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Photo: Mlenny/Getty ImagesBobs have remained a classic for much of the past century. In the glamorous ‘20s, flappers wore them with their sparkling shift dresses, the '50s introduced the beloved page boy, and a decade later, Vidal Sassoon revolutionized the style with his famous five-point bob. This cropped hairstyle has continuously evolved, paving the way for the latest 2024 trend: the hydrobob. So, what’s this drenched style all about, and how do you achieve the hydrobob look? We're here to break it down for you.
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What is a Hydro Bob?
So, what exactly is the hydro bob, and how does it stand apart from other short hairstyles we've seen before? “The hydro bob is a short cut, typically around the jawline, styled to give a wet-look finish,” explains MariLynne Cosmillo, a hairstylist at hOURS Hair. “Its signature features are the length and its damp texture.”
While the wet look is an essential feature of the hydro bob, celebrity stylist Chaz Dean points out that the cut itself is what makes this style unique.
“Any bob can be styled into a hydro bob,” says Dean. “However, what sets the hydrobob apart is not the cut itself, but the style. The clean lines create a sleek, smooth, and glossy appearance with a polished finish.”
Cosmillo suggests that the hydro bob might be a modern take on the wet-look style that was trending for long hair last season. As temperatures rise, people are embracing this same look but with a dramatic chop. It could also align with the clean girl aesthetic thanks to its “fresh out of the shower” vibe.
How to Achieve the Hydro Bob Look
Curious about how to get that signature hydrobob wet-hair look? Here’s a quick guide.
- Get the Cut: First things first—make sure you get a haircut if you haven’t already. The hydro bob sits just above the shoulders, with sharp, clean lines and minimal layering.
- Shower Time: “To get the perfect look, start by stepping out of the shower with your hair soaking wet,” says Dean. Use a deep conditioner to nourish your hair, and consider using a glossing treatment like OUAI’s Hair Gloss In-Shower Shine Treatment.
- Apply Mousse Generously: While your hair is still wet, apply a generous amount of sculpting mousse, like hOURS Full-Time Plumping Mousse. “Use about a golf-ball sized amount per section, from root to tip, brushing through each section after application,” says Cosmillo. “This will give your hair shape and balanced hold.”
- Style & Set: Continue styling by combing your hair back and shaping it as desired. You can add a part if you like. “Once it’s slicked back, don’t touch it. Just use hairspray and let it hold,” suggests Dean. Try Kristin Ess Hair Ultra Fine Workable Hairspray.
- Finish with Shine: For an added glossy finish, lightly mist your styled hair with a shine spray to enhance the wet look and help your hair catch the light longer. We recommend Alfaparf Milano Semi Di Lino Sublime Cristalli Smoothing Finishing Hair Spray.
