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Wavy bobs are the ultimate carefree style. Short, shiny and loaded with texture, an air-dried (or even finished with a curling iron) bob is easy to cool. Plus, adding curls and pleats to an above-the-shoulder style is an effortless way to give your bob the kind of light, airy finish ideal for summer wear.
If you’re embracing your waves naturally, be sure to consider this before adopting a wavy lob. “In general, the wavy or curly pattern of textured hair is stretched the longer and heavier it is. Always consult your stylist for length, and be sure to think carefully about where the cut will end once the hair is dry,” advises hairstylist Rena Calhoun. “It’s bound to pop up once it gets shorter, and you definitely don’t want to be surprised!”
Meet the expert
- Rena Calhoun is the celebrity hairstylist for stars like Greta Lee and Joey King.
- Justine Marjan is the celebrity hairstylist for stars like Ashley Graham and Khloé Kardashian.
And because the wavy bob is a beacon of ease, plan to keep the style minimal from the start. “Be realistic with your stylist about your expectations and your hair routine,” advises hairstylist Justine Marjan. Calhoun recommends using Bumble and Bumble Seaweed Air Dry Cream or RŌZ Hair Milk Serum for a touchable, frizz-free finish.
Here, 25 wavy bobs to help you keep your short style light and smartly undone.
Old Hollywood wave
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Old Hollywood hair was often just big waves styled to frame the face. Penélope Cruz proves that this approach still works, even (or especially) when applied to smaller stylers. Make it modern by swapping out a flapper strip or clip for a well-placed black ribbon.
Soft glamorous bob
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Sydney Sweeney’s bob is a study in preppy style, and a soft wave pattern makes the style red carpet ready.
Retro wave
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A blunt cut and baby bang structure Zazie Beetz’s wavy bob, creating a retro vibe, a quality that accompanies many of these flowing chops.
Elegant air drying
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Kerry Washington’s deep side part and neat chin-length length create a sophisticated look, offered balance and ease by seemingly air-dried (albeit voluminous) waves.
Wolf waves
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Jenna Ortega is a master of the choppy chop, transitioning smoothly between sleek bobs and funkier iterations. This wavy bob is extra special, with bangs and full but wispy layers that add texture.
Subdued texture
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Subtlety is key to Lucy Hale’s textured bob. A barely-there wave gives extra dimension to the parted and pinned-up style.
Bob the beach
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Jennifer Lawrence’s chop features the kind of wave usually born from a day at the beach. Lawrence waves start at the roots and progress to flipped, shoulder-grazing ends.
Side-Swept Waves
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A neat bob and side bangs are Emma Stone’s specialties, this time enhanced with a few extra waves. “It’s also nice to use a curling iron and touch up a few curls if you’re looking for a polished, more even finish,” says Calhoun.
Luxury Bob
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Hailey Bieber is an expert when it comes to shine, and why should her bob be any different? A slight bend mimics the type of crease that comes from tucking hair behind the ear, the resulting wave is chic and effortless.
Wet effect waves
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Who could forget this wet-look wavy bob that Kylie Jenner wore to the Alexander Wang fall 2017 show? The wet look — replete with an arch of long, sketchy bangs — was a bold departure for Jenner, one worth grabbing a little hair oil and emulating.
Raised waves
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Adding waves to your center bob is an easy way to enhance the style. For example, look at Laura Harrier, who combines natural texture and ironed curls for a tousled combination.
Brushed bob
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Halle Berry’s is another bob with enough layered waves to curl a shag. Some teasing, frizz, and flyaways give this banged bob a throwback feel.
Easy waves
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Kirsten Dunst’s bright blonde has remained the focus of her look throughout her career. A modern Veronica Lake-like side part colors the otherwise simple style with an air of glamour.
Bob the cool girl
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The appeal of wavy hair boils down to an illusion of nonchalance. This seemingly thoughtless addition makes Phoebe Tonkin’s hair party-worthy.
Lob canceled
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Face-framing layers and soft waves make Keira Knightley’s long bob feel just the right amount of undone.
Rebel Rumple
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Carelessness becomes easy irreverence with just a few details. Emma Robert wears her brown bob raked and tucked behind her ears, the simple shifts being almost rebellious. The simple liner stroke helps too.
Organic waves
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“Air drying is always an option for me,” says Calhoun. “It creates the most natural texture and is so gentle on the hair.” If you need visual proof, just one look at Diane Kruger’s organic blonde proves it.
Shiny bob
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Gabrielle Union’s hairstyle features subtle waves that highlight the natural shine of her onyx lengths.
Polished bob
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Too many waves on a super short bob could create an unwanted shape, but Zoey Deutch proves that a touch of texture is the key to a perfectly imperfect (but still polished) look.
Casual chop
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Sometimes a slight wave is the quickest route to a more relaxed style. Take inspiration from Vanessa Hudgens and add a curly wave (or several) to your daytime bob.
Sophisticated wave
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Cut short and deeply parted, Emma Watson’s burnished waves look healthy and sleek. “Any above-the-shoulder haircut will lighten the hair, add shine and restore bounce, and removing the extra weight will help improve the texture and wave pattern,” says Calhoun.
Billie Bob
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Billie Eilish’s beauty looks often have an edge, but the waves give her blonde bob a lovely soft feel, strategically balanced by straight straw bangs.
Single wave
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Although the addition to Kaia Gerber’s bob is more of a crease than a wave, the overall effect is the same: undone and fresh without sacrificing put-together polish.
Waves of the 2000s
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The early days were a time of very straight lengths and crisp curls, making Scarlett Johansson’s soft waves decidedly refreshing.
Curved bob
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Another flexible bob that exudes old Hollywood. Rachel Zegler’s twists and turns evoke finger waves.
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