Buzz
A bob haircut is a straightforward and easy-to-modify style. Typically, it’s applied to short, straight hair, but you can also opt for a bob with long, curly hair. This style is simple to manage and maintain. If you're interested in cutting your hair at home, you can easily create a basic bob. Gather the essential tools needed to achieve the perfect bob, and follow a few simple steps to style it.
Steps
Gather the Necessary Tools
Buy a high-quality pair of hair cutting scissors. If you decide to cut your hair at home, make sure to choose professional-grade scissors. These can be found online or at beauty supply stores. High-quality scissors make the cutting process smoother and more precise.
- Opt for scissors made of stainless steel with sharp blades. Avoid using kitchen scissors, household scissors, or gardening shears, as they can pull and damage your hair.
Purchase a hair clipper and razor. You can buy a hair clipper online or at a store. Opt for an electric clipper with good quality, as you'll use this tool to cut your bob hairstyle.
- A razor can also be useful for shaping and trimming your bob without cutting too much. Ensure the razor blade is sharp, as a dull blade will be difficult to use.
- You might also need thinning scissors to reduce the thickness of your hair and create layers at the ends.
Prepare a comb and hair ties. You'll also need a comb and three hair ties. These items can be bought online or at a supermarket. The comb is used to section your hair evenly before cutting, and the hair ties help keep sections in place during the process.
Cutting a bob haircut
Clearly communicate your desired haircut if you're asking someone else to cut it. If you're asking someone to cut your hair, make sure you discuss the steps beforehand. Be clear about the length and style you're aiming for before they start.
- During the haircut, keep checking with the person cutting your hair to ensure they're following your instructions. Let them know if it's too long or if you need minor adjustments to achieve the desired bob look.
Wash and dry your hair. Your hair should be clean and dry before cutting. Use your usual shampoo and conditioner, then allow your hair to air dry or blow dry it. Cutting hair while dry ensures it won’t end up shorter than expected, as wet hair tends to shrink once it dries.
- Drying your hair is especially important if you have curly or wavy hair. Curly hair will appear much longer when wet.
- Before drying, use a comb to find your natural part. Identifying your natural part is important, especially if you plan to part your hair to one side rather than in the middle.
- You can find your natural part by combing the front of your hair backward and allowing it to fall naturally, then gently pushing it forward with your hands. Your hair will naturally settle along its part.
- Pay attention to how your hair naturally parts when determining the best way to cut it.
Divide your hair into three equal sections. Use a comb to separate your hair into three sections: one at the back and two on either side of your head. Secure each section with a hair tie.
- Ensure the back section is positioned just above your neck. You’ll need to adjust the hair tie up and down on the back section, so don’t tie it too tightly.
Use scissors to trim the hair at the nape. If you're cutting your own hair, you may need a handheld mirror to view the back. Move the hair up or down near your neck, depending on the length you want. To achieve a shorter style, pull the hair higher; for a longer look, let the hair fall lower. Bob hairstyles are typically shorter, so you may want to cut the hair at the back shorter.
- Cut just below the tips of the hair at the nape. You might need to trim slowly to ensure the hair is even, especially if you have thick hair.
- If you want a straight bob, you can use a clipper to trim uneven ends at the back. When using a clipper on your own hair, hold it firmly and try to cut straight across to ensure the back of your head is even and level.
Use a razor to trim the side sections. After cutting the back, remove the ponytail and undo the two side sections of hair. You will now have a straight section of hair at the back and longer sections on the sides. Use a razor to trim the side sections until they reach your desired length.
- If you prefer an A-line bob, cut the side hair slightly longer than the back. Lift each small section and use the razor to trim the tips at an angle, working from bottom to top. This technique creates a diagonal angle that matches the back section.
- If you want a blunt bob, use the razor to trim the sides to match the back length. Carefully razor the tips from bottom to top until the sides are even with the back.
Layer your hair if desired. If you want your bob to have more volume, consider adding layers. This is especially great for thin hair, as layers give the appearance of fullness. If you have thick hair, you might want to skip layering to avoid excess puffiness or roundness.
- To create layers, use a comb to pull a section of hair towards the back of your head. Hold the hair so that the tips point upwards and use scissors to trim the ends, with the blades angled downward and inward. Avoid cutting straight across, as this could leave the ends uneven.
- Continue trimming both sides and the back, angling the scissors downward and inward as you cut. This technique will create a layered effect, giving your bob a fuller, more voluminous look.
Blend the hair ends together. To finish the look, trim the ends of your hair to ensure it’s even and smooth. This step will also help remove any stray longer strands.
- Lift small sections of hair and use a razor to trim the ends at a diagonal angle. This technique helps blend the tips, creating a gradual taper that flows naturally. Continue around your head to ensure the ends are even and well blended.
- For a neat finish, you may want to mist your hair with water, especially if your hair is straight. This will help you make more precise cuts as you finalize the bob cut.
- If you prefer a soft, layered bob, consider using thinning shears to trim the tips about 2-3 cm instead of a razor.
Advice
- Consider visiting a salon for the initial haircut, then you can maintain and trim your hair at home. There are several basic bob styles, and a professional stylist can advise you on the one that best suits your face shape and hair type.
- Keep in mind that short bob hairstyles require more frequent trims compared to longer ones if you want to maintain the look! You might need to trim every 4-6 weeks.
Things You Will Need
- Comb
- Hair Cutting Scissors
- Hair Clippers
- Razor
- Hair Ties
