How to style a bob correctly, according to the experts - with tips on the best tools for every length

If you've just committed to a dramatic chop, you might now find yourself in dire need of a 'how to style a bob' crash course. So, we've quizzed the experts on everything bob-related - from the best tools and styling products to perfecting your look without heat.

Bob hairstyles are the type of cuts that never really tire, in fact with every season comes a new iteration of the timeless crop. The 2023 winter bob trends alone feature chic updates on the French bob and Box bob, providing all the inspiration for our next salon trip. But of course, with every major hair change we commit to comes the need to refresh our haircare regimes to suit the new look, which can inevitably lead to a few weeks of trial and error.

So, to avoid any haircut regrets and common bob mistakes, we've enlisted the expertise of celebrity hairstylist, Edward James on the many ways to style bob hair, for any length, texture and budget...

A complete guide on how to style a bob and the best tools to use

Before we dive into all things Bob, we've rounded up a quick list of some of James' recommendations, from the best hair tools to the best heat protection products...

Aveda Texture Tonic

RRP: £24.50 | This tonic comes expert recommended thanks to its ability to add an effortlessly tousled effect to your hair. Suitable for use on both wet and dry hair, the texturising spritz is a must for lovers of that beachy, 'undone' look.

Dyson Airwrap™ Multi-styler

RRP: £479.99 | James recommends this as a great all-rounder tool, thanks to its many attachments including; two curling barrels, a smoothing dryer, a round volumising brush and more.

ORIBE Straight Away Smoothing Blowout Cream

RRP: £48 | This blowout cream provides heat protection up to 450° and makes a sleek and effective blow dry the work of moments. It strengthens your hair whilst simultaneously sealing split ends and taming flyaways.

Before deciding on your bob, be sure to consult which hairstyles best suit your face shape, to determine the length and cut that will complement your features. Once you're in the know, styling your fresh trim is next on the agenda.

How to style a bob at home

For those styling a bob at home, there are a few different avenues you can go down, from sleek to wavy...

Add texture

Of course, how you wear your bob comes down to personal preference, but James has shared the easiest methods for a 'lived-in' look. "The easiest way to style a bob really hinges on your desired finish," James explains, "For a textured look, prep the hair with Aveda's Texture Tonic to enhance its natural wave and create a lived-in feel. Work it through damp hair and scrunch as you air-dry or use a diffuser for more definition."

Go super sleek

If a sleek bob is more your style, James says to instead, "apply Oribe's Straight Away Smoothing Blowout Cream to damp hair. It will protect from heat and help achieve that silky, smooth finish as you blow-dry." For a super straight look, you can then go in with one of the best hair straighteners, once your hair is dry.

Add a wave

As for what styles James' has personally seen gaining traction in recent months, it seems effortlessly chic waves are in high demand. "Clients are increasingly opting for loose, textured bends rather than tight curls, aiming for an effortlessly chic look. This can be achieved by using a straightening iron to create subtle bends in the hair, twisting the iron slightly as you work through the sections."

Opt for voluminous curls

Voluminous Hollywood-esque curls are also very in: "As the party season approaches, the demand for Hollywood waves rises. This ultra-glam and timeless style can be created using a larger barrel curling iron or rollers, then brushing out the curls gently to form soft waves. Setting with a light hairspray can help maintain the style throughout events."

How to style a bob at a salon

Add bangs

If you're heading to the salon for a fresh bob cut, consider a fringe or some face-framing curtain bangs. If you already have a short crop, a fringe - whether you go wispy or full - is a great way to change things up and refresh your look. It's also ideal for those who love an updo, as bangs can add interest and dimension to the face - your hair stylist will be able to advise you on the best fringe style to suit your features.

Layers, layers, layers!

Layers are an easy way to add shape to your bob and are ideal if you love a voluminous blowout or adding beachy, bouncy waves to your hair. Layers can also benefit those with really thick hair as they can take some of the weight out, leaving you with a bob full of movement. We would recommend leaving the layers to the experts though, as they will be able to judge what is best for your hair texture.

Best tools for styling a bob

Whatever your preference, selecting the perfect bob styling tools for your hair's needs and your desired look is key and luckily, hairstylist Edward James has taken some of the guesswork out for us...

ghd Gold Styler

RRP: £179 | "When it comes to styling tools for a bob, GHD offers several effective options. The GHD Gold Styler is excellent for creating a sleek, polished look. Its smooth plates glide easily over shorter hair without snagging," James says.

ghd Curve Wave Wand

RRP: £149 | James suggests the ghd Curve Wand for creating both tight and loose, more 'undone' curls: "The GHD Curve Wand is perfect due to its tapered barrel which can create everything from tight ringlets to loose, beachy waves."

Dyson Supersonic™ dryer

RRP: £279.99 | As mentioned, the ghd Curve Wand is one of the best curlers for short hair but if you're instead looking for tips on the best way to blow dry curly hair, James notes: "The best tool for styling a curly bob is undoubtedly the Dyson diffuser attachment. It's engineered to disperse air evenly around your curls, helping to reduce frizz and define your natural curl pattern without overheating or damaging the hair."

BaByliss Air Style 1000

RRP: £75 | "For a versatile styling tool suitable for all bob lengths, the BaByliss Air Style 1000 stands out as the best value. It features multiple attachments, including brushes that are ideal for short bobs," James says.

ghd Duet 2-in-1 Styler

RRP: £379 | For a sleek and straight bob, James recommends the GHD HD duet style. "It's a 2-in-1 hot air styler that works like a straightener but also dries your hair. This innovative tool makes it easy to achieve a sleek, straight bob without needing to use multiple tools."

Aveda Heat Relief Thermal Protector and Conditioning Mist

RRP: £27 | If you have thin or fine hair, this Aveda conditioning spray is a true saviour. For medium to thicker hair, James recommends Oribe's BALM D'OR Heat Styling Shield.

How to style a bob without heat

Now, if you're looking for a way to minimize hair damage by avoiding heat tools altogether, James recommends either booking in for a Keratin blowdry - to achieve a lasting, smooth and straight effect - or for curls and waves, either using heatless rollers (like these from Amazon), or a curl enhaching cream. James suggest Aveda's Be Curly™ Curl Enhancer which, "intensifies curls, combats frizz, and boosts shine."

When tackling heatless rollers, James says to start with damp hair and simply, "wrap sections of hair around the rollers, let the hair dry, and remove the rollers to reveal soft waves which can either be brushed out for softer waves or left more defined by running your fingers through the hair."