I won’t lie to you: I always thought that because I have curly hair, there’s no way I could ever pull off a bob. Recently, though, I’ve seen so many cute bob hairstyles on social media that I’m now reconsidering my stance. I did cut my hair much shorter once, and surprisingly, I didn’t hate it! And now that it’s summer, I asked a hairstylist if a bob would be a good idea.

While I haven’t gone for the chop just yet, she gave me some advice on what to do if I do want to go short for the summer. If you have curly hair and are also considering a potential bob, you’re going to want to keep reading. A celebrity stylist shared all her tips for making this your best cut yet.

Who Is a Curly Bob Suited To?

Well, everyone, first of all. I’m team, “let everyone do what they want with their hair.” I don’t think anything should stop you from getting a haircut that you love and are excited about trying, but celebrity hairstylist Michelle Cleveland did offer some advice on the matter. A curly bob does tend to flatter certain face shapes over others. She says, “Honestly, the only face shape I wouldn’t recommend to get a bob cut with curly hair is a round-shaped face. When the length is cut from curly hair, it shrinks up. When you’re cutting a bob (which is anything between the ear line and the collar bone), the cut can take on a round shape all by itself. For someone with a round head shape, this can create an over-accentuated shape which is not appealing.”

How to Style a Curly Bob

Styling a curly bob might require a bit of extra prep and you should make sure your strands are cut well first. Cleveland notes that it’s important to see the right stylist since cutting curls is a different ballgame. “As with any curly haircut, it’s super important to have a stylist who specializes in curly haircuts,” she emphasizes. “My advice would be to make sure you find one and ask to see their work. Curly haircuts are cut completely different than a traditional cut. Getting a bad cut on curly hair can be a miserable experience.”

As for styling, there are a ton of different ways you can go, depending on your curl type. Looser curl types 2b and 3a can probably get away with using a quick styling cream or gel to give curls extra bounce without any extra heat. Tighter curls and coils may need a bit of extra hydration and shaping and may want to use a gel. Cleveland also says, “Allow the hair to air dry or dry with a diffuser and set in place with a light hold, humidity-resistant hair spray.”

OGX

Moroccan Curling Perfection Curl-Defining Cream

Curlsmith

Defrizzion Travel Hair Dryer & Diffuser

Taliah Waajid

Taliah Waajid Apple Aloe Miracle Hold Gel

Curly Bob Inspiration

A curly bob with bangs is definitely a bold move, but it looks so good on type 3 curls.

Now this is a proper bob. Looser curl types can wash and go with an easy cut like this.

Kari’s curly bob has so much volume. A diffuser will definitely do the trick here, along with the right styling cream or gel.

This coily bob is so cute and easy to style.

A curly bob with a center part and fringe is so summery.

You can give a bob on natural hair some volume and shape by blow-drying from the bottom of your strands.

If a French bob is more your style, opt for this curly style (beret optional).

If you have looser waves, this simple and chic bob is so classic.

A curly lob is also the move for summer. It’s the perfect length.

I think 2b–3a curls would look so chic with a side parted bob.

Those with looser waves can just ruffle and go.

IMO, 3c curl types might want to opt for a bob with layers. This adds a bit more shape and definition.

More Products to Style a Curly Bob With

Ouidad

Ouidad Curl Quencher Hydrafusion Intense Curl Cream

This ultra-hydrating curl cream is great to pair with a medium- to strong-hold styling gel for extra hydration. It’ll help curls retain their shape.

COLOR WOW

Dream Coat Anti-Frizz Treatment for Curly Hair

For a polished, glossy look, try Color Wow’s curl styler. It adds definition and tames any frizz, which is key to maintaining a sleek bob.

Living Proof

Full Dry Volume and Texture Spray

If you’d like to add a bit of extra volume to your curly bob, Living Proof’s texture spray provides the perfect lived-in look.

SheaMoisture

Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

This drugstore curl enhancer is still a favorite of him. It softens and adds definition without weighing the hair down.

BREAD BEAUTY SUPPLY

Hair-Wash Milky Hair Cleanser

It all starts with a good wash day routine. This creamy hair wash from Bread smells so good and gently cleanses curls without stripping them.

BREAD BEAUTY SUPPLY

Clear-Wash: Clarifying Detox Shampoo

To keep curls fresh, make sure you use a clarifying shampoo every so often. I like to clarify once a week or every couple of weeks.

PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross

Jojoba Hair & Scalp Oil Blend

Seal your style in with a bit of hydrating oil like Pattern’s with jojoba and safflower.

Aveda

Be Curly Curl Enhancer

Increase shine, reduce frizz, and intensify your curl pattern with this enhancing cream from Aveda. It can be used paired with a blowdryer (and diffuser) or you can let your curls air dry naturally with it.

Aveda

Be Curly Advanced Curl Perfecting Primer

Haven’t tried a curl primer? Trust me, you’re missing out! If you have thicker curls or coils, this one is great for detangling and adding softness before going in with the above cream or a gel.

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