Ten years, one cut

Beth Gillette has worn a bob for nearly a decade. The cut is easy, but the styling gets repetitive fast, so she went hunting for new ways to wear it.

“Getting a bob haircut is all fun and games. But keeping a bob, however, is where the real commitment begins.”

The cut of the moment

Bobs never go out of style, and right now they are everywhere. Margot Robbie and Lukita Maxwell are both wearing one.

Old Hollywood waves

For formal nights, use a tiny curling iron like a 0.75-inch barrel and curl in sections. Brush the curls out with a boar-bristle brush for a soft, fluffy finish.

“these bold curls make a statement, no length required”

Blowouts work on short hair

A round brush and a blow dryer, or a heated round brush or Airwrap, lifts the roots and flicks the ends inward. Volume is not just for long layers.

Half-up is the fastest

Pull the top back and you are done. Slicked back reads formal, loose pieces around the face read soft, and it is the perfect excuse for barrettes and claw clips.

Messy updo, extra pins

Yes, a bob can go up. Stock up on bobby pins for the short bits that escape, and let a few stray pieces stay out on purpose.

Waves, bends and pigtails

A hair waver adds soft baby bends and movement. Pigtails look better short than long, especially with a few face-framing pieces left loose.

“If you're worried about it looking too juvenile, first, get over it”

Slick it wet for night

A slicked-down wet look takes a bob straight into evening. Stylists reach for actual lube, but hair gel washes out with far less hassle.

Polished ends or a bandana

Flat iron straight and flick the ends under for a rounded shape, then add hair oil for shine. Out of ideas or out of time? Tie a bandana over it.

“Could it get any chicer than a rounded bob? I don't think so.”