Hairstyle comparison
Compare the Long Waves and French Bob by length, shape, finish, maintenance, salon wording, and how each changes your overall outline.
Published 11 September 2026
The short version
The Long Waves is defined by long length shaped by loose, continuous bends, while the French Bob uses a jaw-length bob with soft texture and an intentionally relaxed edge.
Both are rated medium for maintenance in this guide, so the stronger distinction is flowing and elongated versus compact and softly rounded.
| Feature | Long Waves | French Bob |
|---|---|---|
| Signature | long length shaped by loose, continuous bends | a jaw-length bob with soft texture and an intentionally relaxed edge |
| Length | long | short |
| Shape | flowing and elongated | compact and softly rounded |
| Finish | wavy | lived-in |
| Maintenance | medium | medium |
Long Waves
You prefer a flowing and elongated outline with a wavy finish and the defining feature of long length shaped by loose, continuous bends.
Salon wording: Ask to preserve the overall length while adding enough long layering to stop the waves from forming one heavy block.
French Bob
You prefer a compact and softly rounded outline with a lived-in finish and the defining feature of a jaw-length bob with soft texture and an intentionally relaxed edge.
Salon wording: Ask for a jaw-length bob with a soft perimeter and natural movement, then decide whether a light fringe belongs in the final shape.
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