How to Curl a Bob Hairstyle for African Americans

Curl your hair in loose, large curls or small curls to give your bob variety.

The bob hairstyle continues to be a common choice for African-American women. Since its inception in the 1920s, the bob has been worn in various ways, from a sleek blunt cut to soft curls. If you're looking to change up your bob hairstyle, adding curls to an ordinarily straight cut will give your hair volume and visual interest.

Things You'll Need

• Rattail comb
• Curling iron
• Setting spray
• Shine serum or spray

Instructions

1. Part a 1-inch section of hair at the back of your neck using a rattail comb. Hold the curling iron parallel to your head and wrap the section around the barrel of the iron. Hold for five seconds then gently release the hair from the curling barrel.

2. Repeat sectioning and curling, working from the back of your head to the front. Curl the pieces in different directions in the crown area or throughout the hair. This will add volume and give the hair a tousled look.

3. Spray your entire head lightly with a setting spray when you are done. Use a shine serum or spray to give the hair added gloss.

Tips & Warnings

• Spray your hair lightly with a heat protectant to reduce the risk of scorching your hair.

• Test the temperature of the curling iron by holding it against white tissue paper. If the tissue paper turns brown after a few seconds, then the curling iron is too hot for your hair!

References

• Marie Claire; How to Style African-American Hair; Elizabeth Flahive; August 2008
• Beautiful Hairstyles: Black Celebrity Hairstyles of African-American Women

Resources

• Sophisticate's Black Hairstyles and Care Guide