The long layered bob has become a popular choice among many women due to its versatility and flattering style. This haircut provides the perfect balance between short and long hair, allowing movement and texture. Cutting a long layered bob requires precision and technique to achieve the desired look, whether you’re a professional stylist or trying this at home. This guide will walk you through the steps, offering tips and tricks along the way.
What Is a Long Layered Bob?
Before diving into the cutting process, it’s important to understand what a long layered bob is. A long layered bob typically sits around the shoulders and incorporates layers to add dimension and texture. The layers can be customized to create volume, shape, and movement while retaining a chic, polished look. It works well for various hair types, from straight to wavy or curly, and can be easily tailored to individual preferences.
Benefits of a Long Layered Bob
- Versatility: It works for different hair textures and face shapes.
- Low Maintenance: Requires less upkeep compared to longer hairstyles.
- Modern Appeal: Offers a trendy, fresh look without going too short.
- Enhances Texture: Layers can bring out the natural texture of your hair, making it look fuller and more dynamic.
Tools You Will Need
Before starting the cutting process, gather the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Haircutting shears (sharp scissors)
- Sectioning clips
- A fine-tooth comb
- Water spray bottle
- Haircutting cape or towel (to catch hair clippings)
- Thinning shears (optional, for softening layers)
- Blow dryer and round brush (for styling)
Having these tools on hand will ensure a smooth and professional cut.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cutting a Long Layered Bob
1. Prepare the Hair
Before cutting, ensure the hair is clean and damp. Use a water spray bottle to mist the hair if it’s dry. Damp hair is easier to cut and will give you better control. Comb through the hair thoroughly to remove any tangles, ensuring it lies flat and smooth.
2. Section the Hair
To make the haircut manageable, section the hair into smaller parts. Divide the hair into four sections: one on the top, two on the sides, and one at the back. Use sectioning clips to secure each part. This helps in creating even layers and ensuring the hair is cut symmetrically.
- Top section: From ear to ear, create a horizontal part and clip the hair.
- Side sections: Part the hair vertically from the center of the forehead to the nape of the neck. This will create two side sections.
- Back section: The remaining hair at the back will be your guide for length.
3. Establish the Desired Length
Decide on the overall length of your bob. Since this is a long layered bob, the hair should fall somewhere between the shoulders and collarbone. Start with the back section, as this will serve as your guide for the rest of the cut.
- Comb the back section downwards and decide where you want the length to fall.
- Holding the hair between your fingers, cut in a straight line to establish the base length.
- Check the cut for evenness by comparing both sides.
4. Add Layers
Once you’ve set the base length, it’s time to add layers to give the bob movement and volume.
Step-by-Step Layering Technique:
- Work from the back: Release a small portion of the back section and comb it straight up. The higher you elevate the hair, the softer the layers will be.
- Hold the hair at a 90-degree angle from the head and cut a small amount off the ends. This will create layers without drastically shortening the overall length.
- Continue working through the back, pulling sections of hair upwards and cutting them to match the guide you established.
- Move to the sides: After the back is layered, release the side sections. Take vertical slices of hair, comb them straight up, and cut in a downward motion. This ensures that the layers blend seamlessly from the back to the front.
- For a softer look, angle the layers slightly towards the front. This creates a face-framing effect that enhances the bob’s shape.
5. Blend the Layers
To avoid harsh or uneven transitions between layers, blending is essential. Using thinning shears or point-cutting techniques, gently soften the ends of the layers. Thinning shears can help reduce bulk if you’re working with thicker hair, while point-cutting can give a more textured, choppy finish.
Point cutting technique: Instead of cutting straight across, angle the shears upward and make small snips into the ends of the hair. This adds a subtle texture that blends the layers.
See Also: 12 Medium-length Hairstyles With Bangs
6. Face-Framing Layers
One of the key features of a long layered bob is the face-framing layers, which soften the look around the face. This part of the cut is especially important if you’re going for a more customized, personalized bob.
- Take small sections of hair from around the face, and pull them forward.
- Hold the hair between your fingers and cut diagonally, starting shorter near the cheekbones and tapering down to meet the length of the bob.
- This technique will create soft layers that frame the face beautifully, enhancing your facial features.
7. Check for Symmetry
After cutting the layers and face-framing sections, check both sides of the hair to ensure symmetry. Comb the hair straight down and compare the lengths on either side of the head. Make any necessary adjustments to balance the cut.
8. Style the Long Layered Bob
Once you’re satisfied with the cut, it’s time to style the long layered bob. Blow-dry the hair using a round brush for added volume and smoothness.
For a Sleek Look:
- Use a flat iron to smooth the hair and emphasize the sharpness of the layers.
- Apply a lightweight serum or shine spray to finish the look.
For a Textured Look:
- Use a texturizing spray or mousse to enhance the natural layers.
- Tousle the hair with your fingers for a more undone, beachy style.
9. Maintenance Tips for a Long Layered Bob
To keep your long layered bob looking fresh, regular trims are essential. Schedule a trim every 6-8 weeks to maintain the shape and prevent split ends. Additionally, consider these styling tips to keep your bob looking its best:
- Use a heat protectant when blow-drying or using hot tools.
- Opt for lightweight styling products to avoid weighing down the layers.
- Experiment with different partings and textures to change up your look.
Customizing Your Long Layered Bob
One of the best aspects of the long layered bob is its adaptability. You can tailor the cut to suit your hair type and personal style. Here are some ways to customize your bob:
For Straight Hair
- Keep the layers subtle to create a sleek, polished finish.
- Consider adding blunt ends for a modern, structured look.
For Wavy Hair
- Enhance your natural waves by adding more layers throughout the cut.
- Use a texturizing spray to bring out the volume and movement in the layers.
For Curly Hair
- Opt for longer layers to avoid excessive volume at the crown.
- Keep the layers soft to enhance your curls without creating frizz.
Conclusion
Cutting a long layered bob is a versatile and stylish choice that flatters many face shapes and hair types. By following the steps in this guide, you can achieve a professional-looking haircut, whether you’re at home or in the salon. Remember to focus on sectioning, layering, and blending to create a well-balanced, textured bob that’s easy to maintain and style.