All hair can be moody, but if you have curly hair, you're probably familiar with the feeling of not being able to control your strands. That's what makes getting a haircut more difficult - curly hair has its own rules. However, the sultry summer of (hopeful) resocialization has arrived, so this breakdown of curly bob hairstyles should help you figure out the next phase of your mane.
First, determine the hair length that makes the most sense for you. "Choose a hair length that complements your face shape and enhances your facial features," says Miko Branch, CEO and co-founder of Miss Jessie hair care brand. This means the length and cut "give you enough room to create voluminous curls without adding extra length or width to your face." When considering a bob, a classic length will sit a few inches above the shoulders, while a longer bob (or lob) will brush past the shoulders.
Celebrity hairstylist and Ouidad brand ambassador Irinel de Leon says when choosing the right bob, keep in mind that your actual hair length is different from how it will look after the cut. "Curly hair is much longer than straight hair—if you stretch out a strand of curly hair, it will be longer," she tells Bustle.
Once you go in for your appointment, remember to set realistic goals and keep open communication with your stylist. DeLeon said photos really help. "Everyone means something different when talking about texture and style," she explains, adding that using reference materials on your phone or on Pinterest can help eliminate the chance of misunderstandings (and possibly the wrong cut). Pro tips when looking for inspiration? “Share photos of people who have the same curly hair type as you,” Branch says. Otherwise, your seal won't look the same.
Thinking about a timeless and chic bob? Before you head to the salon, here are four curly bob hairstyles worth paying attention to.
1. Curly Bob with Bangs
If you have curly hair, the thought of bangs can scare you inside. But if you're inspired by celebrities like Zendaya or '90s Mariah Carey, then you know that this cut can be incredibly stylish when done right.
"Short curly hair with bangs has become very popular in the past year," says De Leon, who notes that the style is particularly suitable for people with round faces. This is because bangs add definition to your face, she explains.
For styling, stylist Josie Nevarez of Maxine Salon in Chicago previously told Bustle that it's best to add styling gel to your hair in sections, starting at the nape and working your way up. “Squeeze and twist as you go,” she says. When blow-drying, use a diffuser on low wind speed and avoid brushing curls after they're dry.
2. Curly Blunt Bob
Branch says curly hair types can also create a blunt bob, a style in which all the hair is cut directly to one length. This look works best for curly hair types 1 and 2, adds de Leon. "These types of people may need to blow dry their hair to enhance the curl," she tells Bustle.
One thing to note: De Leon says this style may be more difficult for people with curly hair types 3 and 4 because they naturally have more body and volume, which can naturally mask the effects of a blunt cut.
3. Curly Layered Bob
Not everyone prefers a blunt look, which is where the curly layered bob comes into play. As the name suggests, this cut involves combining multiple lengths in one cut to enhance volume.
"For curly and curly hair types, short haircuts and layered bobs tend to look best because the cut shows off your beautiful, natural texture," Branch says.
4. Round and voluminous curly bob
If you're playing a word association game, thick hair can definitely be answered with Diana Ross. According to de Leon, this sleek bob haircut is "suitable for anyone who's looking to be in shape and look stunning ," she tells Bustle.
When rocking this cut, remember to avoid using terry cloth, as it can absorb too much moisture, De Leon says. Instead, for optimal hair health, stick to cotton T-shirts or microfiber. She also recommends applying the product to wet hair, combing it through, and scrunching it in to get the desired effect.
