The messy bob is a timeless and versatile hairstyle that exudes effortless chic. This guide will walk you through the steps to style a messy bob using straighteners. Whether you’re a hairstyling novice or an experienced pro, these detailed instructions will help you achieve that perfectly undone look with ease.
What is a Messy Bob?
Before diving into the styling process, it’s important to understand what a messy bob is. A messy bob is a short to medium-length haircut with an intentionally tousled and undone finish. The beauty of this style lies in its versatility; it can be dressed up or down, making it suitable for various occasions.
Why Use Straighteners for a Messy Bob?
Straighteners, also known as flat irons, are not just for creating sleek, straight hair. They can also be used to create waves, curls, and textured styles like the messy bob. The heat from the straighteners helps to set the style, ensuring that your messy bob holds its shape throughout the day.
Preparing Your Hair for Styling
1. Start with Clean Hair
To achieve the best results, start with clean hair. Wash your hair with a volumizing shampoo and a lightweight conditioner. Avoid heavy conditioners as they can weigh your hair down, making it difficult to achieve the desired texture.
2. Apply Heat Protectant
Before using any heat styling tools, it’s crucial to apply a heat protectant spray or serum. This will shield your hair from heat damage and keep it looking healthy and shiny.
3. Dry Your Hair
Blow-dry your hair until it is completely dry. If your hair is naturally straight, you can rough dry it using your fingers for added texture. If you have wavy or curly hair, use a round brush to smooth out your hair while drying.
Sectioning Your Hair
1. Divide Your Hair into Sections
To ensure that you style every part of your hair evenly, divide your hair into sections. Start by parting your hair down the middle or to the side, depending on your preference. Then, divide your hair into three or four horizontal sections, starting from the bottom and working your way up. Clip each section out of the way using hair clips.
2. Start with the Bottom Section
Begin styling with the bottom section of your hair. This allows you to work your way up, ensuring that each layer is styled evenly.
Creating Waves and Texture
1. Hold the Straighteners at an Angle
Take a small section of hair from the bottom layer, about 1-2 inches wide. Hold the straighteners at an angle, clamping them near the root of your hair.
2. Twist and Glide
For a natural-looking wave, twist the straighteners away from your face while slowly gliding them down the length of your hair. The key to achieving a messy bob is to alternate the direction of the waves. For the next section, twist the straighteners towards your face. This creates a more natural, tousled effect.
3. Vary the Curl Tightness
To enhance the messy look, vary the tightness of the waves. For some sections, twist the straighteners slightly more for tighter waves, and for others, keep the twist loose for softer waves.
4. Repeat with All Sections
Continue this process with all the sections of your hair. Remember to alternate the direction of the waves and vary the tightness to achieve a natural, messy texture.
5. Focus on the Ends
For a true messy bob, it’s important that the ends of your hair have a slight bend rather than being perfectly straight. When you reach the ends of each section, give them a quick twist with the straighteners to create a slight curl or wave.
Adding Volume and Texture
1. Tease the Roots
To add volume to your messy bob, tease the roots of your hair. Take a fine-tooth comb and gently backcomb the roots at the crown of your head. This will lift the hair and add fullness to your style.
2. Use a Texturizing Spray
Once you’ve created the waves, it’s time to add some texture. A texturizing spray or sea salt spray works wonders for achieving that effortless, tousled look. Spray it evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Scrunch your hair with your fingers to enhance the messy texture.
3. Flip Your Hair
For even more volume, flip your hair upside down and give it a shake. This will break up the waves and add movement to your style.
See Also: How To Style A Wavy Bob Without Heat
Finishing Touches
1. Set the Style with Hairspray
To ensure your messy bob lasts all day, finish off with a light mist of hairspray. Choose a flexible-hold hairspray that will keep your style in place without making it stiff or crunchy.
2. Tousle with Fingers
For the final touch, gently tousle your hair with your fingers. This will soften the waves and create that perfectly undone, messy look.
3. Adjust the Parting
If necessary, adjust your parting to enhance the overall shape of your bob. A deep side part can add drama, while a middle part gives a more laid-back vibe.
Tips for Maintaining a Messy Bob
1. Refresh the Style
Your messy bob can last for several days with a few touch-ups. In the morning, refresh the style by spritzing your hair with a texturizing spray and re-scrunching the waves. If needed, use the straighteners to redefine any sections that have lost their shape.
2. Avoid Over-Washing
Over-washing your hair can strip it of its natural oils, making it harder to achieve and maintain texture. Aim to wash your hair 2-3 times a week, using dry shampoo in between washes to keep it looking fresh.
3. Trim Regularly
To keep your bob looking its best, regular trims are essential. Visit your hairstylist every 6-8 weeks to maintain the shape and prevent split ends.
Styling Variations for a Messy Bob
1. Sleek and Messy
For a more polished take on the messy bob, start with a sleek base. Straighten your hair first, then create loose waves using the method described above. This creates a sleek yet textured look that’s perfect for more formal occasions.
2. Bedhead Bob
The bedhead bob is the ultimate in low-maintenance style. To achieve this look, skip the straighteners and instead work with your natural texture. Apply a texturizing spray to damp hair, scrunch it with your fingers, and let it air dry. This will create a soft, tousled look with minimal effort.
3. Messy Bob with Bangs
If you have bangs, you can still rock a messy bob. Style your bangs as usual, whether straight or slightly curved, and then follow the steps above to create texture in the rest of your hair. The contrast between the smooth bangs and tousled bob adds an extra element of style.
4. Messy Beach Waves
For a summery vibe, create messy beach waves with your bob. Use a sea salt spray on damp hair and scrunch it as you dry with a diffuser. Once dry, enhance the waves with the straighteners by adding a few loose curls. Finish with a texturizing spray for a beachy, windswept look.
Conclusion
Styling a messy bob with straighteners is a simple yet effective way to achieve a chic, undone look that’s perfect for any occasion. With the right tools, techniques, and a bit of practice, you can master this versatile style and make it your own. Whether you’re heading to the office, a night out, or just running errands, the messy bob is a go-to hairstyle that always looks effortlessly stylish.