Ah, the bob. Though it's not a haircut I'll ever get myself, it's one that I admire on others on a weekly—if not daily—basis because, when done right, it's a serious style statement. There are several variations, many of which have been 2024 hair trends, but one that rarely falls out of favour is the straight bob.
This season, the sleek and blunt 90s bob is showcasing its enduring appeal, while straight, long bobs with layered ends that create the appearance of extra volume have also been popular. Want to nail the straight bob for yourself? Here’s what you need to know about styling your bob hairstyle smooth and sleek, including expert hairdresser insights and plenty of visual celebrity inspiration.
What is a straight bob?
Unlike some hair trends with nicknames that require a bit more explanation, such as the supermodel bob or business bob, a straight bob is exactly that: a haircut that sits anywhere between the cheekbones and above the shoulders that has been styled with a smooth finish, free from texture. The antithesis to a curly or wavy bob, if you will.
How to style a straight bob
Unless your hair is naturally this sleek and straight, you’ll need to use some heat to style it completely smooth and, therefore, apply some kind of heat protectant beforehand. But you’ll also need to take steps to ensure this style lasts as well as possible.
“When it comes to keeping a really sleek bob it all starts in the prepping process,” says hairdresser, Michelle Sultan, ambassador for BaByliss. “You’re going to start off with a really good leave-in conditioner and some sort of hair protectant; if we’re talking about doing it on Afro hair that tends to go curly, you want to make sure you’ve got a good heat protector and leave-in conditioner.” By nourishing the hair sufficiently before you blow dry, you’ll reduce its need to reach out to the atmosphere for moisture and, in turn, the likelihood of excess frizz developing.
“Blow dry with a good, ultra-fast, lightweight professional hair dryer; the Air Power Pro [by BaByliss] is unreal for creating real sleekness in a bob,” Michelle continues. “I sleek bobs to have a lot of movement as well. I don’t want them to be [stuck] flat to the head, so another really good tip is to make sure your hair’s not too weighed down with heavy oils and products. I like to put everything into the hair wet and use a light finishing serum or anti-humidity spray, which will keep the hair from ‘pouffing’ out.”
Celebrity straight bob inspiration
1. Lily Collins
One of the bob references of the moment, here Emily in Paris star Lily Collins wears her ultra-smooth bob with the slightest hint of movement.
2. Gabrielle Union
Gabrielle Union is no stranger to a bob, and I love this heavily side-parted, smooth style.
3. Jennifer Aniston
A throwback to Jen An with a very '90s-esque, razor-sharp bob (though this shot was actually taken in 2001).
4. Emma Stone
Technically this is pushing the limits of this haircut's definition, but this flicked-out, straight long bob looks so good on Emma Stone we just had to include it.
5. Jodie Turner-Smith
Complete with a full fringe, Jodie Turner-Smith's cheekbone-hugging bob has serious 1920s vibes.
6. Dua Lipa
She may be one of the poster girls of the anti-bob look right now, but there'll always be a place in my heart for Dua Lipa's bob.
7. Jennifer Lopez
I'm obsessed with Jennifer Lopez's pairing of wet-look roots on her flicked-out bob.
8. Ciara
Ciara's bob hairstyles are pretty iconic, and this one has the perfect rounded silhouette.
9. Selena Gomez
And, finally, Selena Gomez's thick long bob with rounded ends just oozes glamour.
