The Curly Bob Is This Season’s Trendiest Low-Maintenance Cut

By Charlie Colville

3 hours ago

The curly girlies are thriving


Who said you needed straight hair for chic short hairstyle? According to hair stylists (and TikTok), the next up-and-coming hair trend is a big win for natural curls. Here’s how to style a curly bob, as told by salon professionals.

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What Is A Curly Bob?

‘A curly bob is a textured hairstyle that showcases your hair’s natural volume, texture and curl pattern,’ explains Piera Maggio, Creative Director at ADEM London. ‘It’s a sexy, playful way to emphasise the definition and bounce of curls while embracing your hair’s natural shape. This cut is usually shorter, with curls or waves that fall around the jawline or shoulders, giving a fresh and youthful look.’

And, compared to a classic bob, you’ll find that the focal point is the texture of the hair – rather than the style or parting. ‘The main difference with a curly bob is that it’s styled to enhance the natural curl pattern rather than forcing the hair straight,’ confirms Piera. ‘It’s typically air-dried or diffused rather than blow-dried straight, creating a customized, effortless look for each person based on their unique curl or wave pattern. Unlike traditional straight or blunt bobs, the curly bob celebrates and emphasizes each curl, giving the style more texture and personality.’

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Why The Sudden Popularity?

TikTok’s obsession with bob hairstyles is unavoidable at this point – but salon enthusiasts will have noticed a sizeable shift towards styles with greater texture and volume. Piera also believe the curly bob ties in with a bigger trend: low-maintenance haircare. ‘The curly bob is popular right now because of the trend towards minimalism and natural beauty – less is more,’ she suggests. ‘It’s a low-maintenance, easy-to-style cut that embraces natural curls without the need for extensive styling, making it ideal for people with busy lifestyles. This cut allows individuals to feel confident in their natural texture, which aligns with the current movement toward authentic and effortless beauty.’

And it’s also been given the thumbs up by a number of celebrities. ‘Stars with naturally curly or wavy hair, like Zendaya and Yara Shahidi, have been spotted with variations of this look,’ note Piera. ‘They’ve showcased its versatility and charm, inspiring others to embrace their curls in a stylish way.’

Who Suits This Cut?

This is a hairstyle for all kinds of curls, Piera tells us. ‘A curly bob covers all curl types, from loose waves to tight coils, making it an inclusive style that can be adapted to any curl pattern,’ she says. ‘It can suit a wide range of hair types and textures. It works well for thin hair, as it can create the illusion of added volume and thickness, while for medium to thick hair, it adds definition and shape.’

How To Ask For A Curly Bob In The Salon?

‘When asking for a curly bob, let your stylist know you’d like an easy, low-maintenance style that enhances your natural volume and curl pattern,’ recommends Piera. ‘It’s helpful to bring photos that show the type of curly bob you’re interested in, as well as any specifics about length and shape. Arriving with your hair styled naturally (without straightening or heavy products) will allow your stylist to see your true curl pattern and tailor the cut to suit it.’

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How To Style & Maintain A Curly Bob

The main focus when it comes to styling is emphasising curl definition, as this will give the bob its shape. To style a curly bob, Piera suggests you ‘start with a good curl cream or activator to enhance definition, followed by a light mousse to add bounce. Use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to dry your curls gently and evenly, giving them shape and volume. For extra definition, scrunch the hair lightly as you dry it, and feel free to experiment with different products that enhance curl definition and reduce frizz.’

While a low-maintenance cut, you’ll still need regular upkeep at the salon to keep looking it fresh. Piera recommends getting a trim every six to eight weeks. ‘Regular trims will help maintain the shape, prevent split ends and keep the volume looking balanced,’ she says. ‘Using hydrating products, like a leave-in conditioner or curl-enhancing serum, will help your curls stay defined and healthy in between cuts.’

What Next?

Expect to see plenty more of this hair trend going forward. It’s a classic for a reason. ‘The curly bob is a timeless trend that’s likely to continue evolving with an emphasis on individuality,’ forecasts Piera. ‘As more people embrace their natural texture, we may see a variety of lengths, layers, and shapes tailored to different curl patterns. While the look is effortless and carefree, it’s also adaptable for professional settings, where people may choose to style it in polished, defined ways for added confidence in work environments. This trend will likely continue to grow as more people seek easy-to-manage, natural hairstyles that make them feel confident and authentic.’

Hair Inspiration

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