I have tried a lot of haircuts in my time and I can officially tell you I am walking into 2023 knowing which one I suit best—preferably towards an industrial sized fan for dramatic effect. To set the scene, let me fill you in on my hair type. I have fine hair but a lot of it, and I’ve always loved the idea of having Rapunzel-esque locks. But once mine gets past a certain length it starts to look thinner at the ends and generally lacks that enviable oomph.
Last year, after painstakingly growing my hair past my shoulders for my wedding so I could have the up-do I wanted, I swiftly booked in for the chop. In preparation, I went back through old pictures and realised that the length my hair is at its absolute prime is when it’s cut into a bob. It looks thicker, it frames my face better and I find it’s so much more versatile. It’s also strangely addictive, and since going short again, I get just that little bit more cut off each time I go to the hairdressers. Could this signal the impending arrival of a pixie cut? Maybe...
I am definitely not alone in my adoration for this timeless haircut. It was just last month when chatting to celebrity hairstylist Larry King about the classiest haircuts of all time he hailed the bob his number one style. "Look at all the bobs that have transitioned through the era’s on icons like Louise Brookes in the ’20s, Faye Dunaway in the ’60s and Winona Ryder in the ’90s,” he explained. As for the icon of the modern era, just look to Zendaya and her softly-textured short bob she recently debuted at the Euphoria FYC event in LA.
Zendaya's new bob haircut caused drama for all the right reasons at a Euphoria press event last month.
With all this in mind, I wanted to share the quick and easy ways I regularly style my bob along with the tools and products I use to create each look. Scroll down to discover my personal tips and tricks on how to style a bob haircut.
1. Flicked Ends
Seen on the likes of Kendall Jenner, Margot Robbie and Saweetie, this retro style is a red carpet go-to and a favourite way to wear my hair right now. The key to this look is running a heated round brush through the hair and flicking it out at the ends, and then going in with a serum and hairspray to keep it looking super sleek while taming any flyaways. I personally prefer it best when I pair it with a middle parting, but it works just as well with the parting on the side.
Get the look:
I can't stress the importance of using a heat protector ahead of using any styling tools. I am currently spritzing my way to well protected hair with this easy-to-use product. Plus, it smells absolutely incredible.
I love this tool. Fact. It's not only amazing at creating the look above, but it's the quickest and most effective way of getting your hair to look 'done' with minimal effort. I'd go as far as to say it creates a salon-level blow-dry from the comfort of home.
I am very prone to flyaways, and this hairspray seems to be one of the few to hold them in place. It also creates a glass-like shine on the hair.
2. Softly-Textured with Side Parting
I have naturally wavy hair, so this style is the perfect way to further enhance it. Start with the hair in a centre parting and then with the Dyson Airwrap or a medium barrelled tong, alternate the direction of the curls the whole way round. Flip the hair over to your preferred side and add a root lift spray to achieve the voluminous side parting.
Get the look:
Have you been eyeing up the Dyson Airwrap for a while? Well, this is a sign to finally make the investment. Whether your hair is short, medium or long in length, it has every attachment you could ever need to style it.
This creates a firm foundation at the root area for styling, whilst adding lift and body to finer hair types.
This works as a conditioning treatment, a styling step and a heat defence which protects against heat up to 450°. I like to rub a small amount in my palms and work it through the hair at the very end.
3. Claw Clip Up-Do
I am not exaggerating when I say I have a claw clip in every handbag, room, pocket…you get the gist. When my hair is shorter, bobbles don’t seem to keep it all in place so these kind of clips are an absolute must – especially as I've always loved wearing it up. Start by pulling all the hair away from the face into a low ponytail with your hands, start twisting it with your finger, wrap it around the base of the ponytail you’ve created and hold it in place with your claw clip. I’d advise going for the larger sized ones if you have a bob.
Get the look:
I'm an absolute sucker for a tortoiseshell clip.
A white marble clip + brunette hair = a truly dreamy combo.
4. Sleek and Straight
There’s something about a super sleek and shiny bob that will always have my heart. It’s just as fitting at low-key post-work drinks as it is a black tie event and I can’t see it ever going out of style. To create this look, I use an anti-frizz serum on damp hair before blow-drying, and ensure I am continuously brushing my hair downwards as it’s drying. I’ll then separate it into sections and use straighteners and a finishing spray to give it the poker straight glass-like finish.
Get the look:
This lightweight oil is perfect for me as I am someone who is prone static hair, especially after washing, as it helps to reduce the appearance of humidity. Hello glossy, shiny hair!
GHD's have had my back since my early teenage years and our relationship is still going strong. This specific model has an optimum and consistent 185ºC styling temperature, meaning they're safer and healthier for the hair.
Another favourite hairspray of mine, and one I often opt for when I am having my hair super straight thanks to its soft hold, freshness and shine. Its scent of bergamot, wild fig, cyclamen, lotus flower, cedarwood and tonka beans doesn't go a miss either.
Next Up: These 15 Medium-Length Hairstyles Are Easy and Insanely Flattering