If you’re looking to add a touch of romanticism to your look this season, the Botticelli bob is the hairstyle you’ve been waiting for. After a summer of sleek, short cuts, it’s time to embrace softness and movement. The Botticelli bob brings loose, flowing waves back into the spotlight, with a contemporary twist on Renaissance-inspired hair.
What Is A Botticelli Bob?
The Botticelli bob is a playful, curly-textured bob with a slightly disheveled vibe. It’s a relaxed, fun take on the classic bob, named after the famous Renaissance artist Sandro Botticelli, who often painted women with long, wavy hair. While his muses may have sported waist-length locks, the modern Botticelli bob is shorter, with a soft, wavy texture that looks effortlessly chic.
This style is less structured and clean-cut than other bobs, embracing a more carefree and easygoing feel. “There’s less emphasis on structure and clean edges,” explains hairstylist Anna Wiig. “It’s more fun, more playful, and can be styled with or without hot tools.”
Who Suits This Cut?
You might think the Botticelli bob is best suited for curly or textured hair, but the truth is, it works for almost anyone. “This look can be worn with any face shape and hair texture,” notes Anna. Curly hair definitely works well with this style, but it can also be easily recreated on straight or wavy hair using braids or styling tools to add texture.
How to Ask for a Botticelli Bob in the Salon
The Botticelli bob is more about styling than cutting, though the cut itself should be a simple, non-layered bob to achieve the desired effect. When you’re in the salon, ask for a bob with loose, wavy styling—bring pictures for reference to help your stylist understand the look you want.
How to Style a Botticelli Bob
The key to the Botticelli bob is soft, romantic waves, and it can be achieved without using any hot tools. Anna suggests the “sleeper” version for a natural, no-fuss style. Here’s how to get it:
Apply Product: Start with damp hair and apply a volume-hold product to give the waves structure and lasting power.
Braid It: Section your hair into four parts (like a hot cross bun) and braid each section from the roots, making sure the braids are tight at the top. The goal is to create as much texture as possible while leaving some moisture in your hair (about 10% wet).
Sleep on It: Sleep with the braids overnight, and in the morning, undo them. You’ll be left with bouncy, textured waves that need minimal styling.
Define the Ends: To finish, run your fingers through the waves, using a moisturizing hair oil to define the ends and add some shine.
If you’re short on time, you can still achieve the look. Instead of braiding at night, braid your hair in the morning and then use a diffuser to dry it. You can even use a sock over your blow dryer to soften the heat and create the waves. Let your hair cool, remove the braids, and you’re ready to go.
What’s Next for the Botticelli Bob?
Anna predicts that the Botticelli bob could evolve in the future with more modern twists. “I could see this bob evolving by adding soft, shorter bits at the front to frame the face,” she suggests. But she advises against going too short, as it could prevent the curls from forming properly.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have natural curls or straight hair, the Botticelli bob offers a fun, romantic style that’s perfect for any season. With its loose waves and carefree vibe, it’s an easygoing yet chic hairstyle that captures the spirit of the Renaissance while remaining fresh and modern.
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