I Recently Transformed My Long Hair into a Bob—Here Are 7 Things I Wish I Had Known Beforehand

I Recently Transformed My Long Hair into a Bob—Here Are 7 Things I Wish I Had Known Beforehand

      Yes, I am now the proud owner of a bob. However, after cutting off my long hair and wearing a flicked bob for nearly two months, I must confess that taking care of my new short hairstyle has involved quite a learning experience. This isn't to downplay my love for the bob—I’m still completely obsessed with it. But there are several aspects of styling and maintaining a bob that I hadn't thought about before taking a seat in the hairdresser’s chair with my inspiration photos. Some of these changes have been positive, such as the reduced time I spend washing my hair and the savings on shampoo. I can also attest to the confidence boost that comes from chopping off seven inches.

      On the flip side, there are styling factors I wish I had considered before joining the bob community, and I want to share this advice with you now. Whether you’re contemplating a chop and want insights on caring for your bob, or you’re simply curious about life with short hair, this insider information is what I believe you need to know. And if you’re still undecided about getting a bob, let this be your sign to go for it—I haven’t regretted it.

      I was a bit surprised by the styling time required for a bob, as I always thought that less hair would lead to less time spent styling. While some low-maintenance bob styles do exist, I chose one that requires significant styling for its characteristic sculpted shape. Fortunately, I’ve discovered some fantastic tools that help expedite this process and work well with various bob cuts. First, there’s a blow-drying brush that dries and styles simultaneously. Then, on dry hair, I swap curling tongs for a hot brush to add volume and shape with ease.

      Drybar

      The Half Shot Round Blow-Dryer Brush

      The 1.5” barrel of Drybar’s Half Shot is ideal for shorter styles.

      Amika

      Blowout Babe Thermal Hairbrush

      Amika’s brush also has an ionic setting for a sleek finish.

      2. Nourishment Is Crucial

      Another way I have found to shorten my styling time is by ensuring my hair is in optimal condition before I begin. Consequently, I like to replace my conditioner with a repairing hair mask once a week for deep nourishment. This results in my bob appearing sleeker and smoother, and it feels soft to the touch.

      Shop the Best Hair Masks for Bobs:

      Sachajuan

      Hair Repair Treatment

      Sachajuan’s Repair Mask is a personal favorite because it is enriched with sea algae, which hydrates dry, damaged strands.

      K18 Biomimetic Hairscience

      Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

      3. Don’t Neglect Mousse

      Since getting my hair cut, I’ve styled it both with and without mousse, and I can clearly say that styles last significantly longer when I use it. Instead of heavier formulas, I recommend lightweight mousses that won't weigh down shorter lengths. Apply to damp hair before blow-drying or air drying for unparalleled definition and hold.

      Shop the Best Hair Mousses for Bobs:

      Davines

      This is a Volume Boosting Mousse

      My hairstylist recommended Davines' mousse at the salon, so it comes with a professional endorsement.

      Innersense

      I Create Definition

      This foaming mousse is incredibly lightweight.

      4. Embrace Your Hair’s New Texture

      This is more of a piece of advice than a styling tip: losing length may change your hair texture. For someone like me with wavy hair, this meant that, when I let my hair air dry, my curls became more defined due to the reduced weight. Others might discover a cowlick they never knew they had or find their hair isn’t as straight as they thought. See this as a chance to experiment and embrace your natural texture for a fresh look.

      Shop Texturizing Products for Bobs:

      This is my favorite wave spray for adding movement and shape.

      Color Wow

      Curl Wow Flo-Etry Vital Natural Supplement

      I use this curl cream to enhance my hair's natural texture when styling it naturally.

      5. Protect Your Ends

      While this tip especially applies to those of us with flicked bobs, it’s beneficial for anyone with a bob style. The key takeaway is to always use a heat protectant. Since many bob hairstyles require heat tools for their desired finish, protecting your hair is crucial for maintaining its appearance. For flicked bobs, apply the heat protectant primarily to the ends, where most styling occurs, while for other styles, a thorough application all over is effective.

      Shop the Best Heat Protectors for Bobs:

      Oribe

      Gold Lust Dry Heat Protection Spray

      Oribe's heat protectant can be applied to dry hair, making it ideal for use between washes.

      Kérastase

      Elixir Ultime Hair Oil Refillable

      This heat-protecting oil offers both damage prevention and nourishment.

      6. Consider Alternatives to a Ponytail

      You might say this was poor planning

I Recently Transformed My Long Hair into a Bob—Here Are 7 Things I Wish I Had Known Beforehand I Recently Transformed My Long Hair into a Bob—Here Are 7 Things I Wish I Had Known Beforehand I Recently Transformed My Long Hair into a Bob—Here Are 7 Things I Wish I Had Known Beforehand I Recently Transformed My Long Hair into a Bob—Here Are 7 Things I Wish I Had Known Beforehand I Recently Transformed My Long Hair into a Bob—Here Are 7 Things I Wish I Had Known Beforehand I Recently Transformed My Long Hair into a Bob—Here Are 7 Things I Wish I Had Known Beforehand I Recently Transformed My Long Hair into a Bob—Here Are 7 Things I Wish I Had Known Beforehand I Recently Transformed My Long Hair into a Bob—Here Are 7 Things I Wish I Had Known Beforehand I Recently Transformed My Long Hair into a Bob—Here Are 7 Things I Wish I Had Known Beforehand I Recently Transformed My Long Hair into a Bob—Here Are 7 Things I Wish I Had Known Beforehand I Recently Transformed My Long Hair into a Bob—Here Are 7 Things I Wish I Had Known Beforehand I Recently Transformed My Long Hair into a Bob—Here Are 7 Things I Wish I Had Known Beforehand I Recently Transformed My Long Hair into a Bob—Here Are 7 Things I Wish I Had Known Beforehand I Recently Transformed My Long Hair into a Bob—Here Are 7 Things I Wish I Had Known Beforehand I Recently Transformed My Long Hair into a Bob—Here Are 7 Things I Wish I Had Known Beforehand I Recently Transformed My Long Hair into a Bob—Here Are 7 Things I Wish I Had Known Beforehand I Recently Transformed My Long Hair into a Bob—Here Are 7 Things I Wish I Had Known Beforehand

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I Recently Transformed My Long Hair into a Bob—Here Are 7 Things I Wish I Had Known Beforehand

I don't have any regrets.