Super sleek bobs seem to be taking a backseat this spring in favour of its more fun, free-wheeling cousin: the textured bob. Of course, within one style, there are bound to be plenty of spin offs – from the pageboy bob and ripped bob to the Parisian bob. But what sets the textured bob apart is its range and the fact that it's one of the most laidback and low maintenance ways to wear the style.
What is a textured bob?
So what should you ask your hairstylist for? The textured bob blends two of this season's biggest trends: the bob and bohemian, carefree texture. Essentially, it's a “short, textured, bob that looks amazing with or without a fringe,” explains Martha Mackintosh at Larry King’s South Kensington salon. Unlike a more traditional blunt bob, "the ends of the hair should be cut very softly to create natural movement without layers."
If you're thinking the textured bob sounds a lot like a layered bob, here's how to differentiate between the two. Layered bobs work best with natural waves and are typically characterised by their square layers. The textured bob, on the other hand, has a much more subtle shape and a hint of graduation, which gives it more movement. You can also create the illusion of extra volume for finer hair with a textured bob, not to mention it also requires less at-home maintenance.
Why choose a textured bob
According to celebrity hairdresser Jay Birmingham, the textured bob is perfect for those looking for a grungier, more undone finish. “It's a super sweet bob with a grungy edge that works with so many different face shapes and hair textures," he says. "If your hair is a little thin, this style will help it appear thick and full.”
How to style a textured bob
The style is incredibly easy to upkeep, so if you're lazy when it comes to styling, the textured bob is ideal. "This is a super low-maintenance hairstyle that looks best when it's air dried with the front tucked behind the ears to frame the face," notes Martha. “When dry, scrunch in a styling cream for any fluffiness (Larry King's Social Life For Your Hair is great), and if you’re looking for that extra movement just tong a few random pieces on the top.”
Can textured bobs work with already textured hair?
The short answer is yes. Textured bobs major on celebrating natural, curly, wavy and mussy textures so, if anything, it requires less work if you already have some movement in your hair to play with.
If you like to blow-dry your Afro, try using a curling wand to create loose waves or straighteners for a volumising S-bend. Ditto, if your hair is naturally quite straight.
What products will help create a textured bob?
“For effortless texture, go heat-free and mist a salt spray or work a texturising cream through the hair and let it air-dry,” says Melissa Timperley, a celebrity hairstylist and founder of Melissa Salons. “If you have curls, use a diffuser and curl-defining creams to create movement without any stiffness. The goal is relaxed, slightly messy—but intentionally so.”
To keep your textured bob looking perfectly styled, look no further than these clever volumising products for extra oomph and impact:
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