Shorter hair is back, and we love the bob haircut! We show you how to create a style that’s glossy, super-soft, and feminine.
“With the rise of the 40-somethings, the media’s fascination with “long = young” is running dry” says Celeb stylist Paul Edmonds. It’s time for the bob to take centre stage once again.
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Your bob haircut – how short should you go?
Want a bob haircut, but not sure how far to go? “The key is to not let short hair defeminise you,” says GHD global brand ambassador Adam Reed. “Sure, you want volume, texture, and movement, but you also want to keep a bit of softness: you want to keep enough hair to play with, even if you’re going to be tucking that fringe behind your ear. The length makes the style softer and more feminine.”
“Hair right now is all about manageability and looking sexy, without having to look like you have tried hard,” says celebrity hairdresser Paul Edmonds. “The runway has played a big part, with technology and texture playing a vital role in which looks can be achieved with shorter hair: so think textured waves, shiny curls, or glossy-straight, with hair products to help you create whatever look you desire.”
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Bob haircut stylers
Texturiser
Spritz Label.M Sea Salt Spray, R355 for 200ml lightly spritz through damp or dry hair to give it some hold and texture, with a natural matte finish: really great if you haven’t washed your hair for a couple of days and it’s beginning to look and feel a bit flat.
Root hold
After washing with a volume shampoo, run a palmful of TRESemmé Styling Mousse Volume and Lift, R92,99 for 300ml, through damp hair, focusing on the roots. Next, blow-dry while scrunching the hair for some soft curls at the ends to add texture… and go, it’s that easy!
Shine and control
Invest in a GHD Platinum Styler, R3 300, the only hair iron that maintains a steady control at 185 degrees – the ideal temperature that doesn’t burn hair. Glide through from roots to tips to create a sleeker style.
Or run Dark and Lovely Amla Legend Oil of 7 Wonders, R49,95 for 125ml, from mid-lengths to ends to create a glossier look.
Going for the chop…
First-timer?
Go for anything between the collarbone and the top of the breast — like a chic long bob. This is a key length for the coming year, with either a blunt cut, or under layers cut through the ends – this makes it SO much easier to add curls, style, and hold.
Consider extensions
“Extensions are no longer for creating long hair; they are a great way to make thin, wispy hair look fresh and voluminous,” says Paul. “We do lots of extension work with our A-listers to create volume, not just length, and you would never know.”
ALSO SEE: How to stop thinning hair in its tracks
Experiment
“It’s important to experiment and find out what works for you,” says Adam. “I get clients to try on a few wigs to find their style. Do use pictures, know your mind, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. And do accept your stylist’s comments: go just a bit shorter at your trim maybe, rather than a major crop; but then if you’re really thinking of going for it: just do it.”
Think texture
“Shorter styles with lots of texture and a long, wispy, full fringe or side fringe look fab,” says hair-colour expert Charlie Double. “Keep side sections soft and flattering to the jawline.”
Keep it casual
“The secret is to give the hair texture and movement,” says Charlie. “Hair that moves and has texture and ‘touchability’ is way more modern. Heavily-groomed hair that’s sprayed with lacquer only ages your look.”
Keep shorter grey hair
Looking feminine by using nourishing conditioners and masks, such as Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask, R510 for 250ml, which tames any coarse, wiry texture.
Also try Hannon Platinum Leave-In Conditioner, R170 for 270ml, to banish brassiness.
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