Craving A Summer Chop? You’ll Want The Wavy Bob

By Charlie Colville

5 hours ago

The wavy bob is this season's mega hair trend


Warm weather has us dreaming of sunshine and picnics in the park – as well as a chic hairstyle to match the season. Cue: the wavy bob.

More Bob Inspiration

What Is A Wavy Bob?

‘A wavy bob is a modern take on the classic bob haircut, where the hair is cut to a shorter length, typically around the jawline to just above the shoulders, but styled with soft, natural-looking waves to create movement and texture,’ explains Jason Collier, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Studio23. ‘Unlike a traditional bob, which is usually very sleek, straight and structured, the wavy bob has a more relaxed, effortless feel, offering a slightly undone and youthful look that feels fresh and contemporary.’

It’s this finish that really sets the bob apart from the classic bob, Jason tells us. ‘A traditional bob is all about precision and sharpness, whereas a wavy bob embraces softness and texture,’ he says. ‘This makes it incredibly versatile and much easier for people to wear every day without needing high-maintenance styling routines.’

And with summer just around the corner, this loose hairstyle perfectly sums up our hair goals for the new season: chic, effortless and low-maintenance. ‘The cut is hugely popular at the moment because it perfectly fits with the wider beauty trend of “undone glamour”, looking polished but not overly “done”,’ adds Jason. ‘People are leaning into haircuts that feel effortless but still chic, and a wavy bob gives you that put-together look without looking like you’ve spent hours styling it. It’s also a brilliant transitional style, particularly as we move into warmer seasons when people naturally want lighter, fresher looks.’

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Who Suits This Cut?

‘When it comes to hair type and face shape, the beauty of a wavy bob is that it can be adapted to suit almost everyone,’ says Jason. ‘For finer hair, adding waves instantly gives the illusion of more volume and texture. For thicker hair, it’s about using texturising techniques to keep the hair feeling light and airy.

‘Face shape-wise, a wavy bob can be incredibly flattering because the waves help to soften angles and bring balance to the face,’ he adds. ‘People with round faces might opt for a slightly longer bob, whereas those with more angular features can really play up the softness of the waves to create a harmonious look.’ (For more advice, see our guide to getting the right bob cut for your face shape here.)

How To Ask For A Wavy Bob In The Salon

In the salon, you’ll want to ask for ‘a bob that sits around the jawline or shoulders,’ says Jason. ‘But stress that you want it to have movement and texture rather than looking too sleek or blunt.’ He recommends having an in-depth consultation with your stylist beforehand, as well as taking in a few inspiration photos to get your vision across.

For those with naturally curly or wavy hair, the stylist also says that, ‘It’s a good idea to discuss your natural hair texture with your stylist too, so they can tailor the cut and any layering accordingly to help enhance your natural wave if you have one.’

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How To Style A Wavy Bob

With a wavy bob, it’s all about (kinda) nailing the texture. ‘The key is not to be too perfect,’ says Jason. ‘The beauty of this look is in its imperfection.

‘When styling a wavy bob at home, I recommend starting with a good texturising spray or a sea salt spray on damp hair to encourage natural movement,’ he adds. ‘You can either diffuse your hair using a hairdryer with a diffuser attachment, scrunching as you go, or use a medium-barrel curling wand to add a few loose waves and then rake them out with your fingers for a more undone finish.’

What Next?

‘Looking ahead, I see the wavy bob continuing to evolve into even more relaxed and natural versions,’ forecasts Jason. ‘We’re going to see more ultra-textured, almost “air-dried” finishes becoming the norm, with less emphasis on hot tools and more on embracing each person’s natural hair texture. It’s a style that will keep evolving to suit the ongoing demand for effortless, individual beauty.’

Hair Inspiration

Wavy Bob

 

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Vintage Curls

 

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Messy Waves

 

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Sleek Waves

 

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Preppy Bob

 

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Wavy Bob With Balayage

Flip With Waves

 

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