The faux bob is a versatile hairstyle that allows you to sport a chic, short look without committing to a haircut. This style is perfect for those with long hair who want to experiment with a new look for a special occasion or just a change of pace. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to achieve a faux bob, along with tips and tricks to make it look natural and elegant.
Preparing Your Hair
Start with clean, dry hair
Wash and condition your hair. Use your regular shampoo and conditioner. Clean hair holds styles better.
Dry your hair thoroughly. Use a blow dryer or let it air dry. Ensure it’s completely dry to avoid frizz and ensure a sleek look.
Brush your hair. Detangle any knots and smooth out your hair. A smooth base is essential for styling.
Creating Volume
Add volume to the roots
Apply a volumizing mousse. Work it into the roots of your hair while it’s still damp. This will give your hair the lift it needs for a bob look.
Blow dry your hair upside down. This technique adds extra volume at the roots. Focus on lifting the roots with your fingers or a round brush.
Tease the crown of your head. Use a fine-tooth comb to gently backcomb the hair at your crown. This will create the necessary height and volume.
Curling Your Hair
Add curls for texture and body
Section your hair. Divide your hair into manageable sections using clips.
Use a curling iron. Curl each section away from your face. Hold the curling iron vertically and wrap small sections of hair around it.
Let the curls cool. After curling, let your hair cool completely. This helps the curls set and last longer.
Brush out the curls. Use a paddle brush to gently brush out the curls. This will give your hair a softer, more natural wave.
Creating the Faux Bob
Pinning and tucking for a short look
Part your hair. Create a parting that suits your face shape. A side part adds glamour, while a middle part gives a classic look.
Gather the bottom section of your hair. Take the hair from the nape of your neck and gather it into a low ponytail.
Roll the ponytail under. Roll the ponytail upward and tuck it under your hair, securing it with bobby pins. This creates the illusion of shorter hair.
Pin the sides. Take sections from the sides of your hair and pin them underneath the rolled section. This blends the layers and creates a seamless bob look.
Adjust the volume. Gently pull at the hair on top to create more volume and shape. Use more bobby pins if needed to secure the style.
SEE ALSO: What Is a Cropped Bob Haircut?
Finishing Touches
Ensure your faux bob stays in place
Use a light hold hairspray. Spray all over your hair to keep the style in place without making it stiff.
Smooth flyaways. Use a small amount of smoothing serum to tame any flyaways and add shine.
Check for balance. Ensure both sides of your faux bob are even and adjust as necessary. Use a mirror to check the back of your hair.
Styling Variations
Customize your faux bob for different looks
Vintage Glamour. Add finger waves to the front sections of your hair for a vintage-inspired look.
Messy Chic. Tease the hair slightly more and use less hairspray for a relaxed, tousled appearance.
Elegant Updo. Incorporate braids or twists into the sides before pinning for an elegant touch.
Tips and Tricks
Making your faux bob look flawless
Choose the right bobby pins. Use pins that match your hair color for a seamless look.
Practice makes perfect. Try the style a few times before a big event to get the hang of it.
Use quality products. Invest in good hairspray and volumizing products for the best results.
Maintaining the Look
Keep your faux bob looking fresh throughout the day
Carry extra bobby pins. Keep a few bobby pins in your bag for quick touch-ups.
Reapply hairspray. A travel-size hairspray can help maintain your style on the go.
Avoid touching your hair. Minimizing touch prevents frizz and keeps your faux bob intact.
Conclusion
The faux bob is a fantastic way to enjoy the look of short hair without the commitment. With the right tools and techniques, you can create a stylish and sophisticated look that’s perfect for any occasion. Practice these steps, experiment with different variations, and soon you’ll be a pro at creating a faux bob with your long hair.
FAQs
How to Hide Long Hair and Make It Look Short?
To hide long hair and make it look short, follow these steps:
Create Volume: Apply a volumizing mousse to your roots and blow-dry your hair to add lift.
Section Hair: Divide your hair into top and bottom sections.
Braid or Ponytail: Braid the bottom section or gather it into a low ponytail.
Tuck and Pin: Roll the braid or ponytail under and secure it with bobby pins at the nape of your neck.
Cover with Top Section: Let down the top section and arrange it to cover the tucked hair, pinning as needed to create a seamless short hair look.
Hairspray: Use a light hold hairspray to keep the style in place.
How to Pin Long Hair to Look Short?
To pin long hair to look short, follow these steps:
Prep Hair: Start with clean, dry hair. Add volume with a mousse or texturizing spray.
Part and Section: Part your hair as desired and section off the top half.
Create a Faux Bob: Gather the bottom section into a low ponytail or braid it, then roll and tuck it under. Secure it with bobby pins at the nape of your neck.
Pin the Top Section: Release the top section and pin it under to blend with the tucked hair. Use bobby pins to secure it, ensuring the pins match your hair color for a natural look.
Adjust and Style: Adjust the pinned sections to create the desired bob shape, pulling gently to add volume or shaping as needed.
Set with Hairspray: Finish with a light hold hairspray to maintain the style.
Does a Bob Look Good on a Long Face?
Yes, a bob can look good on a long face if styled correctly. Here are some tips:
Length: A chin-length bob or a bob that falls just below the chin can help balance a long face.
Layers and Texture: Adding layers and texture can create width and soften the angles of a long face.
Bangs: Side-swept or blunt bangs can shorten the appearance of a long face by covering the forehead.
Volume: Adding volume at the sides can help balance the proportions of a long face, making it look more oval.
Avoid Too Long: Avoid bobs that are too long, as they can elongate the face further.