The ultimate insouciant look is the wavy bob. Air-dried bobs (or curling iron-finished bobs) are short, shiny and full of texture. They’re the epitome of easy cool. Add a few bends and creases for a light, airy look to your above-shoulder bob.
If you have naturally curly hair, consider that before going for a wavy cut. The wave pattern or curl pattern in hair that is textured will usually be stretched out as it gets longer and heavier. Rena Calhoun, a hairstylist, advises that you should always consult your hairdresser before making a decision about length. Also consider the final result of the cut once the hair has dried. It’s going to grow back once the hair is shorter. You don’t want be surprised!
Because the wavy hairstyle is so easy to style, keep it simple from the beginning. Justine Marjan, hairstylist, says to be realistic with your stylist when it comes to your styling expectations. Calhoun suggests using Bumble and Bumble’s Seaweed Air-Dry Cream or ROZ hair milk serum for a frizz-free, touchable finish.
Here are 25 wavy bobs that will help you keep your short hairstyle light and undone.
Old Hollywood Wave
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In the old Hollywood style, large waves were often used to frame the face. Penelope Cruz shows that this style is still appropriate, even when it’s applied to shorter hairstyles. You can make it more modern by replacing a flapper fastener or band with a black ribbon.
Soft Glam Bob
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Sydney Sweeney’s bob is an example of preppy polish. A soft wave pattern gives the style a red carpet-ready look.
Retro Wave
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Zazie Beetz’s wavy Bob is framed by a blunt cut with baby bangs, giving it a retro feel. This quality comes along with many of the fluid chops.
Elegant Air-Dry
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The deep side part of Kerry Washington and the neat, chin skimming length create a sophisticated appearance. Air-dried waves (albeit voluminous ones) provide balance and ease.
Wolfish Waves
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Jenna Ortega has mastered the chop. She seamlessly switches between sleek bobs to funkier versions. This wavy hairstyle is extra special. It features her trademark wispy bangs, as well as layers that add texture.
Texture with a Toned Down Color
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Lucy Hale’s texture bob is all about subtlety. The style is given extra dimension by a barely-there wave.
Beachy Bob
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Jennifer Lawrence’s chop is a wave that you would expect to see on a beach day. Lawrence’s waves start at the roots and move toward flippy, shoulder-grazing ends.
Side Swept Waves
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Emma Stone’s signature styles are a neat bob, a side-swept bob and some waves. Calhoun says that if you want a more polished and uniform look, it’s nice to use a curling tool.
Luxe Bob
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Hailey Bieber has mastered the art of high-shine hair, so why would her bob be different? The resulting wave is effortlessly chic. A gentle bend mimics the crease created by tucking the hair behind the ears.
Wet Look Waves
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Kylie Jenner’s wet-look waved bob for Alexander Wang’s fall 2017 collection is a style that will never be forgotten. The wet-look bob, complete with a long arch of piecey bangs, was an edgy departure from Jenner’s usual style. It is worth trying to emulate.
Lifted waves
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Add waves to your center-parted style to elevate it. Laura Harrier is a great example of how to achieve a tousled look by combining natural texture with ironed curls.
Brushed Up Bob
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Halle Berry has a bob that is layered enough to look like a shag. This banged bob has a retro feel thanks to some teasing, flyaways, and frizz.
Easywaves
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Kirsten Dunst has maintained her glossy blonde throughout her career. The simple hairstyle is given a glamorous touch by a side part that looks like Veronica Lake.
Cool Girl Bob
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Wavy hair is appealing because it gives the illusion of carelessness. Phoebe Tonkin’s hair is made more attractive by the seemingly careless addition.
Undone Lob
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Keira Knightley’s long bob is just the right amount undone with its soft waves and face-framing layers.
Rebel Rumple
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With a few small details, insouciance can be transformed into easy irreverence. Emma Robert’s brunette bob is finger-raked, tucked behind her ears and the simple shifts are almost rebellious. A flick of eyeliner is also helpful.
Organic Waves
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Calhoun says, “Air-drying has always been my go-to.” It creates a natural-looking texture, and it is gentle on your hair.
Glossy Bobby
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Gabrielle Union’s hair features subtle waves that bring out the natural shine of her onyx-lengths.
Polished bob
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Zoey Deutch shows that adding a little texture to an imperfect but polished look is all it takes.
Casual Chop
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A slight wave can be the fastest way to add casual style. Add a curl (or several) waves to your daytime hairstyle. Take Vanessa Hudgens’ lead.
Sophisticated wave
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Emma Watson’s burnished curls look elegant and healthy when cut short and parted deep. Calhoun says that any haircut above the shoulder will lighten hair, bring back luster and bounce and remove extra weight to enhance texture.
Billie Bob
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Billie Eilish has a beauty look that is often edgy, but her waves give a blonde bob an air of softness. A straw-straight bang balances the look.
Single-Wave
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The overall effect of Kaia Gerber’s bob is undone, cool and polished without sacrificing the look.
Waves of the ’00s
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In the early 2000s, hair was all about pin-straight curls and long lengths. Scarlett Johansson’s soft waves were refreshing.
Bent Bob
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Another Old Hollywood-esque bendy bob. Rachel Zegler’s flips and bends remind me of finger waves.
