Pro Hairstylists Explain Exactly How to Style a Short Bob

The haircut is more versatile than you might think.

The bob never really goes out of style. That's partly thanks to its versatility; when it comes to figuring out how to style a short bob, you've got more options than the average short haircut. Whether you go with the wet-look vibe (a favorite of Hailey Bieber) or opt for voluminous waves (see: Zendaya), the short bob knows no bounds.

If that sounds overwhelming, no sweat: While the best way to style "really comes down to the client’s desired look and their face shape, two of the most common styles are either the sleek, straight look or an undone look, with volume and body," says celebrity hairstylist and Kerasilk brand ambassador Harry Josh.

Another way to choose between all the options is to consider your hair type, factor in how much styling time you have, and take it from there. With that, here's how to style a short bob for a look that feels fresh every time.

Related: This Summer’s Most Unexpected Haircut Trend Is the Classic Bob

Start in the Shower

The foundation for any good hairstyle starts in the shower. And this is where your natural hair texture comes into play. "If your hair is oily or fine, use a volumizing shampoo and very little conditioner on the ends," says Nunzio Saviano, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Nunzio Saviano Salon in New York City.

On the other hand, "if your hair is thicker, it has the tendency to puff out," he says. To offset that, he recommends following your shampoo with a richer conditioner to keep hair smooth and soft. Try Nécessaire The Conditioner, which hydrates without adding too much weight.

Choose Your Stylers Wisely

Once hair is damp, it's time for stylers. For those with waves and curls, consider leave-in conditioner and styling cream. These can "keep the hair hydrated, shiny, and frizz-free," says Saviano. "They allow the hair to dry in its natural texture." That's helpful whether you air-dry or gently heat-dry hair with a diffuser. We're fans of Verb Curl Cream, which you can scrunch into hair to shape and define it while it's still damp.

Meanwhile, a bob can quickly fall flat if you don't have volume at the roots — which can happen with fine hair types. If that's the case, "applying a styling product evenly, like a mousse or a volumizing spray — focusing at the root while your hair is still damp — is the most important thing to get voluminous hair," says Saviano.

For this, consider Kerasilk Volumizing Styling Foam. "It’s a lightweight foam that creates volume with natural movement," says Josh. If you'e going the smooth and sleek route, you can also prep hair with the brand's Flat Iron Spray

Related: Experts Call the "Italian Bob" the Chicest One Out There

Make Your Look Last

Don't want your bob to fall flat? You're not alone. "It’s important to have products that have a long-lasting effect," says Josh. For that reason, be strategic with both your styler choices and your application. "For the sleek, straight look, it’s important to use a product to get rid of flyaways — but also not to over-do it with products at your roots to avoid getting greasy hair," he says.

And if you're in the market for all-day volume — which works for any and every hair texture, use "texture spray throughout the day to get root lift and texture," says Saviano. Try Kenra Volume Mist 2, which offers buildable volume depending on how much you layer on.

Ultimately, the short bob is what you make of it — and with these tips, that's quite a lot of hairstyles. After all, what better way to maximize summer's coolest haircut?

Related: 30 Bob Haircuts for Any Face Shape

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