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I’m currently letting my short hair grow so it sits just above my shoulders. My stylist tells me I’m transitioning from a “bob” to a “lob.” Over the past couple of years, I’ve tried different lengths between these styles, so I thought I’d share some tips on surviving the awkward hair growth phase. This is when your hair no longer frames your jawline stylishly but isn’t long enough to sit nicely either.
It’s the Lord Farquaad stage, also known as the Triangular Era. During this time, your hair seems to grow more outward than downward, creating a wedge-like look. This phase can feel endless, while you’re trying to avoid looking like a dated style from the eighties. Here’s some advice from my hairstylist, Cassie, to help manage this stage:
1. Keep Trimming: Don’t skip haircuts while growing it out, thinking it’ll grow faster. If it’s not cut, it just looks untidy for longer. Regular trims are crucial, especially when your hair is in that “between jaw and shoulder” stage, where any unruliness becomes more noticeable.
2. Lighten the Back: If you have thick or fine hair, ask your stylist to remove some weight from the back. I’ve had the back of my hair thinned out (without layering), and it looks much better, avoiding that medieval lute player look.
3. Consider an A-line Cut: Talk to your hairdresser about an A-line cut, where the front is slightly longer than the back. It’s a subtle change that gives your hair a more intentional shape. It looks more modern and purposeful. I even have my shorter bobs styled this way—it’s a handy trick.
By removing some weight from the back and maintaining an A-line cut, I mostly avoid the dreaded triangle head look. The great thing about growing it out is it’s finally long enough to tie back. On bad hair days, I can just pull it into a tiny bun.
That’s actually why I’m letting my hair grow to shoulder length or just above. I love the effortless style of a messy bob, but I miss being able to pull my hair back into a bun or ponytail.
I’m curious how long it’ll take before I get tired of tying it up and decide to cut it short again. There’s nothing wrong with hair that falls between the jaw and shoulder. My stylist actually loves my current length more than any other style I’ve had. However, many people struggle with this length because they start growing out their shorter hair but don’t reshape it along the way.
Medieval lute players unite!