5 Quick Tips to Perfectly Style Your Curly Bob

Last summer, I took the bold step of cutting my hair into a short curly bob, and it marked a significant transformation. Even now, I occasionally find it challenging to style my short locks effectively, which prompted me to seek advice from Mara Roszak, the co-owner of Mare Salon, founder and CEO of

Last summer, I took the bold step of cutting my hair into a short curly bob, and it marked a significant transformation. Even now, I occasionally find it challenging to style my short locks effectively, which prompted me to seek advice from Mara Roszak, the co-owner of Mare Salon, founder and CEO of the haircare brand RŌZ, and a renowned L’Oréal Paris celebrity stylist who has worked with high-profile clients such as Emma Stone and Olivia Wilde.

For many years, I maintained long hair that I would smooth out into sleek blowouts, completely bypassing my inherent wavy and curly texture. The notion of a bob haircut, especially one that showcased my voluminous, unruly curls, seemed utterly unimaginable at the time. However, a few years back, as natural air-dried hairstyles started appearing on fashion runways and gradually made their way into everyday street style, my perspective began to shift. The key challenge emerged: without relying on those enduring blowouts I was accustomed to, how could I ensure my curls remained bouncy, well-defined, and fresh-looking for several days? Mara Roszak shared these five indispensable techniques for styling a curly bob, and Suleky Roman, a New York-based specialist in curly hair, provided additional insights to our questions.

Meet The Experts

Mara Roszak is a celebrated celebrity hairstylist who has been dedicated to tackling her own frizzy curls since she was just 12 years old. She co-owns Mare Salon, styles hair for A-list stars including Emma Stone, Zoë Saldaña, and Halle Berry, and serves as the founder and CEO of RŌZ, a clean, nature-derived, user-friendly haircare line suitable for every hair type.

Suleky Roman is a talented hairstylist based in New York City, with a focus on curly haircuts and coloring services. Working at Curl Bar Beauty, she excels in crafting lively, dynamic cuts that beautifully highlight textured hair.

1. Start with a Clean Base

Before diving into styling, it's crucial to begin with freshly cleansed hair. Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner tailored for curly hair to remove buildup without stripping natural oils. This sets the foundation for curls that are hydrated and ready to take shape. Gently squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel or an old T-shirt to avoid rough friction that leads to frizz.

2. Apply Creme & Twist

Next, generously layer on a curl-enhancing cream, such as Ouai Anti-Frizz Curl Styling Cream or Oribe Curl Control Silkening Creme, to provide moisture, definition, and hold. Divide your hair into manageable sections, with the size varying based on your desired curl pattern—around one inch by one inch works well for tighter curls like mine. Gently twist each section, mimicking the motion of a curling iron. This technique helps retrain the hair to form natural spirals, promoting bounce and structure right from the start.

3. Dry On Low

Skip the diffuser for this method; instead, adjust your hair dryer to the highest heat setting paired with the lowest airflow speed. Carefully dry each twisted section individually to set the spiral pattern firmly. The gentle airflow minimizes disruption to the curls, significantly reducing the risk of frizz formation. Both Roszak and the Coveteur team recommend tools like the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer for optimal results due to its precise temperature and speed controls.

4. Use A Curling Iron From The Top Down

Select a curling iron barrel that aligns with your curl diameter—for my texture, a three-quarter-inch option from Hot Tools is ideal. Begin with the top layers of hair, curling select sections, then progress downward through the layers. You don't need to curl every strand; focus on a handful of key "showcase" pieces to enhance overall volume and movement. As each curled section cools, flip it to the opposite side of how you intend to style it—this simple hack creates extra lift at the roots for a fuller appearance.

5. Finish With Hairspray

While I used to avoid hairspray on my straight blowouts, it's an absolute essential for locking in curly styles and preventing them from falling flat. As you mist the product, lift sections of hair upward to ensure even distribution throughout the curls. A reliable choice remains the timeless L’Oréal Paris Elnett Hairspray, which offers strong hold without stiffness or unwanted residue.

More Tips For Styling & Maintaining A Curly Bob

What is the best way to preserve my curly bob overnight?

S.R.: To keep curls intact overnight, steer clear of re-wetting the hair, whether from shower spray or a bottle. Opt for a silk pillowcase or wrap your hair in a silk scarf to preserve the shape and prevent flattening on the sides. In the morning, gently fluff the curls using a lightweight serum or oil for revival.

Beyond re-wetting, what are 3 different techniques to refresh a curly bob on day 2 or day 3?

S.R.: The top three refresh methods include applying a lightweight serum or oil, spritzing a thin mist refresh spray, or using a texture spray. Avoid overusing water post-styling, as it can introduce extra frizz and undo your efforts.

How often should I get my curly bob trimmed to maintain the shape?

S.R.: For most curly bobs, I recommend trims every 4-6 weeks, depending on the length, to keep the silhouette sharp. Consistent styling practices are equally vital for upholding the look.

What products should I use to add volume and combat shrinkage at the roots?

S.R.: Product choices vary by curl type. For added volume, reach for a cream, a light leave-in conditioner, and foam. To counteract root shrinkage, fully dry the styled hair first, then use a blow dryer directed downward at the roots to gently stretch and elongate.

How can I minimize frizz?

S.R.: Establish proper styling from day one using a smoothing brush to tame potential frizz. Incorporate a Denman brush, Bounce Curl tool, or your preferred styling comb to smooth sections while the hair is damp and product is applied. Finalize by diffusing, air drying, or using a hooded dryer to set everything in place.