Thinking About a Bob? Read This Before You Commit to the Big Chop

Jul 17, 2026 - 22:16

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Thinking About a Bob? Read This Before You Commit to the Big Chop

bob hero image.jpg Getty Images

We’ve all been there: you finally grow out your hair only to be tempted to cut it right off. Call it the circle of life (or celeb inspo from Kiera Knightly and Gracie Abrams).

Either way, before you commit to the big chop, it’s worth knowing exactly what to ask for and how you’re going to style it, especially once it starts to grow out.

To support your bob journey, E! spoke with Sally Hershberger, the celebrity hair stylist behind icons including Julia Roberts, Meg Ryan, and Miley Cyrus.

Whether you’re thinking of a tousled French bob or a sleek '90s style, Sally says, “"The most important thing you can do is bring visual references.”

Make your bob shine: Olaplex °.7 Shine Serum
Make your curls pop: amika Power Hour Curl Refreshing Spray
Make your bob look thick: Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

"Photos are the best way to communicate what you want – whether that’s from Instagram, Vogue, or anywhere you’re seeing cuts you love."

”You’ll also want to be specific about where you want the length to hit – whether that’s at the chin, just below, or grazing the shoulders – because even small differences can completely change the overall look," she advised.

Bobs aren’t a one-size-fits-all haircut, which is why Sally emphasizes giving your hair stylist precise instructions. That being said, the longtime celeb stylist explained that a good stylist will tailor the cut to your face and shape and natural hair texture.

Ultimately, a fresh chop is “about customizing the shape so it enhances your features and works with how your hair naturally falls," Sally said.

How Do I Style a Sleek Bob?

"For a sleek, straight bob, you want something that adds shine and smoothness without weighing the hair down. The Hair Edit Dry Oil Hair Serum is great for that polished, glossy finish while still keeping movement," she said.

The Hair Edit Dry Oil Hair Serum

This lightweight, dry oil leaves hair delicately scented. It's made without SLS, SLES sulfates, parabens, formaldehydes, phthalates, or mineral oil.

Olaplex °.7 Shine Serum 2-in-1 Weightless Shine Hair Oil & Hydrating Repair Treatment Mist

This two-in-one weightless oil offers unreal shine, replenishing repair, and hydration in a super-fine mist.

How Do I Style a Curly Bob?

"For a curly bob, hydration and frizz control are key. Color Wow Dream Coat for Curly Hair helps define curls while keeping them soft and controlled, which is especially important for maintaining shape in a shorter cut."

COLOR WOW Dream Coat for Curly Hair

This hair product combines the benefits of gels, serums and creams without crunch, greasiness or weight.

amika Power Hour Curl Refreshing Spray

Your curls will be quenched and bouncy with this lightweight curl refreshing spray that instantly revives, redefines, and rehydrates all waves, curls, and coils.

How Can I Make My Fine Hair Bob Look Thick?

When it comes to giving bobbed fine hair texture, she shared that only product will do.

"Oribe Texturizing Spray is a go-to for fine hair," she said. "It adds instant volume and grit without making the hair feel sticky or heavy. With bobs, especially on finer textures, you want that airy movement and separation to avoid the cut falling flat, and this helps create that effortlessly undone finish."

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

This invisible dry hairspray that builds incredible volume and sexy texture while absorbing oil at the roots for that perfect "just styled" look.

How Do I Style My Bob While I Grow It Out?

Don't fear the dreaded in-between length when you're growing out your hair.

"That in-between stage can actually look really chic if you style it the right way," Sally said. "Adding waves is always a great option because it gives the hair shape and movement no matter the length and helps disguise any awkward layers or grow-out lines."

Wavytalk Power Wave Hair Crimper

The Wavytalk crimper's deep V-shaped plates sculpt high-definition waves with instant lift and texture.

Peptides are everywhere—an expert reveals why the viral ingredient is the secret to hair growth.

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