How to Grow Out a Bob Without the Awkward Phase

If there’s one hairstyle I could wear forever, it’s a bob. From cropped, chin-length cuts to shoulder-grazing lobs, the shape has worked for me time and time again. But loving a bob doesn’t make the grow-out phase any easier. As hair gets longer, the clean lines and structure that make the cut feel cool start to blur.

The good news: with the right approach, the in-between phase doesn’t have to be awkward. Ahead, two hairstylists share their best tips for growing out a bob and the best hairstyles that make the transition easier.

Featured Experts

• Stephanie Angelone is a celebrity hairstylist at RPZL
• Elena Martens is a professional hairstylist

How to Grow Out a Bob

Growing out a bob can test your patience. While a quick chop might feel tempting, stylists advise against it. “No matter how awkward things get, don’t cut it. Sticking it out is the only way to get your hair to a healthy place for a new style,” says celebrity hairstylist Stephanie Angelone.

Instead, Angelone suggests focusing on texture. As length changes, styling can become trickier, but that’s where strategic movement helps. “Textured styles keep a grown-out bob looking elevated,” she says. “They add volume and restore shape, which can get lost as the hair grows.”

If your hair is straight or fine, Boston-based hairstylist Elena Martens notes that curling irons or wands can help create that dimension. For naturally curly or wavy hair, she recommends adding a few intentional curls to enhance the pattern and give the shape more definition.

“All hair types go through growing pains, but patience is key,” Martens says. “Focus on your hair and scalp health as much as possible, as it begins to grow out, as they both play a key role in how quickly—and how well—your hair will grow," says Martens.

Until then, the hairstyles below help the in-between length work in your favor.

Best Hairstyles for Growing Out a Bob

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Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs aren’t just trendy—they’re universally flattering. That makes them a natural pairing for a bob. Martens notes that the style frames the face while adding soft layers, giving a grown-out bob a fresher feel.

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Claw Clip Updo

Ponytails and buns can feel tricky when you’re growing out a bob, especially if they add tension at the roots. Claw clips are a smart alternative: they’re strong enough to hold hair in place without creating unnecessary stress. “Plus, they’re perfect for elevating your everyday look,” says Angelone.

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Big Ringlet Curls

Defined, bouncy curls instantly add shape and volume. "Depending on the shape and size, they can camouflage thinning sections and keep your hair looking full during this phase," says Martens.

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Choppy Lob

Extensions can be a game changer when growing out a bob. A few medium-length, layered clip-ins can blend right in, giving your bob a more textured, edgy feel.

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Soft Waves

“Sometimes, as a bob grows out, the ends can start to flip out because of layering,” says Martens. Instead of fighting it, she recommends leaning in. Loose waves help disguise uneven lengths while giving the hair a beachy look.

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Half-Up, Half-Down Hairstyle

This classic style is as versatile as it gets. Wear it casually with a claw clip or dress it up with a looped knot and loose tendrils. Either way, Angelone says it’s an easy way to make a grown-out bob look intentional and stylish.