it sleek for contrast.

The Modern Shag Lob

The shag lob is all about layered texture. Its lived-in, effortless vibe is perfect for a creative daytime look. Enhance the layers with a texturizing spray, focusing on the ends and curtain bangs.

Nighttime Transformation: Bring the shag to life with strategic styling. Use a small curling iron to define each layer, creating separation and volume. Focus on curling the interior layers to build body. Use a pomade to accentuate the ends and create a piece-y, dramatic texture that’s full of attitude.

The Sleek Ponytail

A mid-height sleek ponytail is a power move. It’s clean, sophisticated, and highlights your facial features. Use a boar bristle brush and a light-hold gel to smooth every strand into place.

Nighttime Transformation: For evening, opt for a low, sleek ponytail at the nape of your neck. Wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to conceal it for a polished finish. This look is incredibly chic when paired with statement earrings and a bold lip. For extra drama, create a slight bump at the crown before securing the ponytail.

The Accessorized Headband Look

Headbands are a daytime styling savior. A thin, fabric headband or a minimalist leather one can add instant polish to a straight or wavy lob, taming flyaways and adding a touch of style.

Nighttime Transformation: Swap your daytime headband for an evening-ready accessory. Think embellished, bejeweled, or metallic headbands. Style your lob in smooth, vintage-inspired waves and place the headband further back on your head for a sophisticated, Old Hollywood glamour look.

The Braided Detail

Incorporate a small, subtle braid into your daytime lob. A simple Dutch braid along the hairline or a tiny braid tucked behind the ear adds interest without being over the top.

Nighttime Transformation: Elevate the braid by making it a focal point. Create a thicker, more pronounced French or Dutch braid starting at the crown and incorporating it into a half-up style. Gently pull on the edges of the braid to make it wider and more romantic. This intricate detail instantly elevates your look.

The Voluminous Blowout

The classic blowout is a timeless daytime style for the lob. It’s all about body, bounce, and a rounded shape. Use a round brush while blow-drying to lift the roots and create inward-curving ends.

Nighttime Transformation: Take the volume to new heights. Use a teasing brush to add extra lift at the roots for a more dramatic silhouette. Switch the direction of the ends, curling them under in some sections and out in others for a modern, less uniform look. This big, bouncy hair is pure confidence.

The Messy Top Knot

For a casual day running errands or a creative work environment, a messy top knot is perfect. It’s quick, easy, and stylishly undone. The lob length is ideal for creating a small, cute knot without too much bulk.

Nighttime Transformation: Redo the knot with intention. Create a sleeker, more sculptural version. Twist the hair tightly before wrapping it into a knot or bun at the crown. Secure it firmly and use bobby pins to create a clean shape. Pull out just a few wispy pieces instead of many for a more refined take on the messy bun.

The Slicked-Back Edge

This bold daytime look uses a bit of gel or pomade to slick back the front sections of your hair, away from your face, while leaving the rest of your lob down. It’s a cool, editorial style that shows off your bone structure.

Nighttime Transformation: Go all out with a fully slicked-back wet look. Apply a strong-hold gel to damp hair and comb it straight back, securing a low ponytail or bun. The high-shine, severe finish is a dramatic and fashion-forward statement that’s perfect for a trendy evening event.

The Twisted Low Updo

A simple twisted updo is an elegant solution for second-day hair. Create two low twists on either side of your head and pin them at the back. It’s soft, romantic, and perfectly daytime appropriate.

Nighttime Transformation: Add complexity and accessories. Instead of two simple twists, create multiple, smaller twists that converge into an intricate low updo at the nape. Weave in pearl-encrusted pins or a delicate barrette to transform it into a work of art.

The Curly Lob Refresh

If you have a naturally curly or permed lob, embrace it by day with a defined curl cream to enhance your ringlets and fight frizz. Let your curls shine in their full, voluminous glory.

Nighttime Transformation: Create a glamorous curly updo. Pull the top and sides of your hair back into a loose, curly ponytail or clip, allowing the back curls to cascade freely. This highlights your curls while adding a touch of sophistication. A shimmering hair oil scrunched into the ends can add incredible evening shine.

The Face-Framing Pin-Back

Use a decorative clip or pin to simply hold back one side of your lob during the day. It’s a functional and pretty way to keep hair off your face and add a touch of sparkle or color.

Nighttime Transformation: Use multiple pins as jewelry. Instead of one functional pin, use several ornate pins—like star or moon shapes—to artfully pin back sections on both sides of your head. This turns your hair into a canvas and makes the accessories the star of the show.

The Tousled Bedhead Lob

Embrace a purposely messy, textured look for a cool, daytime vibe. Work a dry shampoo and texturizing powder through the roots and lengths to create separation and a lived-in feel.

Nighttime Transformation: Structure the mess. Use a curling tong to add defined, irregular waves into the tousled base. Then, use your fingers and a bit of wax to sculpt and separate the waves, creating an intentional, edgy texture that looks expensive and cool, not just slept-in.

The Classic Bob-Inspired Roll

For a retro-inspired daytime look, create a slight inward roll at the ends of your blunt lob using a flat iron or a round brush while blow-drying. It’s a polished, slightly vintage touch.

Nighttime Transformation: Amplify the retro vibe. Create a more pronounced, smooth curl under all around your lob, mimicking a 60s-style bob. Pair it with a bold cat-eye liner and a matte lip. The key is extreme smoothness and a uniform, rounded shape for a dramatic, thematic look.

The Side-Swept Curls

Wear your wavy or curled lob parted down the middle for day for a balanced, soft look. It’s effortless and frames the face evenly.

Nighttime Transformation: Make a dramatic shift to a deep side part. Sweep all your curls to one shoulder. This instantly adds sensuality and drama. The asymmetrical look highlights your neck and collarbone and makes any curl pattern look more intentional and glamorous.

Mastering Your Lob Transition: Final Tips

With these 18 styles as your inspiration, remember that the key to a seamless transition is preparation. Start with a good haircut—well-placed layers are your best friend for adding versatility. Invest in key products: a reliable texturizing spray, a strong-hold hairspray, a shine serum, and some elegant accessories.