Achieve the perfect wavy bob at home with this easy technique for short, straight hair. This wavy bob hairstyle adds soft, controlled movement. Simple to recreate, it’s made for everyday wear – volume and drama can take the day off.
Follow our step-by-step wavy bob guide to create waves that work with your hair texture while allowing natural movement. The result? A finish, that’s low effort, high-impact and unapologetically chic.
SHOP THE LOOK
GHD THE COMB OUT - DETANGLING COMB
GHD PERFECT ENDING - FINAL FIX HAIR SPRAY 400ML
NEW GHD CHRONOS CURVE CONICAL WAND CURLER (28-23MM BARREL) FOR BEACH WAVES
NEW GHD CURLS GONE WILD - CURL TEXTURISING SPRAY
GHD CURLY EVER AFTER - CURL HOLD SPRAY
GHD THE COMB OUT - DETANGLING COMB
GHD PERFECT ENDING - FINAL FIX HAIR SPRAY 400ML
NEW GHD CHRONOS CURVE CONICAL WAND CURLER (28-23MM BARREL) FOR BEACH WAVES
NEW GHD CURLS GONE WILD - CURL TEXTURISING SPRAY
GHD CURLY EVER AFTER - CURL HOLD SPRAY
STEP-BY-STEPS
PREP & HEAT PROTECTION
SECTION THE HAIR
CREATE THE WAVES
ALTERNATE CURL DIRECTION
Work through the head, alternating curl direction to avoid uniformity.
Top Tip: At the front, curl away from the face. It’s more flattering and keeps the shape open. Nothing should fall forward here.
SOFTEN INTO WAVES
STEP 6.
FINISH WITH TEXTURE
FINAL LOOK
TOP TIPS TO REFINE THE FINISH
• Keep hold times short – a few seconds is enough to maintain softness and avoid a set wave.
• Go lightly with product. A wavy bob hairstyle looks best when it still moves – control, not crunch
WHO THIS STYLE WORKS BEST FOR
This technique works best on straight or slightly wavy hair and suits chin-length and shorter bobbed haircuts. It’s designed for those who want a natural wavy bob with polish – adding texture without compromising the structure of the cut.
The focus is on control rather than volume. This makes it particularly effective on bobs with a clean outline, where softness needs direction. Texture is used to elevate the shape, not blur it. The result feels confident and effortless, never over-styled.
COMMON STYLING QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY OUR EXPERT GRANT WILLIAMS
Q: Can this work on naturally wavy hair?
Yes, if you smooth it first. The technique refines the wave shape rather than amplifying natural movement, so prepping hair straight helps the waves sit with the cut.
Q: How do I stop the waves looking too set?
Keep hold times short and work in small sections. On a short bob, a few seconds per section is enough. Comb through afterwards to soften into waves.
Q: How do you make waves hold in a bob?
Prep with a heat protectant with built-in hold and let each section cool before combing out. Finish with a light texturising spray to maintain shape.
Q: Should I use a tong or wand for a wavy bob?
A tapered wand creates natural variation and avoids uniform curls, so the finish sits better within shorter lengths.
Q: Can you do a wavy bob without heat?
Yes, but the result is softer and less defined. A wand offers more control and consistency than no-heat methods.