What Is a Baroque Bob? Hairstylists Explain How to Get the Voluminous Look

If you think you've seen every variation of the bob haircut, think again. "Baroque bobs" are the latest take on the trendy hairstyle. This iteration is all about glamour and body (think: soft yet sculpted voluminous curls). Lately, celebrities like Zendaya, Kelly Rowland, and Laura Harrier have sported the bouncy look on the red carpet. And, of course, their affinity for the style made us curious about how to get the look.

Below, expert hairstylists give us the 411 on baroque bobs, including how to style and maintain the look.

Meet The Experts

• Clariss Rubenstein is a celebrity hairstylist. Her clients include Sarah Silverman, Gemma Chan, Mindy Kaling, and others.

• Adam Federico is the vice president of technical education for R+Co.

What Is a Baroque Bob?

The Baroque bob is a stylized bob haircut that gives your length an elaborate shape. "The styling may be more important than the cut itself," Rubenstein says. "Hairstyles during the [Baroque] period were elaborate, placing heavy emphasis on detail work," Federico adds. He says this inspired cut "takes pieces from [the Baroque] period and makes them current. It's elaborate, heavily styled, and gorgeously exaggerated."

The above-the-shoulders Baroque bob haircut relies on a heavy weight line at the perimeter, Rubenstein tells us, and may or may not have layers. The non-negotiable to this look is the big, bouncy, brushed-out curls that characterize its style. For this reason, medium to thick-density hair types can offer that fullness this style thrives on, but Rubenstein assures us that "any texture works since you'll blow it out anyway."

How to Achieve a Baroque Bob

"When styling a Baroque bob, [your] products should lend themselves to volume and a touchable, bouncy hold," Rubenstein says. And according to Federico, regardless of your hair type, "this style requires several products for style retention."

• Prep Your Hair: Begin with wet, towel-dried hair and liberally spray a multi-beneficial heat protectant like R+Co's Chainmail Thermal Protection Styling Spray ($36) to seal your cuticles, add shine, and protect against heat up to 450 degrees.

• Apply Volumizing Products: Next, apply products focused on thickening and volumizing. Rubenstein suggests the Nexxus Volume Medium Hold Mousse ($16) from root to ends, followed by the Unbreakable Care Root Lift Thickening Spray ($18) at the roots for maximum lift.

• Dry Your Hair: Blow dry your hair in sections at a medium heat setting with a big round brush. After you finish each section, Rubenstein says to "clip the curls in place for more dramatic volume and lasting hold."

• Remove Your Clips: After letting the curls set until they're completely cool, remove your clips. Federico suggests tipping your head upside down and gently brushing out your curls with a boar bristle brush. "This will give you that last bit of 'oomph' that really sets this look apart," he explains.

• Finish Styling: Now it's time to put the finishing touches on your style. Choose the parting you desire. For even more definition, use a curling iron to curl your hair under and away from your face. Then, spray the whole head with a flexible hold hairspray, like the Tresemme Ultra Fine Hairspray ($7) or Moroccanoil Medium Hold Luminous Hairspray ($26), both of which offer a movable hold that lasts all day.

How to Maintain a Baroque Bob

"As with all cuts and styles that sit above the shoulders, regular maintenance is a must," Federico says. While haircut maintenance always boils down to how fast your hair grows, Federico suggests every six to eight weeks for regular bob maintenance.

However, you have a bit more flexibility with a Baroque bob. "This bob doesn't require the same level of maintenance as a short French bob," Rubenstein says. "You can let your length grow a little longer, to right above the shoulders, and still have it read as a Baroque bob if you're keeping up that big, bouncy style."

The Final Takeaway

The Baroque bob is having a moment, thanks to celebrities wearing it on red carpets everywhere. The newest version of the already-trending bob is characterized by its dramatic, volumized blowout style rather than its length. Pairing lightweight, volumizing products with refined blowout techniques will help you achieve this look. The resulting short style is incredibly elegant and chic.

Read the original article on Byrdie.