15 Layered Lob Styles That Are Starting To Feel Seriously Outdated
Hair trends come and go faster than we can book our next salon appointment. The layered lob (long bob) has been a go-to style for many over the years, offering versatility and that perfect medium length.
But as with all trends, some versions of this popular cut have started to look a bit stale and dated. Here’s a rundown of layered lob styles that stylists agree are on their way out.
1. Extreme A-Line Lobs
Remember those dramatically angled lobs that were shorter in the back and much longer in the front? They’re losing their edge fast.
Maintenance is a nightmare, and the extreme angle often creates an awkward growing-out phase. Modern lobs favor subtler, more natural transitions between lengths.
2. Blunt-End Layered Lobs
The contradiction of heavily layered hair with blunt, straight-across ends is fading from fashion. This combo creates a mushroom-like shape that lacks movement.
Current trends lean toward softer, more blended ends that give hair a natural, lived-in appearance rather than a stark, artificial finish.
3. Choppy, Disconnected Layers
Those random, choppy layers that don’t blend together? Stylists are saying goodbye to this jagged approach.
Harsh transitions between layers create an unpolished, dated appearance. Today’s preference is for seamless, flowing layers that enhance natural movement without visible “steps” in the hair.
4. The Over-Texturized Lob
Going overboard with texturizing shears was once all the rage. Now it’s creating limp, stringy ends that lack body.
Too much texturizing removes necessary weight and structure from the hair. Modern lobs maintain strategic weight distribution for better shape and volume that lasts throughout the day.
5. Bubble Lobs
The rounded, bubble-like shape created by heavy interior layers paired with longer outer layers is losing its appeal fast.
This dated style creates an unflattering mushroom silhouette. Current trends favor more vertical layering patterns that elongate rather than widen the face shape.
6. Harsh-Angled Side-Swept Bangs
Those dramatic, heavy side-swept bangs paired with layered lobs scream 2010s fashion. The severe angle creates an unbalanced look.
Modern bangs integrate more naturally with the rest of the haircut. Softer, more blended fringe options that can be styled multiple ways have replaced these dated diagonal bangs.
7. The Thick, One-Length Bottom Layer
Having heavily layered top sections with a thick, blunt bottom layer is creating weird volume distribution. This contrast looks intentionally unfinished.
Updated lobs feature more consistent layering throughout the cut. The stark difference between heavily layered tops and blocky bottoms now reads as outdated rather than edgy.
8. The Overly Thinned-Out Lob
Excessive thinning throughout a layered lob was once popular for managing thick hair. Unfortunately, it often results in flat, lifeless styles.
Modern approaches focus on strategic weight removal instead. Preserving density in key areas helps maintain volume and movement while still managing thickness.
9. Razor-Cut Shaggy Lobs
Those ultra-shaggy, heavily razor-cut lobs that create wispy, feathered ends are losing their moment. They often appear unintentionally messy rather than effortless.
Contemporary styles use razoring techniques more sparingly and strategically. The focus has shifted to cleaner lines with just enough texture.
10. The Severe Undercut Lob
Dramatic undercuts paired with longer lob layers on top are fading fast from fashion-forward circles. The stark contrast feels too extreme for current trends.
Today’s undercut variations are more subtle and versatile. Growing out these severe undercuts can also be an awkward, lengthy process that many regret committing to.
11. The Pyramid Lob
Lobs cut with shorter layers on top that gradually get longer toward the bottom create that dreaded pyramid or triangle effect. This shape widens at the bottom in an unflattering way.
Current techniques focus on removing weight from the ends to create movement and prevent the heaviness that causes this dated triangle shape.
12. The Chunky Highlighted Lob
Thick, contrasting highlights paired with layered lobs are reminiscent of early 2000s style choices. The stripy effect looks artificial and dated.
Modern color techniques like balayage and subtle babylights create dimensional, natural-looking color. These approaches complement layers rather than competing with the cut.
13. The Asymmetrical Extreme Lob
Super dramatic asymmetrical lobs with one side significantly longer than the other are losing their appeal. The extreme imbalance feels more gimmicky than stylish now.
Subtle asymmetry still works, but the dramatically uneven versions have fallen out of favor. Balance and wearability are the new priorities.
14. The Curly-to-Straight Lob
Layered lobs cut to be straightened on naturally curly hair create awkward, uneven results when worn naturally. This approach fights against natural texture instead of enhancing it.
Modern curly lobs are cut specifically to work with natural curl patterns. Embracing texture rather than fighting it is the contemporary approach.
15. The Over-Layered Crown
Excessive short layers concentrated just at the crown create an outdated 80s-inspired poof effect. This top-heavy approach disrupts the balance of the overall lob.
Current layering techniques distribute layers more evenly throughout the cut. This creates natural volume without the dated mushroom-top appearance.
