There is nothing more chic and sophisticated than a well-executed wavy bob hairstyle. As a full-time, card-carrying member of the bob committee, I can confirm that, no matter what length of bob you have (from bixie to midi), or texture (thick, fine, or anything in between), a wavy bob looks great on you and will work with your lifestyle. I have naturally super coily hair and style it into a wavy bob every single wash day. For the most part, it's relatively easy to maintain between washes. I won't hear the slander of bobs being a high-maintenance style...and below you'll see easy styles prove just that! But, before we dive headfirst into inspo, we tapped hair expert Ryan Forsythe for the ins and outs of styling a wavy bob.
What are the key products for styling a wavy bob when you have fine hair?
Product choice is key here. You want to create volume and texture without weighing the hair down. A lightweight volumizing mousse or root lifting spray applied to damp hair before blow drying will give the hair that essential lift and body at the roots. Once dry, a sea salt or texture spray can help encourage wave and grip, making it easier for the style to hold. Avoid anything too creamy or heavy, as this can cause the waves to drop.
How to get a wave to hold in any hair type:
To get a wave to hold, it’s all about creating structure at each stage of the process. Start with your prep products to give the hair grip, then use a medium heat setting on your tong or straightener to create a wave. Be sure to let each section cool down before touching. Once the hair is fully cool, gently rake through with fingers or a wide-tooth comb, then mist with a light hairspray to lock in the shape.
Wavy bob hair inspo:
This bixie cut styled into tousled waves is perfect for anyone who has loose curls.
This layered look shows how laidback and lo-fi a wavy bob can be.
Flippy and uber-voluminous, root-lifting spray'll be your bestie for these stunning waves.
Aubrey Plaza's giving cause to bring the noughties side flip back.
No cap, Laura Harrier is my forever bob inspo, and I think with this lo-fi wave, you can see why.
Selena's shaggy waves are so 90s coded, it's kinda making us want to book in for a cut asap.
Ayo's tight S-wave bob is really just braid-out perfection–would you look at that definition.
Remember when Emma Chamberlain had a peroxide blonde bob? Us neither, but we're adding this to our surfer salt waves inspo board asap.
This chin-length blunt cut is perfect for finer hair types looking to create the illusion of thickness. A gentle wave adds texture without looking too styled.
Nothing to see here, just Riri making a big case for wet-look waves in this red carpet look.
Gracie Abrams proves that fine hair can still achieve big, voluminous waves—that's so true.
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
