The long bob, also known as the lob, is a popular and versatile hairstyle that suits a wide range of face shapes and personal styles. It offers the perfect balance between the elegance and manageability of shorter hair and the femininity and versatility of longer locks. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various techniques and tips on how to style long bob hair to achieve different looks for different occasions.
Tools and Products You’ll Need
Before diving into the styling process, it’s essential to have the right tools and products at hand. Here are the must-haves:
Hairbrush: A paddle brush is great for detangling and smoothing the hair. A round brush, preferably with a medium to large barrel, is useful for creating volume and curls.
Hairdryer: Look for a hairdryer with adjustable heat and speed settings. A nozzle attachment can help direct the airflow for more precise drying.
Straighteners/Curling Irons: If you want to create sleek straight styles or bouncy curls, a good quality flat iron and curling iron are indispensable. Opt for ones with adjustable temperature controls to avoid damaging the hair.
Hairspray: To set your style and add hold. Look for a hairspray that offers flexible hold without making the hair feel stiff or crunchy.
Texturizing Spray: This product is excellent for adding volume and a tousled, lived-in look to the long bob.
Heat Protectant Spray: Always use a heat protectant before using any heat styling tools to minimize damage to the hair.
Bobby Pins and Hair Clips: These are handy for creating updos or securing sections of hair during styling.
Basic Styling Steps for a Sleek Long Bob
Wash and Condition: Start with clean, towel-dried hair. Use a shampoo and conditioner suitable for your hair type. If your hair is prone to frizz, choose a smoothing or anti-frizz formula.
Apply Heat Protectant: Spray a generous amount of heat protectant throughout the hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. This step is crucial as it forms a protective barrier between the hair and the heat of the styling tools.
Blow Dry: Using a paddle brush and the hairdryer with the nozzle attachment, dry the hair in sections. Start from the roots and work your way down, pulling the brush through the hair to smooth it. For added sleekness, you can direct the dryer downward, following the direction of the hair cuticle.
Straighten (Optional): If you desire a super straight look, use a flat iron. Divide the hair into small sections, clamp the iron near the roots, and slowly glide it down to the ends. Make sure to keep the iron moving continuously to avoid burning the hair.
Finish with Hairspray: Once you’re satisfied with the straightness and smoothness, lightly spritz the hair with a flexible hold hairspray to set the style.
Creating Volume and Body in a Long Bob
Prep with Texturizing Spray: On damp hair, spray a texturizing spray from the roots to the mid-lengths. This will give the hair some grip and help create volume.
Blow Dry Upside Down: Bend over at the waist and use your fingers to tousle the hair while blow drying. This method lifts the roots and adds volume. You can also use a diffuser attachment if you have wavy or curly hair and want to enhance its natural texture.
Backcomb (Tease) the Roots: Once the hair is dry, take small sections at the crown of the head and backcomb them gently using a fine-toothed comb. Start from the roots and work your way up, creating a cushion of volume. Then, smooth the top layer of hair over the teased section to conceal it.
Use a Round Brush and Hairdryer: For added volume and a more polished look, use a round brush. Lift the sections of hair at the roots with the brush and blow dry, rolling the brush downward as you go. This will give the hair a slight curl and more body.
Set with Hairspray: Finish the look by spraying a volumizing hairspray all over the hair, holding the can about 12 inches away from the head. This will help hold the volume in place throughout the day.
Curling a Long Bob for a Romantic Look
Choose the Right Curling Iron: Depending on the size of curls you want, select a curling iron. A 1 – 1.5 inch barrel will create loose, beachy waves, while a smaller barrel (around 0.5 – 1 inch) will give tighter curls.
Section the Hair: Divide the hair into several sections, starting from the bottom and working your way up. Clip each section out of the way to make it easier to curl.
Curl the Hair: Take a small section of hair and clamp the curling iron near the mid-lengths. Then, wrap the hair around the barrel, holding it for about 10 – 15 seconds (less for finer hair and more for thicker hair). Release the curl and let it cool before gently tousling it with your fingers. Repeat this process for each section of hair, alternating the direction of the curls for a more natural look.
Finish with Hairspray: Once all the curls are set, spray a light hold hairspray over the curls to help them last longer. You can also use a shine spray to add a glossy finish to the hair.
Beachy Waves for a Casual Vibe
Create a Sea Salt Spray: If you don’t have a commercial sea salt spray, you can make your own. Mix 1 cup of warm water with 1 tablespoon of sea salt and a few drops of essential oil (such as lavender or coconut oil) in a spray bottle. Shake well before use.
Spray and Scrunch: Spray the sea salt spray all over damp hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Then, use your hands to scrunch the hair, squeezing it gently to encourage the formation of waves.
Air Dry or Diffuse: You can let the hair air dry for a more natural, textured look. If you’re short on time, use a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer to speed up the drying process while maintaining the waves.
Optional: Add Curls with a Curling Iron: For a more defined wave pattern, you can use a curling iron to touch up a few sections of hair. Wrap the hair around the barrel in a loose, irregular manner to mimic the look of natural beach waves.
Finish with Texturizing Spray: To enhance the texture and hold of the waves, finish with a texturizing spray. This will give the hair a tousled, effortless appearance.
Updos and Half-Up Styles for Long Bob Hair
Low Bun:
Gather the hair at the nape of the neck and twist it into a loose bun. Secure it with bobby pins. You can leave a few strands of hair loose around the face for a soft, romantic look.
For added interest, you can wrap a thin strand of hair around the base of the bun and pin it in place to conceal the bobby pins.
Half-Up Top Knot:
Take the top half of the hair from the front and crown of the head and pull it back. Twist it into a small knot and secure it with bobby pins.
The remaining hair can be left straight, curled, or waved, depending on the overall look you want to achieve.
Braided Half-Up Style:
Create a French braid or a Dutch braid starting from the front of the head and going towards the crown. Secure the braid with a small elastic.
Let the rest of the hair hang loose or style it in curls or waves to complement the braid.
Twisted Updo:
Take small sections of hair on either side of the head and twist them towards the back. Secure them with bobby pins at the back of the head.
Continue this process, adding more sections of hair until all the hair is pinned up in a twisted, textured updo.
Styling Tips for Different Occasions
For a Professional Setting: A sleek, straight long bob is a classic and sophisticated choice. It looks neat and polished, making it suitable for the office or formal business meetings. You can add a simple side part to enhance the elegance.
For a Night Out: Opt for loose curls or a sexy updo. Loose curls add a touch of glamour and femininity, while an updo like a low bun or a twisted updo can show off your neck and shoulders, creating a more alluring look. Pair with statement earrings to complete the evening ensemble.
For a Casual Day Out: Beachy waves or a textured, tousled long bob is perfect. It gives a laid-back and effortless vibe, suitable for running errands, meeting friends for coffee, or going for a walk in the park. You can also add a headband or a scarf for a pop of color and style.
For a Special Occasion: If you’re attending a wedding or a formal event, a more elaborate updo like a braided updo or a high bun with decorative pins or flowers can make you stand out. Make sure to use plenty of hairspray to keep the style in place throughout the event.
Maintaining the Health of Long Bob Hair
Regular Trims: Even though the long bob is shorter than very long hair, it still requires regular trims to keep the ends healthy and prevent split ends. Aim for a trim every 8 – 12 weeks.
Deep Conditioning: Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week or every two weeks, depending on the condition of your hair. This helps to restore moisture and nourish the hair, especially if you use heat styling tools frequently.
Limit Heat Styling: Try to reduce the use of hairdryers, straighteners, and curling irons. If possible, let your hair air dry and embrace its natural texture. When you do use heat styling tools, always use a heat protectant.
Protect from the Sun and Environmental Damage: Just like your skin, your hair can be damaged by the sun’s UV rays. Wear a hat or use a hair product with UV protection when spending time outdoors. Also, avoid exposing your hair to harsh chemicals and pollutants in the environment.
Conclusion
The long bob is a highly adaptable hairstyle that offers countless styling possibilities. By understanding the basic techniques and using the right tools and products, you can transform your long bob into a variety of looks suitable for any occasion. Whether you prefer a sleek and sophisticated style or a more casual and carefree look, the long bob can be your go-to hairstyle. With proper maintenance, you can keep your long bob looking healthy and beautiful, ensuring that you always make a stylish statement.
Related topics:
16 Best Bob Hairstyles For Long Faces