hair

HAIR TALK: THE BOB

photos/post: kristin ess

Earlier this week, we did a post on everything you need to know about the lob. But what about the bob? Maybe you’re considering taking the plunge and going short right away! Or maybe like most people who get a lob, you decided almost immediately to take your relationship with that collarbone length cut to the next level. It’s really easy to get addicted to taking off more length once you’re in the lob/bob family. Here are some of the main questions I get asked about going for a real bob and some great things for you to know if you’re about to do it. DO IT!!

• What qualifies as a bob? You want to make sure the hair clears the shoulders, meaning there should be (even if just a little) space between your longest piece and your shoulders. I started a hashtag called #cleartheshoulders on instagram hoping to build up reference photos for bob lovers. The first couple photos at the bottom are cuts I’ve done that qualify as bobs in case you need a visual reference. People have added some photos of lobs that don’t quite “clear the shoulders” but you’ll see mine in there and can use them for visual reference with your stylist!
• Can I wear a bob? There are a couple of key things that I look for when considering a bob on a client. If your shoulders are extra wide or if your neck is really short, I will probably encourage a different style, either longer or shorter. Bob haircuts put the focus on your neck, decollatage, chin, shoulders, face and jawline. You have no security blanket of hair when you get a bob. Everything about you is out there and on display so if you have any particular insecurities about your upper self, now is the time to get rid of those and let it all shine!
• How do I make sure my hairstylist understands what I want? {Same answer as the lob} Bring photos. Bring these photos. Gone are the days of ego-driven hairstylist who take offense to you bringing in pictures. We live in a Pinterest-reference world, right? Make a small folder of images to show your hairstylist and let them piece it together. I’ll look at my client’s collections of photos and gather what they like and dislike through one short convo about those images.
• What do I ask for specifically? For this particular cut, you would say “I would love a textured bob that clears my shoulders. I would like softened bluntness on the bottom and I would like it to fall somewhere between my chin and my shoulders when it’s dry.” Then your hairstylist will help you figure out exactly what length between your chin and your shoulders would be best for you.
• Can I have a lob with my texture? {Almost the same answer as the lob} Yes. Your hairstylist will know what is best suited for your personal texture. But rest assured, this length looks great on the straightest hair, waviest hair and the curliest hair. The bob is perfectly ideal for thos of you with baby fine hair. It creates a much thicker, healthier and fuller look if you tend to get weak, string-y ends.
• What styling tools do I need? I don’t let my clients leave without either THIS or THIS. The first one is the best investment you’ll make for styling your bob. The second one is a slightly more affordable alternative and a personal favorite amongst clients of mine who are on a tighter budget, but still an investment. (ALSO, NOT SURE HOW LONG THIS WILL HAPPEN BUT I JUST SAW THAT THE FIRST ONE IS ON SALE! And that almost never happens!)
• What products do I need? Product-wise I always recommend THIS or THIS mousse paired with THIS or THIS pomade. Start off with mousse on wet hair, blowdry or air dry (whichever gives you the best texture) and finish with a lightweight, water-based pomade after using your flat iron or wand.
• How often do I need to get it cut? Bobs grow fast. If you want to maintain the length between the chin and shoulders, I would say get it trimmed every 4-6 weeks. But, if you’re willing to wear both the bob and the lob, you can go more like 8-12 weeks.
• Can I do it with bangs? Yes! But much like the lob, you just want to make sure it doesn’t start to look like a wig. Hair covering the forehead and falling on the sides of your face can overwhelm and hide your gorgeous mug and nobody wants that. Personally I think this cut has a much “cooler” vibe without bangs, but that’s just my opinion. And even if you cut it with bangs, you can up your cool factor through your style.