Recently fan-girling Olivia Culpo and her perfect bob-cut, I decided to go to the chopping block and take a risk. Initially going for more of a lob, my Mom convinced me that if I’m going to go “short”, then I should really go short — *Mother knows best*. For a long time, the thought of letting go of my hair length was literally just that — a thought that would most likely never become a reality. However, going for a mid-neck length has been the best hair decision I’ve made in a longgggg time. This bob length has elongated my neck, is super easy to maintain/style and my hair has actually never felt healthier.
To achieve (what I would like to believe is) the infamous #CulpoBob, I wanted to share a few styling tips and tricks that have worked well for me!
Unless I’m using a hot tool (1/1.5 inch barrel, for instance), styling my hair takes at MOST 7 minutes now. I know… Amazing. In general, I’m not too crazy about super done-up hairstyles — I’m all about the natural, tousled, undone look. For my bob, I have religiously used Not Your Mother’s Double Take Dry Finish Texture Spray and Way to Grow Leave-In Conditioner (major NYM fan — read why here).
After my hair has been washed and lightly towel-dried, I generously spray NYM‘s Leave-In Conditioner all over my hair. I then bring the front sections of my hair in front of my face, and blow-dry the hair from eyebrow level to my scalp. This trick has worked great for me when it comes to masking a five-head — there is an answer for everything!!
Since I look to achieve more of a “messy” look, I let the rest of my hair air dry. After adjusting the hair to my desired part, I clip both sides of my hair as a way of training it. I then leave the clips in until my hair has completely dried, or when I’m ready to head out. During the air-drying process, I’ll give my hair a scrunch here and there to help create a natural, subtle wave.
Texturizing spray (IMO) is #key for any lob or bob. I think it creates great shape and volume for the hair. While I use NYM’s texturizing spray, there are so many texturizing sprays out there — it all really depends on your preference.
NOW, if you have super-straight hair, or want to create more of a done-up/wavy look, I’ve found great success using a 1/1.5 inch curling iron. Again, it’s all about preference, but I do feel this sized barrel is great for creating perfectly balanced curls. If you aren’t too familiar/comfortable with curling your hair, YouTube has trillions of how-to videos (which is how I learned to do my own)! This video is one of many that’s relatively simple and easy to follow.
After the iron has heated up, I alternate the curls (going towards and away from my face) to create volume/texture — the front parts of the hair I typically keep the curl going away from my face. If I feel like the curls are a little too tight, I’ll take a damp brush and run it through my hair. That might sound as if I completely defeated the purpose of curling my hair to begin with, but this technique has yet to fail me.
As for the most of us, changing the length of your hair is easier said than done. However, changing it up can be a serious breath of fresh air, and I really couldn’t be happier with my new cut. With the new year upon us, why not bring out your inner badass and try something new~
XO
Marlena
Note: This post is not sponsored. All thoughts are unbiased, and my own.