How to Style a Bob Haircut Without Looking Like You're Stuck in 2012
It's easier and *chicer* than you think.
I got my first bob when I was four years old. It was fashioned with dense, eyebrow-length bangs and a blunt cut at my chin that veered into coconut-head territory without my mom's careful styling. After exploring everything from a butterfly cut to a bixie, I'm back in bob land—and it's the defining feature of my favorite winter outfits.
It's truly a short haircut for all seasons, but a chin-length option really thrives in the spring and summer. I love how it looks as it brushes the top of my cute summer dress or when I style it with a fun headband. And when it gets so hot outside and I don't want my hair sticking to my back? A bob really comes in clutch.
Styling it in the summer is a game of fighting frizz and adding moisture without weighing it down. After a few months of trial and error, I've found the perfect hair routine that keeps it looking smooth and, dare I say, chic as hell. Let's dive into every product I use, from the shampoos I swear by to the styling tools and key players in my arsenal.
It All Starts in The Shower
To give myself the sleekest look possible, I skip the voluminizing shampoo formulas and opt for a thicker, hydrating duo. My hair is fine, but I have a lot of it, and adding a bit of weight keeps flyaways at bay without my hair looking greasy.
If you haven't tried the luxury that is Oribe, may I suggest the Gold Lust line?
I absolutely love how the shampoo and conditioner duo moisturize my hair without weighing it down.
Out-Of-The-Shower Styling
I'm pretty chill about my styling routine, as in—I only use one product. I am an air dry loyalist because it smooths my hair and keeps it manageable. I've had bobs of varying lengths, and a styling cream has always been by my side.
Everyone from Beauty Director Hannah Baxter to our Beauty Editor Siena Gagliano absolutely love this hairstyling cream from RŌZ.
If your hair is on the drier side, this one packs the moisture without leaving any greasy residue.
And for an MVP against frizz, may I suggest the JVN Complete Air Dry Cream?
Necessary Hot Tools
On the rare day when I'm not air-drying my hair, I keep a roster of simple hot tools in my rotation. My Dyson blow dryer is a must for lightning-fast styling, and then I alternate between a 1-inch curling iron and a flat iron to either add bounce or make my bob stick-straight.
Never have I ever experienced a quicker blow dry than with the iconic Supersonic.
It may be pricey for a hair straightener, but I swear it's the last one you'll ever need to purchase.
An oldie but a goodie, the Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Collection will forever give you those salon-worthy curls.
Must-Have Hair Accessories
Don't think that having short hair means that you can't style it with cute accessories. I rely on claw clips from Emi Jay because they keep my hair off my face when my strands are cut too short for a ponytail. The same goes for classic headbands (My faves are from Jennifer Behr), and dainty barrettes.
How cute is this little lemon for spring and summer? I use the Sweetheart clips from Emi Jay for a half-up-half-down.
A stunning, dainty silk headband gives quiet luxury.
And for a fun summer floral, these hibiscus hair clips are my go-to's for beach days and with a sun dress.
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